Plant Based Diet Benefits- Are Eye Opening
By now, we all know that diet fads are the absolute worst. Although social media and external factors might attempt to influence how we eat, we know better. It really depends on the individual’s needs. That means listening to your body and determining how you want to achieve a healthy and wholesome lifestyle.
So, what does it mean to follow a plant-based diet? The key is not cutting out any of your favorite foods, meat, and dairy —it’s about eating primarily whole plant foods rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, antioxidants, and healthy fats (think more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts in your dishes).
For instance, if you follow a Mediterranean diet, you can easily be plant-based, prioritizing items like legumes, nuts, healthy fats, fruits and veg, and avoiding fish. However, plant-based doesn't necessarily mean plant-exclusive. If you’re hungry for yogurt, cheese, eggs, or fish you can eat that too when you feel like it!
Bottom line: Plant-based eating is more of a template that encourages focusing on plant foods, not a restrictive diet that makes things off-limits.
What are the benefits?
Another major reason people choose to eat plant-based? Cutting back on animal products has significant environmental benefits. You’ll lower your carbon footprint. Plant foods have a lesser environmental impact than animal foods in all areas—land use, water supply, and greenhouse gas emissions.
Note, plant-based eating is a safe and healthy choice for most people, but you should always talk with your doctor or a registered dietitian before making big changes to your diet.
How do you transition to a Plant Based diet? Here are some quick tips to follow:
Don’ know where to start? We found some amazing recipes from FIT ON or The Spruce Eats that are easy to make, and the tastiest ways to enjoy plant-based foods.
So, what does it mean to follow a plant-based diet? The key is not cutting out any of your favorite foods, meat, and dairy —it’s about eating primarily whole plant foods rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, antioxidants, and healthy fats (think more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts in your dishes).
For instance, if you follow a Mediterranean diet, you can easily be plant-based, prioritizing items like legumes, nuts, healthy fats, fruits and veg, and avoiding fish. However, plant-based doesn't necessarily mean plant-exclusive. If you’re hungry for yogurt, cheese, eggs, or fish you can eat that too when you feel like it!
Bottom line: Plant-based eating is more of a template that encourages focusing on plant foods, not a restrictive diet that makes things off-limits.
What are the benefits?
- You will eat more foods packed with an array nutritional benefit (think fiber, essential vitamins and minerals, and phytonutrients)
- You will have a healthier relationship to food, it will help balance your appetite and keep your energy levels stable throughout the day
- Your gut will thank you (less constipation)
- Your energy levels will increase as it will help keep the post-meal drowsies at bay
- Your skin will glow (vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds naturally contain polyphenols and antioxidants, which have a direct impact on lowering inflammation in the body and, therefore, the skin)
- You will build a stronger immune system
Another major reason people choose to eat plant-based? Cutting back on animal products has significant environmental benefits. You’ll lower your carbon footprint. Plant foods have a lesser environmental impact than animal foods in all areas—land use, water supply, and greenhouse gas emissions.
Note, plant-based eating is a safe and healthy choice for most people, but you should always talk with your doctor or a registered dietitian before making big changes to your diet.
How do you transition to a Plant Based diet? Here are some quick tips to follow:
- Start Small by picking two small changes to implement each week (e.g., swap mayo for hummus)
- Be realistic don’t just take things away, think about how you can enhance your diet
- Try meatless Monday by cutting out animal products for just one day a week
- Replace milk with dairy free milk (just be careful some diary free milks can be high in sugar, so choose something that works for your nutrition goals)
- Go vegan for one meal a day, and if that’s not possible, try to fil your plate with 80 to 90% more plant based (asparagus sweet potatoes etc)
- Reduce your meat meaning swapping just half of the meat for a plant-based option
Don’ know where to start? We found some amazing recipes from FIT ON or The Spruce Eats that are easy to make, and the tastiest ways to enjoy plant-based foods.
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