Let me start out by saying – I don’t advocate any specific diet because our constitutions are all unique and what works for one person may make another very ill. That being said, I do highly endorse a high percentage of PLANT-BASED eating to ignite your health, reduce your carbon footprint and diminish animal cruelty. This is not a particular diet. It’s more of a way of life. MANY dietary theories advocate going mainly plant-based – such as paleo, vegan, macrobiotic, vegetarian, etc. Eating this way simply means focusing on whole, unrefined, minimally processed foods that are derived from plants.
And let me clarify a point – plant-based does NOT mean eating ONLY food derived from plants. The focus is on eating predominantly plant-based foods,
Such as:
- Vegetables
- Fruits
- Legumes
- Whole Grains
- Seeds
- Nuts
- Healthy Fats
While minimizing:
- Processed, Refined Food
- Added Sugars
- Animal Products – such as Meat, Dairy and Eggs
How to get started
Most major changes in life are made outside of your comfort zone. This is how we grow. But there’s no need to overwhelm yourself by jumping right into the deep end. Take your time, explore, experiment and gradually incorporate small changes for the long haul.
Begin with a mindset shift. Think about your why. Keeping the end result in mind is the most powerful way to stay on track. Remember you are altering habits that have built up over a lifetime. Some great reasons to eat more plants are:
- Animal welfare – reduce animal cruelty and factory farms
- Reduced risk of lifestyle related diseases (Diabetes, Heart Disease, High Blood Pressure, etc.)
- It’s good for the planet
- You’ll look and feel amazing – and maybe lose a few pounds too
Focus on going meatless a couple of days a week at first. Meatless Mondays are gaining in popularity – even celebrity chef and omnivore Mario Batali is on board. Check out the Meatless Monday website for lots of resources, recipes, tips and information.
What do I eat instead?
There are plenty of options, really.
Soy – Edamame (soy beans), tofu and tempeh. They are fairly tasteless and easily absorb marinade flavors – so get creative with sesame oil, ginger, etc. A word of caution – look for non-GMO, organic varieties. A tofu scramble with veggies, stir-fried with olive or coconut oil makes a great breakfast.
Legumes– For a protein and fiber boost, lentils. Chickpeas and beans are great choices. Add them to salads, wraps, soups and stews for a satisfying, balanced meal.
Seeds and Nuts – Go for a handful of healthy fat, protein and fiber by adding hemp, flax, chia, pumpkin seeds or almonds, walnuts, cashews and nut butters to your diet. Try them in a smoothie!
Plant-Based Milks – Almond, cashew, coconut, rice and hemp milks are all tasty additions, easy on the digestive system and can be used as a substitute for dairy milk.
Veggies and Fruit – include a wide variety of vegetables daily – aim for at LEAST 5 servings and be sure to include lots of leafy greens. Include 1-2 servings of fruit daily as well. Be careful not to overdo fruit – even though it is a whole, plant-based food with no added sugars, the naturally occurring sugar content can be high, which could cause cravings for more sweets and carbs.
Whole grains – Filled with fiber, whole grains can be a nutritious part of a healthy diet. Quinoa, brown rice, buckwheat (which is NOT actually wheat!) and oats are some great and extra nutritious choices.
Healthy Fats – Avocado, olives, coconut oil are great examples.
To inspire you and get you started on the path to a more vibrant you, here are a couple of easy to prepare, yummy plant-based recipes:
https://therighttrackwellness.com/tofu-turmeric-wraps/
https://therighttrackwellness.com/butternut-soup-with-coconut-milk/
Ready for more? Download my FREE Plant Based Snacks eBook here è ADD LINK. Enjoy!
Really ready to dive in? Sign up NOW for my Nov 9 FALL REAL FOOD DETOX here è https://therighttrackwellness.com/fall-lets-get-glowing-real-food-detox/
The information in this article is for general purposes only and is not intended to treat cure or prevent any disease or medical conditions. Only you and your doctor can determine what course of action is best for you and your particular needs.