I go into this topic in great length in The Beauty Detox Solution and The Beauty Detox Foods. So it’s really hard for me to just write a short blog on it, but here is my best attempt at a quick sum up: I personally am 100% vegan and do not eat any animal products at all. I do not believe there is any reason to include animal protein in your diet, from a nutritional standpoint, and for the reasons I talk about briefly below, you may achieve higher levels of health and beauty without them. Animal products are acidic and have congestive qualities- they will never digest cleanly the way plant foods do and there is no getting around that.
While diets are out there such as those that cite blood typing as a reason that some people do better with animal products than others (see my review on this), I agree with T. Colin Campbell, PhD in his book Whole when he states that, “the ideal human diet is made up of plant-based foods in forms as close to their natural state as possible”. As in ideal for all humans. He also states, “...there is some evidence that high-protein diets enhance free radical production, thus encouraging unwanted tissue damage.” Aka aging. A whole food plant-based diet will not have these same aging qualities.
That being said, I have clients who still eat animal protein but in much smaller amounts (a few meals a week), and that is a huge improvement from eating egg whites in the morning, turkey or chicken for lunch and fish for dinner- the prior three times a day plan (!). The Beauty Detox way of life isn’t all or nothing. As long as you’re making forward progress, you don’t have to be “perfect” and follow all of my guidelines. You can still see improvements as you take steps to clean up your diet, increase the amounts of whole plant foods overall.
Reasons to Avoid Animal Products
While you don’t have to eliminate all animal products from your diet, there are some compelling reasons to greatly reduce their consumption:
Dairy is cancer-causing and clogging to the body. If there’s any area of the Beauty Detox diet I would like to see everyone adhere to perfectly, it’s the removal of dairy from the diet. Dairy has been linked to acne, breast cancer, and prostate cancer, partially because of the ingestion of hormones in the milk itself and the effects milk consumption has on hormones once it’s inside the body. Milk and other dairy products have also been linked to constipation, making the removal of waste from the body—along with any toxins that might be on their way out—much slower and more difficult.
Meatless diets are better for the planet.
If you thought commuting to and from work in a gas-guzzling SUV was bad, you’ll be shocked to read this report from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations: livestock production is responsible for 18 percent more global greenhouse emissions than all transportation (that’s cars and SUVs) together. Guess what else? The livestock have to have somewhere to live, and they also have to have food. They’re using up a whole lot of land, contributing to massive deforestation.
Meat is acid-forming in the body and difficult to digest. Food pairings involving meat aside, the human body has a difficult time digesting meat at all. It putrefies in the very long human digestive tract because there’s no fiber to push it through quickly. That leads to unhealthy bacterial growth, toxicity, and a sluggish, heavy feeling – thought it may be counteracted with digestive probiotics, however it will only help slightly and incomparable to a healthy diet.
Vegetarians May Live Longer than Non-Vegetarians
There’s a study that praises vegetarianism as a secret to living longer. It followed the lives of Seventh-day Adventists (who are encouraged to eat a vegetarian diet) as well as non-vegetarians.
It’s worth noting that there were four types of vegetarians in the study: vegans, lacto-ovo, pesco, and semi-vegetarians (this type only eats meat a few times per week, but consumes eggs, dairy, and fish on a regular basis).
As a whole, the vegetarians were 12 percent less likely to die than the non-vegetarians over the course of the study. Each group of vegetarians had a disease (or a few diseases) they were less likely to die from than the other groups. So even just cutting out some types of animal products could lead you to see incredible results, especially when paired with other Beauty Detox principles.
Other Places to Get Protein
If you’re familiar with the Beauty Detox plan at all (you probably are if you’re here, but maybe this is your first post), you know that I’m a huge fan of getting your protein not from animal sources, which are acid-forming in the body, but from plant sources. You can cover all of your protein needs by eating a nutrient-rich diet, getting this macronutrient from seeds, nuts, greens, whole vegetables, and grains (it really does add up throughout the day!). You don’t need excessive amounts of protein like some diets say you do. In fact, too much protein can be harmful to your body.
Some of the best plant-based sources of protein include:
- Green vegetables
- Nuts and seeds
- Spirulina and chlorella
- Organic, vegan protein powders (brown rice, hemp, pea, etc)
- Tempeh
- Other vegetables, like Brussels sprouts
- Quinoa or millet
When Being an Omnivore Is Better Than Being a Vegetarian or Vegan
You could still be healthier as an omnivore than a vegetarian or vegan despite all the health benefits of cutting animal products out of your diet. If you swear off bacon and eggs, fish and poultry, and then fill your body with refined carbs and sugars, you’re going to be worse off than you would if you just consumed meat every now and then (even a few times per week).
The Best Animal Products to Consume and When to Have Them
If you don’t want to become a vegetarian or vegan but you still want to make the best choices possible within the framework of your own type of diet, know that there are some animal products that are better than others.
Dairy is always a no-go. Dairy is one of the worst things you can put into your body. A human drinking a cow’s milk or eating products from that milk is just unnatural. If you must have cheese, have raw goat cheese on occasion. If you need milk or yogurt or you’ll go crazy, try the almond or coconut variety.
Land animals are the worst kind to consume unless you have the ability to be very picky about what you’ll buy and consume. You want organic, hormone-free animals. Even then, when compared to fish and other seafood, the meat is tougher and harder to digest. When you have the choice, choose poultry, eggs, or wild (never farmed) fish over things like beef and pork.
If you do want to keep animal products in your diet, you can still try to have them only five meals per week at first (it’s easier to have vegetarian lunches for most people as well), then cut down to three nights when you’re ready. You’re not officially a vegetarian or vegan that way, but you’ll reap some of the benefits of having less animal protein. For the most Beauty Energy throughout the day, always eat it at dinner, never lunch or breakfast.
Progress by Your Own Rules
I understand that some people wish to continue eating meat or eggs as a personal preference or as part of their culture, and I would never tell you that you can’t meld that part of your life with the Beauty Detox guidelines. I encourage you to cut the consumption of animal products down if you’re eating them several times per week, but you don’t have to cut them out entirely if you don’t want to. It’s all about progress to a healthier lifestyle, whether that just means more vegetables in your diet and taking probiotics, learning to pair foods properly for optimal digestion, or going all the way with a vegan diet, properly combined foods, and all of the other Beauty Detox principles.
Reading The Beauty Detox Foods right now and LOVING it, thanks Kim! Not to be a sh*t disturber but looking for clarification: you say you’re 100% vegan but you advocate consuming bee pollen in the book. As a byproduct of a living creature, aren’t honey and bee pollen a no-no for vegans, though permissible for vegetarians?
Hi, I have read your book and am really trying to become vegan. I drink the geen glow smoothies, daily, but sometimes it is a pain to have to shop and have everythink ready to mix. I was introduced to a product that is on the market called, “Moringa Oleifera.” The Company name is “Ziga”. What appeals to me is that they say the product has tons of all the vitamins and nutrients that we need and it is in a little packet that you mix with water. That is easy. Have you heard of the product ?
I guess I am just looking for an easier way to get healthy. My confusion is that the green glow smoothie seems like a meal replacement but the Ziga mix does not? Can you help me out on this. It is costly but alot more convenient. Thanks
What about iron?
My Mom who is a Registered Dietician stated that I need to eat meat because it contains iron which many women are deficient in and meat also contains different kinds of proteins that my body needs which other foods cannot provide. Can you shed some light on this?
My niece recently watched a video about animal slaughter and decided to become a vegan. She did a little research and made the switch. Within days she was in the hospital and stayed there for three days. The point needs to be made that going vegan is not something to do without careful consideration and planning.
This is so true! I’m glad you said it..it also needs to be done under the supervision of a dietitian who can order the appropriate labs, do a nitrogen balance study and get the person on the right program. Anyone should question a limited diet that just rehashes the same food over and over again…
I have been told for years that when doing any type of strength training you need to eat lots of protein for muscle definition . I am over 50 and noticed that through strength training I am stronger and can feel my muscles however I am not getting the definition I desire…the flab is still present. If not animal protein (I don’t eat any seafood) then what type of protein will build that muscle definition?
Animal protein- I’d take tuna fish, beans, egg whites, chicken, turkey and weight training over flab anyday
One time… I went full on vegan… After reading your first book… I felt really bad eating animal flesh, but I started eating meat after a couple of months on a vegan diet, because my body craved solid foods, and I couldn’t eat nuts and seeds, because there processed in milk facilities, and I’m lactose intolerant, so I would get all the symptoms, that are kinda embarrassing to tell… So I had to eat meat to quench the urge. cuzz beans and all that were not solid enough for the craving…. Where can I find nuts and seeds that wont do me bad…? And one more question… Have you ever failed, and ate meat… I mean, cuzz you say your vegan? I believe you, but I’m just wondering.
Thank you so much for sharing this info with us, Kim! I can always count on you to keep me updated with all of the newest and most updated information. You are brilliant and constantly inspiring. 🙂 xx
Still confused with bee pollen, how can you be 100% vegan but eat something from bees?
Shes not. (Technically, shes a vegetarian- those who consume animal by products but not the animal itself) Vegan is defined as No animal product’s OR by-products & though bee pollen & honey come from bee’s, bees are also defined as an animal.
They’re some negative consequences to consuming bee by-products, but they are virtually non-existent compared to the negative consequences consuming flesh & dairy products could cause…but its still not vegan.
You don’t mention legumes as a good protein source…. What are your thoughts on lentils, beans, peas?
Hello!
I totally agree with the article above and I have been trying to remove anything white from my diet for a few months. The problem is I have to come to terms with some instant cravings like chocolate which I find extemely effective to relieve stress. I will try going on a juicing diet before the winter months but the problem is I miss having something hot to eat at meal time. For some reason , it seems particularly hard to keep up with my decision to stay on a vegan diet after so many years of eating meat regularly. This is the force of implanted habits I guess , but I keep trying and I encourage my husband to do the same.
Thank you for all you are doing. I always enjoy reading your e-mails and they are great help in keeping up with my decision to change my diet . Keep running.
Mireille Nurit.
Hi Kimberly
I have heard that pasteurized milk is what is unhealthy for our bodies because the good bacteria and enzymes are killed off, but that raw, unpasteurized milk is very nutritious. What is your stance on pasteurized vs. unpasteurized milk – do you recognize any difference between the two?
Thanks
Melissa
Oh and I forgot to mention – unpasteurized milk, handled in a clean environment, from cows that have been grass-fed and not pumped with hormones.
Hi Kim I have been following the type O blood type diet for years. In todays blog you mention the diet but I could not find your blog comments (other than avoiding animal protein. ) Please direct me to the correct blog post. Thank you Barbara
I was vegetarian for eight years and became very anaemic, started fainting in public places and want to avoid that problem again. I have GI issues and can not eat ANY nuts or seeds including tahini , chia, hemp, quinoa, RAW veggies, nights shades, eggs. Is it still best for me to keep out fish and poultry? I have been eating only whole, organic foods for 25 years, I do not eat dairy, sugar or gluten. I am wondering about dried beans? your recipes dont include them. I used to eat a ton of edamame and tofu until I started BDS. I’m also wondering about the use of olive oil since I don’t eat all the nuts and seeds. I do eat avacodo but don’t want to develope an intolerance by eating it too much( this seems to happen to me easily). I have gained 8 lbs since I started., the light to heavy was killing me, I was STARVING all day, eating and eating until I had something more substantial. Thanks! I’m sure you are swamped with questions.
I’ve bought both of your books and have been following the program for about 4 months now my skin is glowing and I do feel healthier . I’ve completely eliminated dairy and have organic chicken or eggs once per month or so.. The recipes and dressings I’ve tried this far is delicious and tasty. For the green smoothie on mornings at times I add beets, radishes dandelion or sprouts, will there be any problems. Also what’s in this new program glowing lean system that’s not included in the beauty detox books?
Thanks in great health
Knolleisha
I have recently stopped consuming so much dairy. I was eating ice cream, whipped cream on pies, drinking milk with cookies, having vanilla lattes (sometimes with soy, sometimes with whole milk,) and consuming cheese on burgers and sandwiches. For the last week I cut out the lattes, the desserts containing dairy, and have had only a small portion of dairy like a slice of cheese on a sandwich. I’ve already noticed an enormous difference in my skin. Not only have I stopped having random breakouts, my whole complexion looks clearer. So yes, I do agree completely and I always have. It’s such a hard thing to cut out of the diet in certain places in America because it’s everywhere.
I like your approach, reasonable and doable. Because of that, I will stick to it for the long haul by making
life changes.
Thanks again,
jj
Even though I am 99% vegan I appreciate your perspective that leaves a door open for those who wish to continue eating at least some animal products. Food choice has become such a polarizing issue and I enjoy reading information that is accepting and non-judgemental while remaining true to a particular view. Thank you!
I used to eat lots of meat and really liked. A big huge burger with all the fixings was great. Since I started Kimberly’s program I have cut down to a couple times a week and have organic chicken or fish and I don’t miss it at all. Sure, I will have a burger, most time without the bread, once in awhile but iIdon’t miss it. I also have pizza once in awhile but it’s not every week like I used to. All this has made me lose 25 pounds and I feel great with more energy. Actions speak louder than words.
Helllo,
I paid on 09/15/2013. I received a email conformation same day. I am not sure but is this program all done on computer? No books come in mail? So if on computer how do I get started? Do you watch a video a day and each day you are sent another one or do you have to log into web site every day to know what to do?
Thank you for your help 🙂
suezanne
one moment at a time:)
I have been following BDS for 2 months now and have minimized my animal protein intake to about 1 time a week or every 10 days… am trying to become vegetarian. When is it necessary to start taking vitamin B12?