Complete Protein

Remember that the protein in meats, poultry, fish, egg whites, and milk products is a much more complete protein than that in legumes, grains, and vegetables. Still, people with Parkinson’s need the fiber contained in legumes, grains, and vegetables. They can plan to include legumes and grains along with an animal source of protein. Note that if legumes and whole grains are taken together, they will provide some complete protein: the amino acids not supplied by the legumes are supplied by the grains.

Because almost all dietary calcium comes from milk, cheese, and other high protein foods, the dieter must be sure to get them at the evening meal and the bedtime snack. A glass of skim milk at dinner and another at bedtime are required. Unfortunately, some people have milk allergies and others have trouble digesting cow’s milk. Soy milk substitutes can be used by people who cannot tolerate cow’s milk; in addition, soy tofu and perhaps goat’s milk or Lactaid are possibilities. Legumes (such as split peas), the bones in canned salmon, and broccoli are other (lesser) sources of calcium. A calcium supplement (preferably one that also contains magnesium) may be needed.

At the end of the dieter’s day comes the bedtime snack. Again, there is no restriction on protein. The snack can consist of an optional sandwich of meat, fish, or poultry; cake, ice milk, ice cream, yogurt, or pudding (made with milk); and a glass of skim milk. A delicious way to take the milk is in a skim milk shake: 8 or 10 ounces of cold skim milk blended with a half dozen large strawberries, some crushed ice, and a teaspoon or two of sugar. (A heaping teaspoon of powdered instant decaffeinated coffee and a drop of vanilla can be substituted for the strawberries. Other flavorings and extracts can also be used.) Many people are concerned about their cholesterol levels. If one’s cholesterol level is higher than it should be, the protein redistribution diet can be modified. Instead of butter or margarine,