Where do you get your protein?

Since this is the number one question people ask me about my diet, I figured I would address it here.

Dr. Douglas Graham, the author of, "The 80/10/10 Diet", recommends asking the following questions to individuals who ask, "where do you get your protein?".

1) How much protein do you think you need?
2) How much protein do you think you currently eat?
3) What exactly is the function of protein?
4) Have you ever met anyone with a protein deficiency?

I found it quite interesting to learn that the uses of protein, for the human body, are as follows:
Growth (adults are done growing so their bodies use less protein than children's bodies)
Replacement of damaged, or dead cells
Injury recovery

If you do a little homework you will soon learn that you only need 6% protein (dv) in your diet.

It isn't even necessary to increase this amount when you are an athlete; according to the Institute of Medicine/Food and Nutrition Board.

If bodybuilders supplement more simple carbs (fruits and veggies), their protein needs decrease and their muscle growth/energy increases, as stated by Dr. Doug Graham in, "The 80/10/10 Diet".

You can get all the protein you need by eating plenty of fruits, veggies, nuts and seeds. Also, it is best to keep your daily protein intake at 10% (dv), or less.