Centennial, CO

Have you wondered if you should eat more plant-based foods? Here are some reasons why you should consider it.

Plant-based means food that comes from plants and doesn’t contain animal ingredients such as meat, milk, or eggs.  For those concerned about eliminating a major food group, plant-based diets offer all the necessary protein, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals for optimal health, and are often higher in fiber and phytonutrients. The one nutrient that might need to be supplemented is vitamin B12 since its most common source is animal products.

Eating more plant foods and cutting out unhealthy items like added sugars and processed foods can have numerous health benefits including reducing the risk of certain cancers (specifically colon, breast, and prostate cancer), metabolic syndrome, obesity, diabetes,  heart disease, decrease depression, and even improve mental function.

Areas called “Blue Zones” are geographical areas where the life expectancy is on average 10 years longer than the average Americans, more people live over 100 than any other area.  One of the elements they have in common is that people eat 95% of their food from plants or plant sources. WOW! Makes you think twice about eating all your vegetables for dinner. 

So how do you start eating more plants?!? Luckily, during the summer months our appetites are not as big. Our hypothalamus (not our stomach) tries to suppress the appetite. This is why we don’t feel hungry in the summers! It is a perfect time of year to go more plant-based. According to Michael Pollan, “Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants.”

  1. Start with breakfast – it is an easier meal to take the meat out. Try avocado or sweet potato toast. Gluten free oatmeal or overnight oats with berries also makes a filling breakfast.    
  2. Then pick a few plant based meals to incorporate each week. Meatless Monday?
  3. Next, go more plant-based with your lunch. A nice large salad with tons of veggies will help keep you full.
  4. Pay attention to how you are feeling. A more plant-based diet may not be right for you based on your genetics, so you will need to determine if you need more animal protein.

    Check out more plant-based recipes over on our Pinterest Board – https://pin.it/tc5sbstitmim3v

    Forks Over Knives is a great app that has plant-based recipes. Download for free here – https://www.forksoverknives.com/app/#gs.hdjwdr

And remember if you need any support please let me know! Just call to schedule a meeting with me. 303-619-0499

In Health and Happiness,

Maddie

Sources:

  • https://michaelpollan.com/reviews/how-to-eat/
  • https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/what-is-a-plant-based-diet-and-why-should-you-try-it-2018092614760
  • https://www.forksoverknives.com