When it comes to going under the knife, your health before surgery has everything to do with how well you do after surgery. In other words, the stronger you enter anesthesia, the stronger you recover. A huge part of gaining that presurgery strength? Protein. But, not so fast—getting presurgery protein doesn’t mean diving knee-deep into a plate of red meat. Instead, CF Protein, our plant based protein drink, was designed to keep you healthy and strong in the weeks leading up to surgery, without the negative health and environmental effects associated with animal protein. Today, then, we’re breaking down 4 reasons you should kick animal protein to the curb and, instead, opt for a plant based protein drink for a better bounce back. Read on!
- They’re more easily digestible.
The number-one reason to consider getting your protein from a plant based protein drink? It’s much easier on your digestive system. Animal-derived protein powders typically contain lactose (the carbohydrate that’s found in dairy products)— and proteins like whey or casein are both derived from milk. These proteins can be difficult to digest and have been associated with gas, bloating, and diarrhea (especially for those who are lactose sensitive or intolerant). Plant-based proteins, on the other hand, don’t contain any lactose or casein. Instead, they contain fiber—which aids in the process of digestion and promotes a healthy gut microbiome.
- They’re more allergy and speciality-diet friendly.
Plant proteins—just like the kind you’ll find in CF Protein—are suitable options for both vegan and vegetarian diets. They’re an easy, accessible way for patients following vegan, vegetarian, or other specialty diets to get all nine essential amino acids without compromising their nutritional restrictions/requirements. Plus, plant based protein drinks like CF Protein are processed in kosher and allergy-free factories, making them safer for those who suffer from allergies than most animal proteins.
- They’re far better for the environment.
Even if lactose sensitivity or following a speciality diet isn’t a concern for you, the environment likely is. Pound-for-pound, animal proteins take far more water and carbon to produce than their plant-based counterparts. In fact, just one pound of beef requires between 2,000 and 8,000 gallons of water to produce—whereas a pound of plant protein like tofu, on the other hand, requires around 302 gallons of water to produce. But that doesn’t mean plant-based protein doesn’t pack the same punch—ounce for ounce, it provides almost the same amount of protein you’d get from animal protein, with a much less harmful effect on the environment. Overall, switching from animal- to plant-based protein reduces carbon emissions, adds to the global food supply without expanding our crop lands, and significantly reduces water use.
- It’s a great source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Consuming a plant based protein drink like CF Protein also means you’re getting a whole slew of vitamins, minerals, and fiber that aren’t often present in animal-derived protein drinks. Plant proteins are rich in polyphenols (a plant derived antioxidant), both soluble and insoluble fiber, and a wide range of vitamins and minerals. CF Protein contains chia seed oil for a significant serving of Omega-3s; mango juice concentrate for vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium; and yellow pea protein for all nine essential amino acids and iron.
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Ready to incorporate CF Protein into your presurgery nutrition plan for a better bounce back? Learn more about how it can improve your surgery experience and recovery—or reach out to the ClearFast team at support@drinkcf.com if you have any questions at all!
