If you have been tuned in to the world of healthy living recently, then you have probably heard the term “plant-based diet” tossed around a few times. This approach to eating is increasing in popularity because of its benefits to both individual and environmental health. But what exactly does plant-based dieting entail, and how can you make the transition into eating this way? The answers to these, and all of your other burning questions, are just a short read away!
What Does It Mean?
So, what exactly is a plant-based diet? You might think it is just a fancy way of saying “vegetarian,” but really, plant-based diets look different for everyone. Some plant-based eaters conform to what is traditionally thought of as a vegan diet—no animal by-products, including eggs and animal milk. Others adhere to what you might think of as a vegetarian diet—milk and eggs are okay, but any foods for which animals had to die are no-nos.
Some people on plant-based diets do eat meat, but in small or infrequent portions. Others choose to forgo red meat but still partake of fish and chicken. The main thread that ties all iterations of plant-based diets together is an emphasis on consuming mostly fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains, while minimizing the consumption of meats and highly processed foods.
Where Do You Start?
If you have access to a supermarket, then you have access to everything you need to start a plant-based diet. Thoroughly comb the produce section and pick out foods that you are familiar with as well as foods that are new to you. You can also buy produce from your local farmers’ market. Farmers’ markets are stocked with produce that is locally grown, so it is fresh and in-season. There are also several food delivery systems available for people who do not have easy access to grocery stores or farmers’ markets.
As plant-based dieting becomes more mainstream, companies like Hampton Creek are finding ways to make delicious products that are good options for those who have adopted this lifestyle. What is Hampton Creek? It is a food technology company whose premiere product is a mayonnaise substitute. Just Mayo uses plants instead of eggs to make up a more healthful, but still delicious, dressing option. Hampton Creek is now a leader in the food technology industry, and it is dedicated to finding new ways to improve the nutritional value of favorite foods by making plants prominent ingredients in their recipes.
Is your current produce consumption mostly restricted to the occasional side salad or your “apple a day”? These are good places to start, but they represent just the tip of the iceberg in terms of your options for eating, and enjoying, plants. Multiple cookbooks are devoted entirely to the subject of delicious plant-based eating, and there are also thousands of recipes posted online. If you are feeling entirely lost, you can even search the Internet for weekly meal plans.
How Can This Help You?
Many people choose to adopt plant-based diets because of their health benefits. Research suggests that adhering to this type of diet could play a major role in preventing the development of diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. When they are paired with exercise and adopted under the supervision of doctors, they can even help reduce the severity of preexisting conditions. These benefits occur because plant-based diets are naturally low in sodium, unhealthy fats, and processed foods, while also being high in fiber, vitamins, and other important nutrients.
How Can This Help the World?
In addition to health benefits, there are some environmental benefits to plant-based eating as well. Animal farming is responsible for almost 15 percent of all greenhouse gas emissions. By reducing or ceasing your intake of meat, cheese, and eggs, you can help limit these harmful emissions. Furthermore, when there is a higher demand for fruits and vegetables, farmers grow more of them, which adds variety to the types of crops that are grown worldwide.
The Seeds of Change
Plant-based diets can be tailored to individual preferences while still maintaining the keystone trait of consuming mostly fruits, vegetables, legumes, and grains. If more people find ways to make this type of diet work for them, the earth its people will feel the difference. Whether you are passionate about animal rights, want to contribute to healing the environment, or are motivated to clean up your health, a plant-based diet could be an appetizing solution for you.
Article Submitted By Community Writer