Clean Protein: You Are What They Eat
Protein is the building block for every single cell in your body. Cells are constantly turning over - old and damaged cells (ideally) die off and new cells are made. Did you know that by the time you are 80 years old, your heart will have regenerated 3 times over?! You need enough protein in your diet to perform these basic functions and stay healthy, and support adequate muscle growth. Plus as you get older, you naturally lose muscle mass, which means you need to eat more protein to maintain health and strength. We suggest you aim for at least 20-30 grams every meal, that is the bare minimum for active adults.
This week, Amanda from Amanda Lauren Wellness, registered health couch, discusses the quality of protein and why it is so crucial to overall health.
What is wrong with traditional/factory farmed meat?
Remember: You ARE what your food eats. Cows are meant to eat grass. Chickens and turkeys are meant to eat bugs, seeds, plants and other food off the ground. Congenitally raised beef and poultry (think factory farms) are fed anything from candy, to Kool-Aid, to plastic filler to cheap grains. Why? Because sugar and toxins are the easiest way to fatten up livestock fast (hmm, looks like animals and people have some things in common here!).
Even organic meat/poultry has been fed grains at some point in the animal's life. Grains cause animals to get sick, which is why hormones and antibiotics are regularly used. Not only that, but it causes a total change in the nutrient profile of the meat. "100% grass fed" meat has a ton of heart and brain healthy fats in the form of Omega 3's and CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid) and packed with cancer-fighting antioxidants and other nutrients. Grain fed (or other) meat has the opposite profile - it is more inflammatory and depleted of many of these health benefits.
Same goes with poultry - poultry is naturally less nutritious than red meat due to the difference in composition, but is still extremely healthy when included in right diet. Poultry fed an unnatural diet has less vitamins and minerals, more inflammatory fat, and can contain harmful bacteria, antibiotics and hormones. Organic is better but "pasture raised" is best!
How Can I Shop for Clean Protein?
Be mindful when you are at the grocery store - it is extremely difficult to find meat that is pasture raised or 100% grass fed. Fear not, friends! You can order high quality protein delivered right to your door! Amanda from Amanda Lauren Wellness raves, "I know exactly what I am eating; I believe in the green and sustainable farming practices used; it tastes entirely different; and it makes healthy cooking so much easier because I always have protein on hand.”
Check out these clean, sustainable and pasture raised protein delivery companies.
Most offer custom , mixed meat, or specific meat boxes for delivery.
Butcher Box - butcherbox.com
“We partner with people who are dedicated to doing the right thing—never cutting corners, and always looking for ways to improve. Discover why we’re the trusted source of high-quality protein for families across the country.”
Belcampo - belcampo.com
“Belcampo was founded with a purpose: to create meat that’s good for people, planet and animals. What started as one mom’s desire to feed her family the healthiest meat possible became a mission to revolutionize the industry from the inside out. In 2012, the 27K acres that would become Belcampo Farm was purchased. In the years since, we’ve expanded to include our own FDA-approved processing facility, full-service butcher shops, and restaurants serving authentic farm-to-table dining experiences. All this, so that we can own the supply chain and offer our customers total transparency from start to finish.”
Grassroots Coop - grassrootscoop.com
“OUR MISSION: Healthy animals raised outdoors with sunlight, fresh air, and clean grass. No hormones, antibiotics, or GMOs needed. We raise the healthiest animals in the natural conditions they’ve evolved to thrive in—which means we don’t have to use antibiotics, hormones, or anything artificial, ever. Our cooperative model is growing a new generation of farmers dedicated to restoring integrity in food and the agricultural systems that produce it. Grass Roots is a farmer-owned, fair-wage meat company delivering nationwide.”
Crowd Cow - crowdcow.com
“Our mission is to create an alternative to the current meat commodity system, and to create a meaningful connection between the farmer and the customer, so people can know and appreciate exactly where their food comes from. We are the marketplace for high quality craft beef and meats from farms and ranches around the world. We only work with farms that we know personally because we believe that when you know where and how your meat was raised, you're able to make better decisions for yourself, your family and your health.”
