Yes, chicken ruins a good salad.  The reason chicken ruins a good salad is because despite what you might think, chicken protein is not healthy. Most people think that we need to eat a lot of protein and that it can only come from meat.  Guess what?  Non-animal products like vegetables, greens, beans, nuts and seeds also have protein, and this protein is healthier.  This protein is healthier because the non-animal protein lets people live longer with less disease.  When eating animal products it decreases the longevity of a person.  In addition, the average person only needs approximately 0.75 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day.  If the person works out heavily, he or she would need an average of approximately 1.4 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day.  The problem is that most people eat about 50% more than they need and this is not healthy.

Some feel that they need more protein because they are athletes or very active.  There are famous athletes who are vegetarian and even vegan.  Vegetarians don’t eat meat while vegans avoid all animal products.  One such famous athlete is Robert Parish, a basketball player for the Boston Celtics who played with Larry Bird.  He was one of the best players in the NBA.  Another athlete, a famous tennis player and vegetarian, is Billie Jean King.  She won 16 doubles titles and 12 grand slams.  A third athlete, also a tennis player and a vegetarian, is Martina Navratilova.  She won 31 doubles titles and 18 grand slams. The point is that these people don’t need to eat meat to be strong and athletic.  Non-animal proteins in moderation can keep you strong and healthy.  So, pass on the chicken when you order your salad!

CRG