In an article in last weeks' New York Times, Gina Kolata discusses the idea that athletes need special protein and carohydrate mixtures for optimal recovery. If you've been in endurance sports long, you've heard of the magic 4:1 ratio of carbohydrates to protein. It's true one needs carbohydrates and protein, but "as so often happens in sports, those grains of truth have been expanded into dictums and have formed the basis for an industry in 'recovery' products."

The bottom line of the article is that recovery products are not, as the marketing would have us believe, essential for performance. Furthermore, the article quotes Dr. Michael Rennie, a physiologist at the University of Nottingham, as saying at that 10 to 15 grams of protein per day is adequate for any adults. Bullocks, most people would say. It's true, though. As you eat enough calories from whole, plant foods, protein is a non-issue.

The article did use eggs and chicken as example of where to get that protein, which was too bad. Plants have protein too, along with carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, fiber, phytonutrients, and essential fats. Animal products are seriously lacking in those areas.