There’s a lot of talk right now about amino acids during menopause, so let’s keep it simple and clear!
If you think you’re only getting amino acids in snack bars, shake powders and other supplements (or meat), think again. You’re also getting rancid oils the body doesn’t need, sodium and plenty of processed ingredients. Just read the ingredients.
The 9 essential amino acids your body needs from food are:
Histidine, Isoleucine, Leucine, Lysine, Methionine, Phenylalanine, Threonine, Tryptophan and Valine.
Where do you find them on a plant-based diet?
- Beans & Legumes: lentils, chickpeas, black beans, split peas
- Whole Grains: oats, brown rice, quinoa, whole wheat
- Nuts & Seeds: hemp seeds, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds
- Vegetables: spinach, broccoli, potatoes, kale and Brussels sprouts also contribute amino acids in smaller amounts, think of them as helpful supporting players!
Here’s the simple truth: You do NOT need to combine specific foods at every single meal. Your body keeps a running collection of amino acids from everything you eat throughout the day. As long as you enjoy enough variety, like oats in the morning, lentil soup at lunch and rice with vegetables at dinner, you have naturally covered all 9 essential amino acids. No stress, no supplements needed!
I started out over 10 years ago watching Forks Over Knives, decided to “try out” the plant-based meal plan and had shockingly incredible results. I’ve never turned back. I have lost nearly 50 pounds, and that is just one side effect that me, my family, friends and clients have experienced after making the change.
Having been an incredible cook my entire adult life, I started my own personal chef service, NuYu Nourish, to extend my help to others. I interned under a celebrity chef, became a celebrity chef myself and have been expanding my reach and goals ever since! My plan follows strictly and simply those of Dr. Mcdougall, Dr. T. Colin Campbell and Dr. Esselstyn.
