Four reasons why a mostly plant-based diet is recommended for optimal health. I say mostly because I am by no means vegetarian or vegan, and while there’s nothing wrong with a vegan lifestyle, this post focuses on why our bodies crave honest-to-goodness fresh fruit and veggies on a daily basis and how to get the most out of all that’s available to us!
Read on for 4 Reasons Why Going Plant-Based Is Best!
It is simple to understand what a plant-based diet is at a very elementary level; it’s all in the name.
If you are new to food and nutrition and dietary requirements, you’re going to want to keep reading.
There are some variations to what a plant-based diet is, but they all agree on one significant factor – EATING MORE PLANTS – (fruits and vegetables), and that organic food is much healthier than processed food.
Even retailers are jumping on the bandwagon, creating special sections in their food aisles to cater for our evolving dietary needs.
We got hold of this week’s Checkers offers and found a plant-based special that you must see; have you tried veggie nuggets or plant-based burger patties? Have a look at their spread to help you along when you kick-start your healthy dietary journey.
Now, we discovered that a plant-based diet or lifestyle is the umbrella term for diets that are either:
Exclusively fruit and veg, or include plant foods along with other food groups.
Let’s discuss more…
- Mediterranean Diet
Although it is a plant-based diet, you can consume fish, poultry, eggs, cheese, and yoghurt a few times a week, with red meats and sweets much less often.
- Vegetarian Diet (Lacto – Ovo Vegetarian)
Along with plant-based food, on this diet you can consume eggs and dairy, but no red meat, fish, seafood, or poultry. On this diet, you rely on plant-based protein.
- Vegan Diet
On this diet, you forgo all animal products and exclusively eat plants and plant-based foods. This means you do not consume food like dairy, eggs or honey.
- Raw Vegan Diet (Raw Foodism)
You will not eat any animal products or foods that need cooking on this diet. All the food you eat is taken raw and unprocessed.
- Flexitarian Diet (Semi – Vegetarianism)
This diet is much less strict than the others. It is plant-based but allows the moderate consumption of meat and animal products.
Alright, now that we’ve defined briefly what the different plant-based diets are, we are going to discuss what benefits come with eating this way…
Research has confirmed that depending on your overall health and which lifestyle you choose, you should experience many positive outcomes.
4 Reasons Why Going Plant-Based Is Best:
- SUPPORTS YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM
Plants have essential nutrients that cannot be found in other food groups. The minerals, phytochemicals, and antioxidants they contain help our bodies function at their very best. They also help to manage inflammation in our bodies which arises from eating processed food. Plants also neutralise toxins from pollution, bacteria and viruses. Research has further shown that the more plant-based food you eat, the lower your risk of suffering from chronic conditions like cancer, heart disease and diabetes.
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HELPS YOU MAINTAIN A HEALTHY WEIGHT If you’re looking to manage your weight without the fluctuations that come with other diets, the plant-based diet is for you. Studies have shown that the less meat you eat, the less likely you are to gain large amounts of weight, and the easier it becomes to maintain the weight you desire. Satiety is increased with a plant-based diet because it is rich in fibre; therefore, you are fuller for longer, and you may inadvertently loose excess weight and maintain your ideal weight. To enhance your weight management journey, consider incorporating Colonbroom into your plant-based diet. This natural dietary supplement is rich in fiber and can help support healthy digestion, regulate bowel movements, and promote a feeling of fullness, ultimately aiding in maintaining a healthy weight. With Colonbroom, you can enjoy the benefits of a plant-based diet while further optimizing your weight management goals.
- KEEPS YOU YOUNG
The plant-based diet has a role to play in the fabled fountain of youth, making it that much more attractive to us! The nutrients found in plants and other organic foods consumed in this diet may promote healthier cellular ageing, somewhat slowing down the ageing process. In the same breath, a plant-based diet may also help you live longer because of the nutritional value of the food you’ll be eating which helps to keep your organs healthy and working for longer. That is a spectacular deal – living long and looking young while doing it!
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MAY KEEP YOUR BRAIN STRONG Fruits and vegetables contain polyphenols that have been found to help slow the progression of Alzheimer’s and help reduce cognitive decline in older adults. Researchers say it is likely because antioxidants in plants clear up free radicals and protect cells from damage.
Even if you’re like us and you include meat protein in your diet, remember to GET THOSE VEGGIES IN…
You’ll love these healthy recipes – my Sugar Free Strawberry Chia Seed Jam, my 5 Minute Spinach Apple Green Smoothie, my Kale Apple Cranberry Salad With Sesame Dressing and my Lemon Herb Roast Chicken And Veggies.
I hope I have given you enough information to begin your newly found food regiment, or as I like to think of it – newly found lifestyle.
Because the way of eating that you choose for your unique, bio-individualism is something that you can carry with you forever and it should support your way of life, your health and your overall feeling of well-being – Mind, Body and Soul.
Food really is a powerful thing, and it can be harnessed for good, or can creep in as the slowest form of poison.
We all fall off the wagon sometimes, and that’s okay!
In fact, I truly believe balance is important in sustaining a healthy lifestyle, and I know from experience that once you’ve found a way of eating that supports you and makes you feel your best, you can and will keep coming back to it, it becomes a place of comfort and ease.
So, I encourage you to give it a go!
Start adding more whole foods, fruit and veggies into your diet, drink lots of water! And start cutting out the processed stuff.
You’ll see and feel the difference and it will be a wonderful gift that you give to yourself every day.
As always, seek your physician’s advice if you’re in doubt about anything and be well informed before making health decisions. If you are excited to get started you can try these healthy smoothies. today!
Thank you for reading this post on 4 Reasons Why Going Plant-Based Is Best. I hope it encourages you on your healthy food journey!
Check back soon for NEW healthy recipes, travel posts (we’re going travelling soon and we cannot WAIT to jump on a jet plane!!) and so much more xxx