Author: Karen Lennox
Time for reading: ~1
minutes
Last Updated:
August 08, 2022
Garnish meat and fish only with vegetables for easy digestion, without heaviness in the stomach.
Protein-rich foods are an essential ingredient in any healthy diet . At the same time, these are the foods that require the most attention when combined with others in one meal.
Protein-rich foods are only broken down and digested when they have undergone high-acid processing in the stomach. Therefore, it is not recommended to combine protein-rich foods with high-carbohydrate foods in one meal , because they require an alkaline environment to break down.
Experts in proper nutrition recommend combining high-protein foods with green leafy vegetables or other types of vegetables with a high water content. The choice is great - broccoli, peppers, spinach, green beans, peas, tomatoes and more. A big advantage of most vegetables is that they contain their own enzymes and do not need special changes in the acidity of the stomach and intestines to be optimally processed and assimilated. Thus, the absorption of proteins is not compromised in any way.
The main recommendation of experts is that meat , as a very rich in protein and highly saturating product, should be combined with lighter vegetables, such as spinach, peppers, carrots, Brussels sprouts or Chinese cabbage. This will not only ensure maximum absorption of all nutrients, but also will not burden the activity of the gastrointestinal tract. The combination of heavier protein foods with lighter vegetables can be served at lunch and dinner, without the risk of complaints such as heaviness and bloating .
On the other hand, fish products , which are also very rich in protein, but are a lighter food, can be combined with heavier vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, avocado and others. This is also considered a well-balanced menu that does not hide the risk of stomach complaints.
Experts point out that the simultaneous intake of plant and animal foods rich in protein does not have a negative impact on their absorption. Therefore, the combination of fish, meat and peas, beans, chickpeas and other legumes is allowed in any meal. An important condition is only not to overdo it, because the slow processing in the stomach and high fiber content can cause a feeling of heaviness and discomfort.