We live in a century where everything we eat, see and do has passed through a process that eliminates what’s natural about it.
There are 9.7 million American vegans according to a 2022 study from Ipsos Retail Performance.
The American plant-based population has been increasing throughout the years reaching new heights in 2022.
We have begun changing our perspective on the meat industry and how it not only affects animals and the planet, it affects us, people, as well.
We are on a journey to teach and educate people on the importance of eating what nature has to offer.
PLANTS. PLANTS. PLANTS!
Plants are not just a big source of energy for the planet but it has taught us that they can help improve our digestive system, reduce inflammation, clear our skin, boost our mood and so many more.
We like to call it the power of plants because they really do what the title says.
By saying plants people automatically think of eating plain grass like cows, but have you wondered how the strong animals on the planet feed on nature?
Plant-based eating patterns focus primarily on everything that comes from the land… vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, seeds, and nuts.
You are choosing more of your food mainly from plant sources.
When transforming your eating habits it’s important to consider your personal genetics, activity level, medical conditions, and most importantly nutritional deficiencies.
Plant Based diets offer the necessary needs for optimal health, protein, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals, and lots but lots of fiber!
Plants are powerful but you have to be wise in choosing what to eat, and getting the sufficient levels of vitamins and minerals from B12- Omega 3 fatty acids your body requires.
Do You Want To Start Eating Plant-Based?
Some tips to get you started (always consult with your doctor before changing your eating patterns) :
1. Eat a lot of vegetables
They are the prime source of vitamins and minerals your body needs.
They made seem small but are the prime source of body functions.
Fill half your plate during lunch and dinner with vegetables.
Make sure you include the RainBow (vegetables with plenty of colors).
You can also enjoy vegetables as a snack (carrots and hummus are my go-to) or make your favorite salsa (habanero, mango, chives, and cilantro make the best salsa for dipping).
2. Choose good fats
This doesn’t include fried potato chips.
Opt for fats in olive oil, nuts and nut butter, seeds, and my favorite of all time…avocado!
They are a great ally for maintaining a healthy heart and cholesterol.
3. Include whole grains
Whole grains have been in the human diet for many years and should still be since they are high in fiber helping you feel full and satisfied.
Many diets have banned whole grains claiming they are bad for your health when they actually help lower the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and lower blood pressure.
What actually causes health problems are refined grains but in this section, we are thanking whole grains for their existence.
Some examples of whole grains include quinoa, amaranth, oats, and many more.
Even though they are really good for your health they are not for everybody especially people with IBS, celiac disease, and gluten sensitivity.
Don’t be afraid to incorporate whole grains into your daily diet, it will help your digestive health and improve health and longevity.
4. Greens. Greens and more Greens
When I say greens I don’t mean drinking green powder.
Greens mean eating every vegetable that nature has given us with the obvious color.. green!
They are low in calories yet very high in fiber and vitamins.
From my point of view the greens take the winning title, this includes kale, spinach, arugula, and chard.
Whether you prefer eating them in a salad, blended in a dressing, or smoothie it’s the same, just make sure you eat them whole not in a juice since juicing eliminates the fiber in it.
Greens help with your brain function, combat bloating, clears your skin make it more glowy, support bone health, and promote longevity, and these are just to name a few. Greens give us superpowers to our health.
5. Eat fruit
There is no more satisfying than eating fresh fruit in a hot summer or a cinnamon cook apple in winter.
They are an excellent source of essential vitamins and minerals and are very high in fiber.
Throughout the years people have demonized fruits such as bananas and mango, but why if they are so powerful, DON’T BE AFRAID TO EAT FRUIT, of course, they have sugar but it’s natural sugar, why do you drink beverages with fake sugar provides us with no nutrients instead of eating a whole piece of fruit that does give us the nutrients we need.
They provide us with a wide range of antioxidants and flavonoids (it has an anti-inflammatory effect on our body).
Eating a diet high in fruits and vegetables reduces our chances of developing heart disease, inflammation, and diabetes.
6. Change the way you think about meat
I’m not saying to crucify meat or talk bad about it when surrounding yourself with people who don’t share the same mindset as you.
Big changes are made with small steps don’t try to eliminate them when you are so used to eating meat.
Take baby steps, and use the meat as a garnish, not as the main dish.
When opting for a change in your eating pattern make sure you are making that change for yourself and not to prove something to the world or following a trend.
When it comes to health it’s important to prioritize yours above everything, it’s the one thing we are allowed to be selfish about.
Invest in yourself and I don’t mean spend all your money on “healthy packed chips” try to eat as clean and whole as you can, yes, you are allowed to be flexible most of the time, in life, everything is about balance and making sure you feel good with yourself and your health.
Health is measured by how you feel on the inside!
