Lifestyle changes can be difficult. Whether you’ve developed a health condition or simply want to feel better during your daily life, a plant-based diet can help you achieve your health goals. Now, we’re not saying you have to munch on plain carrots all day long. We’re simply stating that you can eat delicious food without the processed ingredients. Cooking is an art, so get creative with your ingredients by adding olive oil, beans, whole grains, and cheese. Plant-based food can be just as yummy, if not more, as that frozen dinner you picked out last night. Now, let’s go over the benefits that this type of diet can give you.
1. Weight Management
Cutting out fatty meats and processed foods will go a long way to improving your health. Your weight will be easier to manage, and you’ll get to enjoy delicious food at the same time. A plant-based diet doesn’t mean that you’re a rabbit, it means that you can get more creative with your dishes.
2. Prevent Heart Disease
Plant-based food is known to improve your heart’s health. You don’t want to clog up your arteries with greasy burgers, do you? A healthier heart means that you can function better. You’ll have improved blood flow, which will make exercising and focusing that much easier. And it’s all due to a simple change in your food choices.
3. Immune-System Support
Plant-based foods provide essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help fight illnesses. A balanced immune system will provide you with protection and energy, so you can enjoy your daily activities, rather than struggle to get through them. Who wouldn’t prefer to wake up with motivation instead of hitting the snooze button ten times?
4. Reduce Inflammation
Those nutrients that boost your immune system are also working on reducing inflammation throughout your body. Pollution, toxins, processed food, and bacteria all cause inflammation, which can lead to damaged tissue. Plants are more powerful than they seem, right? Don’t forget that “plants” don’t just mean plain old broccoli—it can also mean yummy smoothie bowls and sauteed veggies.
5. Helps “Regulate”
Plants are high in fiber, which means that you’ll be able to regulate your bowel movements. It’s good to clean out the pipes, as it encourages improved nutrient absorption and less bloating. Fiber can also stabilize blood sugar levels and reduce your risk of developing cancer. Who knew you could feel so good?
How To Transition To A Plant-Based Diet
As we’ve said, a lifestyle change can be difficult. A “cold-turkey” mentality doesn’t always work. So, let’s discuss some transition steps you can take in order to adapt to the plant-based diet.
1. Make Small Changes
First thing is first, make small changes to your diet. It’s not good for your mental or physical health if you swap out everything right away (unless instructed by your doctor). Start by swapping out meals, such as a pasta dish instead of a steak dinner. Switch from soda to fruit juice or from white bread to whole grain bread. Small, consistent efforts will make the changes easier to manage, and you’ll also have the time to discover what you like and don’t like.
2. Cut Down Meat And Processed Foods
Meat and processed foods are going to be the two most difficult things to give up. However, you don’t have to throw them out right away. Try reducing your meat intake and increase your veggie consumption. Less main course and more salad, for example. Purchase fewer frozen dinners, so you can’t rely on them to feed you every night.
3. Control The Portions
No matter what food you eat, you should control the portion sizes. Everyone responds differently to eating schedules. Maybe you’re a person who likes to snack all day instead of eating three large meals? Perhaps you prefer two small meals and one large one at the end of the day? Take this time to develop a rhythm that sits well with your body.
4. Commit To A Change
You don’t want all your hard work to be in vain, do you? Once you’ve made a change, stick with it. Don’t revert back to your old habits, as it will hurt your stomach and mental fortitude. Instead, prolong a habit that you have yet to change, such as that sweet tooth after a healthy dinner. Concentrate on changing that for the better instead of reversing your current success.
5. Know Your Foods
It’s hard to determine your diet without knowing what foods are good for you and what aren’t. Just because it isn’t meat, doesn’t mean it’s good for you. Those with health issues, such as diabetes and heart conditions, will need to take extra care to read the ingredients list. Don’t forget to do your own research on foods and brands, as well.
Disclaimer: We are not doctors. This information is not to be mistaken for medical advice. If you struggle with physical or mental health, reach out to a professional for help.
