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The Bottom Line
Complete proteins, found only in food from animal sources, play a vital role in your health and should be consumed regularly.
Protein needs vary depending on your sex, height, weight, exercise levels and Metabolic Type, though based on my experience most people don’t eat enough protein.
When talking about protein, it’s important to make a distinction between the different types. Proteins are found in all types of food, but only meat, eggs, cheese and other foods from animal sources contain complete proteins, meaning they provide the eight essential amino acids that your body cannot produce on its own.
One excellent source of such protein is organic, omega-3 eggs. Omega-3 eggs contain an ideal 1:1 ratio of omega-6 and omega-3 fats, and you can easily eat a dozen or more eggs per week without causing your cholesterol to increase. Ideally, eggs should be eaten raw to get their full nutritional benefits.
Other exceptional sources of high-quality protein are bison and ostrich. Bison and ostrich are great tasting, nutrient dense meats. They are high in complete proteins, yet have fewer calories and less fat and cholesterol than skinless chicken and turkey. Additionally, the bison and ostrich that I recommend are free-ranged and raised free of growth hormones, steroids and antibiotics. In terms of taste and nutrition, these are two of the best meats around.
Grass-fed beef is another option for high-quality protein, though it’s important to make sure that the cattle are truly grass-fed. ALL cattle are grass-fed to some small extent, but what is important is what they are fed in the few months prior to being processed. During this time, most cattle are fed grains, a process that seriously depletes the meat of nutrients. Beef that is truly grass-fed, on the other hand, is a natural source of omega-3 fats and vitamins A and E. To find out whether beef is truly grass fed, contact the person who actually grew the beef, NOT the store manager, or try the grass-fed beef that I recommend on this site. Please note that grass-fed beef has a leaner taste than regular beef.
I don’t recommend protein powders as a protein source, especially not soy protein powders. Soy is not a "health food" as it is marketed and can weaken your immune system. All protein powders are highly processed and are not "real" foods. If you are traveling and do not have access to real vegetables or other whole foods, consider a convenient food product with a much more extensive nutritional value--Living Fuel. Living Fuel Rx is not only high in protein but also in almost every essential vitamin. When you simply cannot prepare your own meal, Living Fuel is an outstanding meal substitute.
