How to Feel Your Best with a Plant Based Diet
Plant-focused diets are on the rise for the simple fact that they are the healthiest lifestyle.
Now before we continue I need to clarify that my personal view of Plant Based includes a small portion of animal proteins - but I believe focusing on plants is the key to not only gut health but overall health which is why I personally have become focused on filling my plate with plants and why I had to share this article on Health By Candice.
Okay now that I got that off my chest - Let’s continue
While some may beg to differ, the science continues to back up the claims that plant-based is best. Especially compared to typical western diets that rely heavily on processed food, meats, cheeses, and oil. These components in combination can cause numerous health issues, lethargy, obesity, and even death.
Thankfully, for those suffering from the Standard American Diet, there is a simple clean way to reverse side effects and get your health back.
Why Incorporate a Plant-Based Diet?
We have touched briefly on why the Standard American Diet is typically unhealthy and causes many issues, but let’s delve into how a Plant-Based Diet can benefit you.
Plant-Based diets focus on protein and nutrition derived from plants such as nuts, seeds, grains, legumes, and more.
In addition to eating a great number of fruits and vegetables, plant-based protein carries a wide variety of vitamins and minerals that will increase anti-inflammatory properties, autoimmune wellness, heart health, hormonal health and promotes a balanced diet.
A Plant Based Diet also decreases risks of heart attack, stroke, diabetes, obesity, and some cancers. If you want to reverse heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and promote healing a Plant-Based Diet could be the key.
Incredible Benefits
The benefits of a Plant-Based Diet don’t stop at reversing disease or increasing quality of life. Other benefits include:
● Improved Gut Health
● Reduction in Chronic Disease Risk
● Healthful Skin, Hair, and Nails
● Substantial Weight-loss
● Detox
● Reducing Green House Gases
● Ecologically Friendly
● Ethical Choice for Animals
Depending on which of these benefits you choose, know that you will be reaping serious benefits whether you are doing it for the animals, to save the planet, or to change your lifestyle. Plant-Based Diets are not as exclusive as one might think.
Easy Substitutes
For those out there wonder just what does a person eat if not meat and dairy? Well, I’m here to tell you there are TONS of other options for healthy recipes.
● Jackfruit
Jackfruit is a large (and I mean LARGE) fruit that comes from Malaysia. The fruit itself weighs several pounds and can be extremely difficult to butcher due to the sticky sap. If you prefer the easy way, purchase canned jackfruit in brine at your local Asian food market. Jackfruit is delicious in pulled “pork” recipes, stir-fry, tacos and more!
● Aquafaba
This strange word is actually just a term for the water left in a can of chickpeas. Auquafaba serves as an egg substitute in baking recipes and can be whipped up to make tasty treats like meringue and chocolate mousse.
● Nutritional Yeast
With a rich, cheesy flavor, it can be added to pasta sauce, popcorn, vegetable dishes, and more. Incorporating the affectionately named “Nooch” once a day is a natural way to get B-12 in your diet without supplements.
● Coconut, Almond, and Oat Milks
Depending on your preference or what you might be making, each milk alternative has a place. Almond milk is great for cereal or smoothies, while Oatmilk is extremely rich and creamy, so it works best for soups, lattes, and ice cream. Canned coconut milk makes whipped cream when refrigerated for a lovely topping.
● Seitan
You can either make or purchase seitan and both make the meatiest meat substitute you will ever encounter. Some even bleed with the addition of beet juice.
● Lentils
Making lentils is a great source of protein and a wonderful substitute for burgers, sausage, and “meat” loaf. Packed with fiber, make sure you soak these guys before use.
● Cashews
If you plan to make cheese sauces and cream based dishes, make sure you have soaked cashews at the ready. Soaked cashews or boiled cashews make a thick “cheese” sauce a reality with just a blender.
● Textured Vegetable Protein
TVP can be purchased at most health food stores and adds a pop of protein to sloppy joes, spaghetti sauce, and more!
● Chickpea Tofu
For a non-soy based tofu, chickpea tofu is easy to make and is full of protein for an extra delicious meal.
● Falafel
A popular Middle Eastern dish made from chickpeas, fresh herbs, and spices that are formed into balls and fried, Falafel is a delight for any menu.
● Rice Paper Bacon
Made with a combination of liquid smoke, seasonings, and baked rice paper, it’s like an art project that produces a delicious outcome.
Simple Meal Plan
For a simple meal plan to get started try this 3 day menu.
Day 1
Breakfast: Oatmeal and berries
Lunch: Vegetable sandwich and air fried potatoes
Snack: Strawberries with vegan chocolate chips
Dinner: Spaghetti and lentil balls
Day 2
Breakfast: Green smoothie and half a bagel with avocado
Lunch: Rice paper rolls and peanut sauce
Snack: Popcorn and curry powder
Dinner: Rice and bean burritos with chips and fresh salsa
Day 3
Breakfast: Chickpea flour omelette with spinach, onion and tomato
Lunch: Jackfruit taco salad with creamy avocado dressing
Snack: Veggies and hummus
Dinner: Simple spinach and potato curry with basmati rice and cilantro
I love to experiment with my outlook on nutrition and have recently really been called to lean into plant based living - I know for myself I will not entirely cut out animal protein and that’s okay! I think what is important for this culture is to allow people, us, to create our own unique hybrid that works best for our bodies. I hope this article inspired you to make your plate a little more colorful
With love, Candice