6 foods that have as much protein as beef and much less of an environmental impact

Hey everyone! How’s it going?

This is sort of a follow up post from my other one that explains how consuming beef is correlated with global warming, and therefore, enabling climate change.

Ever since I stopped eating beef (or I should say deciding to purchase in any way) I’ve naturally been exposed to new forms of protein. I wouldn’t say that I’m a body builder however I do typically work out 2-3x a week. My boyfriend on the other hand, is one who I would say, is more of a body builder and counts his protein intake religiously. He is so good at planning out his meals and weighing his food intake to attain certain personal, physical and fitness goals.

It’s challenging for sure to think about the idea of (large amounts anyway) protein coming from anywhere other than animals.

We’re taught growing up that chicken and beef are typically main sources of protein and that’s kind of why we should continue eating them. And they taste good.

But after reading the China Study, I actually learned a few things. When looking at your overall health, plant-based sources of protein are actually considered better for you and your health.

Why?

For one, studies from the China Study also show that animal proteins promote the growth of cancer. The author even says,

“There are virtually no nutrients in animal-based foods, that are not better provided by plants.” 

Plant-based sources of protein also have one thing that animal-proteins don’t. And can’t. And that’s fiber.

Fiber is so important for our digestive health and lowers our cholesterol.

It’s also tough because protein rich foods can emit the most carbon. Here is a chart from Our World In Data to put this in perspective – the carbon footprint graphed between each protein rich foods. We can see clearly that beef emits the most greenhouse gases.