Thinking of making the switch to a healthier and more mindful lifestyle by adopting a plant-based diet? We are 100% with you on this! There are plenty of benefits to going vegan not just on your physical health but also on the environment, and we’ve prepared a beginner-friendly guide to get you started.
But first, what exactly is a plant-based diet?
A plant-based diet primarily consists of eating mostly plants such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. While some may want to completely do away with consuming animal products, there are those who would rather just reducing their intake of such, consuming them instead in moderation. There aren’t any strict rules in adopting a plant-based diet; just do what’s comfortable for you!
Why is it so intimidating to start a plant-based diet?
What often comes to mind when we hear “plant-based diet” is that it’s a complete lifestyle change. Others also believe that it’s too expensive or makes it more difficult to eat in restaurants. And there are those who may argue that plant-based meals don’t taste good and won’t give you enough protein and nutrients that your body requires.
All of these are not true! As mentioned before, you don’t have to put a hard stop on eating animal products if you don’t want to, you’d just be consuming them in smaller portions. Almost all restaurants in the world also offer vegan and vegetarian options, and it isn’t impossible to find that one dish that will prove to you that plant-based meals aren’t at all bland-tasting or boring.
Lastly, there are definitely ways you can cost-cut when adopting a plant-based lifestyle. You can hit up local markets to purchase a wide range of affordable and fresh produce. You can also buy in bulk, especially when you’re meal-planning. And finally, you can check which kinds of produce are the most affordable and research different recipes online that use that ingredient!
So really, the only thing stopping you from having a more sustainable lifestyle is your own self. By overcoming these fears and doubts, you can begin your journey to a healthier you and a healthier planet.
What are the benefits of a plant-based diet?
A plant-based diet can bring plenty of health benefits! In the long run, you’d have lower risk of getting chronic diseases such as heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, and cancer. It also significantly helps with managing your weight!
It also is much better for the environment compared to animal products and processed food which make use of a lot of natural resources.
How do I get started?
- Start gradually: Start by lessening the portion sizes of your animal products and processed food and adding more vegetables, legumes, and whole grains in every meal. You can also try going meatless for one meal a day or for one day a week. This will help you slowly ease into the lifestyle instead of diving headfirst into it.
- Incorporate protein-rich ingredients: You can absolutely get enough protein from plant-based sources like quinoa, lentils, chickpeas, asparagus, broccoli, spinach, tofu, and tempeh.
- Plan your meals: Don’t just cook the same meals everyday; research recipes that will let you explore a variety of healthy options so you can ensure you meet your nutritional needs and not get bored with what you eat.
- Consult a nutritionist or dietician: If you’re still hesitant over how this lifestyle change can affect your health, it may help to seek advice from a registered nutritionist/dietician so you can both come up with a nutritional plan that best suits your needs.
Remember: find what works for you!
The secret to having a more sustainable lifestyle is finding what you’re comfortable with so you can be more motivated to commit to the journey. Experiment with recipes, discover new ingredients, and think about how your conscious decision go plant-based will impact your overall wellbeing and that of Mother Earth.
Are you ready to embark on this plant-based journey? What tips can you share?
