A plant based diet is all the rage right now and thats because people are sick and tired, of being sick and tired! I hate to call being plant based a “diet” because it’s not one of those “fad diets” that many people will try in the hopes of dropping weight, but then fail to make it stick. Eating plant based is a lifestyle, one we should all live by that gives lasting results. Yet many people are hesitant to go plant based because they don’t want to give up meat, or are tentative to make the full on switch to a vegetarian or vegan diet. I totally get it, Ive been there!
Personally I am not a vegetarian or vegan, I confess I eat meat and dairy products every now and then. I would say I am 90% plant based, and I’m totally ok with that for now. My goal is to eventually be fully plant based, but I’m taking my time, and listening to my body. The more I eat plant based and substitute whole foods for meat and dairy, the better I feel. Ive maintained a healthy weight, have a ton of energy, my skin is clearer, and overall I feel great!
So what is a plant based diet?
A plant based diet emphasizes whole or minimally processed foods. This includes vegetables and fruits, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and legumes. A plant based diet avoids or limits animal products, including chicken, fish and dairy products. In addition avoiding refined foods, such as added sugars, processed oil and white flour.
Is eating meat really bad for you?
Just recently the World Health Organization shocked the world when it announced that processed meats were a carcinogen, and consumption of it will lead to cancer. However, this goes beyond just processed meats. There is a ton of evidence proving that eating all kinds of animal products (including chicken and fish) is bad for you! Studies have shown it increases your chance for heart disease, cancer, diabetes, Alzheimers, dementia, and the list goes on.
I wont go into all the deets, but If your really interested in the science behind it all, you have to read the book “how not to die” by Michael Greger MD. I cannot recommend this book enough, its mind blowing!
Baby steps towards becoming plant based
Good news, it doesn’t have to be all or nothing when it comes to eating animal products. Cutting back on your meat consumption (even just a little), will cut your health risk down. Take baby steps towards eliminating meat and focus on substitution rather then elimination. Sometimes when we focus on what were missing, its so much harder then just focusing on what were adding! Start by adding more fruits, vegetables and whole grains to your current diet.
Unlike the typical American diet that makes meat the main dish, try making whole plant based foods the main dish, and having a small portion of meat on the side. Take your favorite recipes and substitute the meat for a plant based option. For example, I took my favorite chicken enchilada recipe and made it a black bean quinoa enchilada, and my beef lasagna became a vegetable lasagna. Believe me this, I do not miss the meat at all! In fact my husband (a renowned carnivore), likes the enchiladas better meatless! Another option is to only eat one meal a day that includes meat. Have a small portion of meat at lunch, and go meatless for breakfast and dinner.
What ever baby steps you take towards going plant based, once you start it will get easier and easier. The best thing about eating whole plant based foods, is you can eat as much as you want, with no calorie counting! Just eat real food, mostly plants, and indulge guilt free!
Do you feel tired all the time, get sick a lot, and cant seem to lose weight? Check out: 8 signs you need a gut reboot!
Are you trying to go plant based? If you have any questions or would like to share your experience, please comment below. I would love to hear from you!
