Why Eating Only Lean Protein Is a Bad Idea

Remember back in the early 90s when lean proteins like boneless, skinless chicken breast, nonfat milk and whey protein powder became all the rage?

This was based on the idea that fat is bad for us (which we now know is wrong) and we should avoid it as much as possible.

But it turns out that not only is eating lean protein unnecessary, it’s potentially harmful.

What most people don’t know is that we need fat soluble vitamins (especially vitamin A) to absorb the protein we eat. And guess what? Fat-soluble vitamins are found almost exclusively in animal fats. Lean protein has very little fat, and thus, no fat soluble vitamins.

So what happens when you eat exclusively lean protein? Your body will “withdraw” fat soluble vitamins stored in your liver in order to absorb the proteins. Over time, this will lead to a deficiency of fat-soluble vitamins, and all of the significant health problems that go along with such a deficiency.

It’s analogous to charging up a huge credit card bill when you don’t have a job. Eventually the creditors come calling and you go bankrupt.

The solution, of course, is to eat fat with your protein. This means enjoying fattier cuts of meat (i.e. 15% fat ground beef instead of 3%), always eating eggs with the yolks, drinking full-fat milk instead of low-fat or non-fat, and avoiding highly processed protein powders and other supplements.

Not only do they taste far better (like real food instead of cardboard), they’re actually better for you.

Aren’t you happy to know that?