A plant-based diet is explained by what it includes such as vegetables, green leaves, plants, and whole grains. Eating more plants and less meat is becoming more and more popular, not only due to the health benefits but also because of the environmental impact that eating meat has. A plant-based diet enables you to gain optimal energy, loose weight and it even helps prevent disease!
A plant-based diet plays an essential role in the healing process of the body and has been seen as a way of preventing and slowing the development of cancers. The idea that we need animal protein in our nutrition is just not the case. We can get just as much protein through nutritionally rich foods such as chia seeds and walnuts, or quinoa.
It helps with Weight Loss! Saturated fats are found essentially in animal-based products such as meat, cheese, or eggs. By avoiding these foods, we are also avoiding “bad” fats. But, not all fat is bad, there are plenty of great fats to eat in produce like avocado’s which are excellent for the body.
It is also good for the environment! Our voracious appetite for animal protein contributes towards 50% more greenhouse gasses than planes, trains, cars or trucks! Even if you cut down on your meat intake by half, or choose one day of the week when you won’t be eating meat, then you will be making a difference.
Also, you can replace meat with more nutritious foods such as wakame seaweed, which is just as delicious and so much better for your health as well as the environment!
A plant-based diet saves you money! Meat is not cheap, in comparison, whole grains, especially in their uncooked form, are so much less expensive, and with 12 hours soaking, and a bit of cooking they are so filling and versatile. From homemade hummus to super alkalizing puy lentil and pomegranate salad whole grains are the way forward and act as nature’s internal toothbrush for our stomach.
Also shopping at local markets for your fresh produce, and sticking to seasonal products will bring the pounds down even more. Even better, head out and get foraging for some nettles to make this cleansing nettle soup!