You may think that a plant-based diet is a relatively new feeding style, but in fact, this diet has been around for thousands of years.
It’s always interesting to see how people evolve. Not only do sleeping habits, lifestyle, and values change over time, but people constantly learn about better ways to feed themself and keep their body running smoothly.
Therefore, one of the most popular diets today is a plant-based diet, which promotes the healthiest approach to eating, and it goes beyond merely losing weight.
Read on to discover the basics and beyond of a plant-based diet and why you should try it.
A Plant-Based Diet Basics
A plant-based diet is also known as a plant-forward eating pattern with a strong focus on foods from plants.
Now, you may think that a plant-based diet is all about eating fruit and vegetables, right? However, this diet goes beyond that, as it also includes nuts, seeds, oils, whole grains, legumes, and beans.
The key here is to choose more of your food from plant sources that are beneficial for your health and overall well-being.
A plant-based diet can improve your digestive system, and absorb the nutrients from the food that will support your immune system, and easily reduce inflammation.
Furthermore, a plant-based diet can lower cholesterol and keep your blood sugar in balance – this is something that you can achieve with a plant-based beverage as well since these beverages are manufactures by extracting plant material, which makes them super healthy and handy: you can use them with your coffee, like yogurt, coffee creamer, and even to mix with oats for protein-packed breakfast.
5 Ways To Get Started With A Plant-based Diet
Thinking about starting a plant-based diet today? If so, great for you because it can never hurt to try something new that could boost your health a bit.
Before you decide to completely switch to a plant-based diet, you should know how to start.
Here are five ways that can help you kick off a plant-based diet effectively and without much trouble:
- Eat vegetables. Focus on having a huge amount of vegetables on your plate for every meal. Have healthy vegetables-snacks with hummus, guacamole, or salsa.
- Have less meat. If you cannot live without meat on your plate, you shouldn’t force yourself to cut it immediately. Instead, choose to have smaller amounts. Don’t make it a central part, but use it as a garnish.
- Always choose good fats. Some fats are better than others, and fats in olive oil, nuts, and olives should be your first choice.
- Go for greens. Green leafy vegetables such as spinach are a great choice. This food will keep you full, and a high amount of fiber will keep your digestive system running smoothly.
- Eat fruit for desserts. Natural sugar is a great option when you have a sweet tooth. Have a juicy peach, a ripe, or a fresh slice of watermelon to satisfy your craving for a sweet bite after a well-deserved meal.
Healthy Eating Plate
A healthy plant-based meal is all about balance. Moreover, a healthy eating plate should consist of carefully split portions of vegetables, whole grains, fruits, healthy protein, and even healthy oils.
Your Ultimate Cheat Sheet For Plant-Based Diet
- Use healthy oils, such as olive and canola oil
- Avoid trans fat and butter
- The more veggies the better
- Potatoes and french fries don’t count as healthy vegetables – there are healthier options
- Eat plenty of fruits of all colors
- Drink a lot of water
- Limit coffee, or replace it with tea
- Limit milk and other dairy products
- Focus on eating a variety of whole grains
- Limit refined grains
- Limit red meat
- Choose fish as your first go-to meat option
- Avoid processed meats
The Bottom Line
Modern scientists and doctors claim that eating less meat is mandatory for better health. A plant-based diet can promote healthy weight loss and even disease prevention, as long as you aren’t heavily dependent on meat.
Sure, meat is still allowed in this diet, but as a side dish, but not as the central plate spot.
Not only a plant-based diet can improve your health, but it also can reduce humans’ environmental impact – it sounds like a win-win situation, right?
