Meat Shortages… High Prices… How Can I Get My Protein?

Are you a meat eater? If so, you’ve probably noticed a couple of things recently in your grocery store.

One is fewer meat products. The other is higher prices for the meat products you see.

That’s not a good combination. But it is reality. There are several factors causing these shortages and high prices. One is the extreme weather we’ve had this year. It has affected the supply chain, slowing deliveries.

Another is a labor shortage. As well as the lack of packaging materials including aluminum and plastic. Yet another is the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Too many meat-processing workers have gotten sick. 

In addition, prices have skyrocketed for fertilizers used to grow cattle feed and carbon dioxide to keep meat cold. Finally, there’s inflation, which recently hit a 40-year high. 

Protein is essential to life

Now, if you’re forced to eat less meat than you’re used to, there’s something you need to do. Whether it’s due to shortages or higher prices.

I’m talking about adding more protein to your diet. Proteins are part of every cell, tissue and organ in our bodies. They contribute to building, repairing and maintaining tissues.

They also serve other essential functions. Including triggering important processes within cells. Such as cell division, cell shape maintenance and cell movement. 

Yet another crucial function proteins serve is assisting with movements. Your muscles will not move as smoothly if your protein intake is too low.

What are proteins and why do we need to get them through our diets? And how can they help us fight off infection and recover from illness and injury? Let’s take a look.

What are proteins? 

Proteins are the building blocks of life. Their structure consists of 20 smaller units called amino acids. Nine of them are essential amino acids. Almost all the foods containing each amino acid are animal sources. Such as meat, fish and dairy. 

Our bodies can store excess carbohydrates and fats. But they can’t store amino acids. So, we need a daily intake of them through protein in our diets. 

What elements of our bodies need protein? Plenty of them. Including hemoglobin in the blood, which carries oxygen throughout the body. And muscle mass, located in different areas. 

Plus skin, nails and hair. In addition, our hormones, antibodies, collagen and enzymes all need protein.

How can proteins keep us healthy?

Protein helps us fight off infection. Our immune systems weaken when we don’t provide our bodies with enough proteins. We become more vulnerable to bacteria and viruses that invade our bodies.

Protein is not only a good preventative for illness and injury. It also aids in the recovery process.

This comes back to the immune system. If it’s strong, you’ll recover from most illnesses caused by bacteria and viruses quicker.

And the recovery help is not limited to illnesses. Protein can contribute to healing following a hip or knee surgery. Or recovery from a broken bone.

Meat, poultry, fish & dairy 

Many of us get a high percentage of our protein from meat, poultry, fish and dairy. We eat these foods at least once a day, and probably twice. Maybe even three times.

Meat is probably where most of us get the majority of our protein. Beef, pork and lamb are all great sources of protein.

Another is poultry and fish. Good choices include grilled chicken breasts, turkey cutlets and seafood. In order to obtain the added benefit of omega-3 fatty acids with fish, choose salmon, trout, tuna and sardines.

Products found in the dairy aisle are another good source of protein. Such as milk and eggs. That’s assuming your body tolerates dairy.

Now let’s take a look at other ways to get more protein in our diets. Especially if the meat shortages and high prices continue.

Beans, nuts, seeds, bars & smoothies

Beans contain plenty of protein. Especially red, black and kidney beans. As well as garbanzo beans, white beans and lentils. 

Nuts and seeds are a great choice. Such as walnuts, almonds, pistachios, pecans and macadamias. Plus sunflower, pumpkin and chia seeds.

Protein bars are an obvious source. But look closely at the ingredients before you buy them. Some contain far too much sugar and too many calories.

Some people like to gain protein from homemade drinks. As an example, they’ll mix Greek yogurt, fruit, a spoonful of peanut butter, and either almond or coconut milk in a blender.

Other protein sources

Here are some additional popular options for adding protein to your diet.

• Peanut butter
• Almond butter
• Low-fat cheese
• Cottage cheese
• Peas
• Baked potatoes
• Protein bars
• Trail mix
• Ancient grains. Including quinoa, amaranth, kamut and sorghum. Plus freekeh, rye and teff.
• Hummus
• Raisins
• Supplements

A controversial source of protein is soy. There’s no question you can acquire protein by eating soybeans and drinking soymilk. And by using soy paste in soups and sauces.

But GMO-soy is added to many processed foods already. And soy can mimic the impact of excess estrogen in the body. So, it’s not right for everyone.

Shake, rattle and roll

All the foods I mentioned above are meal-related. Here’s one more that’s a meal replacement. Or a dessert, your choice.

Regardless of what you call it, it’s delicious, nutritious and contains 29 grams of protein per serving. It’s the Survival Shake – Chocolate from 4Patriots. You get 32 servings in our kit, which is designed to last 20 years.

All you have to do is add water, shake and drink. It’s really that simple. The creamy, malted milkshake flavor provides you with 480 calories per serving. Perfect for survival situations or just any time you want a great-tasting chocolate shake.  

Here’s how to get your kit...