Tired of Chicken? – A Guide to Other Healthy Proteins

The Kaufmann Diet is a high protein, low carbohydrate diet designed to fight pathogenic fungi and limit exposure to mycotoxins. By eliminating sugar and foods high in carbohydrates, you eliminate pathogenic fungi’s food of choice. Many people who go on an anti-fungal diet find that they lose weight, experience increased mental clarity and generally feel better than they have in years, and many find that irritating and even serious health problems dissipate.

When you are beginning the Kaufmann Diet, you may find that you run to staple, familiar sources of protein. For most, this is usually chicken, pork or beef. However, there are a number of other options that are both delicious and provide a broader array of nutrients than your standard “big 3” proteins.

Fish
This includes any water-dwelling protein, from shrimp, scallops, lobster, and mussels, to more familiar fish like salmon and tuna. Fish is a great source of protein; furthermore, many types of cold water fish come high in Omega 3 fatty acids, which provide benefits for heart and brain health.

Look for varieties of fish that are wild caught. If farm raised, seek out organic. Avoid farm raised fish when possible.

Lamb
Lamb is a different variety of red meat with a distinct flavor. As a red meat, it enjoys high levels of protein and B vitamins. Lamb is also rich in omega 3s and conjugated linoleic acid, both of which are heart-healthy compounds.

Look for varieties of lamb that are organic and grass-fed/grass-finished.

Eggs
Eggs are one of the best sources of protein available. High in lutein, choline, protein and B vitamins, eggs were once discouraged by doctors because of their cholesterol content. The relationship between eggs and heart disease however, has been discovered to be reversed in more recent years; eggs have been shown to be a heart-healthy staple of the diet, particularly in people with already healthy levels of cholesterol.

Look for pastured-raised, organic varieties of eggs.

Nuts
High in good fats, fiber, selenium and protein, nuts are portable, tasty and healthy snack to keep on hand, particularly when you are feeling peckish.

Look for organic varieties when possible; avoid nuts sweetened with sugar.

High Protein Vegetables
Many vegetables are not just high in phytonutrients and fiber; many are excellent sources of protein, as well. These include (but are certainly not limited to) spinach, avocado, broccoli, Brussels sprouts and quinoa. For those looking to abstain from meat on the Kaufmann 1 Diet, be sure to include an array of high-protein vegetables in your diet to get your recommended daily allowance.