Looking closely at our life-style, very often people ask us if we are vegetarians or vegans. We swiftly answer plant-based. What does plant-based mean? In the following few paragraphs we intend to bring you closer to the meaning, benefits and reasons of becoming plant-based food advocates.

Plant based eating is considered entirely of foods that come simply from plants – preferably organic certified. In more details, plant based eating consists of consuming fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, seeds and legumes – no animal products, no eggs and no honey.

Over the last few years, plant based eating has become a popular eating style across the world and people are finding it more convenient to eat more plants and less or no meat at all as in our case. Unlike vegan and vegetarian diets which are defined by what they exclude, plant-based diets are determined by what they include; plenty of plant foods.

Plant-based eating includes more veggies, beans, fruits, lentils, peas, and whole grains seeds and nuts instead of processed foods and animal products. The plant-based nourishment has been found to cure many conditions for example acne, lower heart disease, maintain weight, strengthen the immune system and in general keep the body in a healthy and positive state of mind. If you are yet to make a switch, the best time is now.

Plant based eating lets you meet your nutritional needs by consuming natural and minimally or no processed foods. They are higher in phytonutrients and fiber and also provide the necessary carbohydrates, protein, minerals, healthy fats, and vitamins for optimal health.

In other words, plant based eating provides all spectrum of the necessary nourishing matter for your body to build cell tissue, detoxify and to regenerate.

 How to get started with plant-based diet

Millions of people are willing to switch to plant based eating and take full advantage of the great benefits but they have no idea where to start from. If you are one of them, this article will give you enough evidence and reasons to go ahead with your transition to a better, more conscious and healthier life.

Our road to becoming plant-based have been paved with encountering health issues and significant financial constrains that allowed us at one point in our lives to afford only raw fruits, vegetables, and selected nuts.

Both of us quickly noticed that consuming only unprocessed fruit, vegetables and nuts, in a span of a few weeks, most of our health issues dissolved on its own without taking any medication. Our energy level increased, our moods improved, we lost significant amount of unhealthy weight and the clarity of thinking has become beyond recognition.

In order to make the healthy paradigm shift in your journey to a plant-based healthier living, start with:

Implementing and consuming vegetables – whether its lunch or dinner, enjoy a half-filled plate of vegetables. Choose different colors of vegetables depending on your personal preferences. You can as well enjoy them as a snack with salsa, hummus or guacamole.

Change your perception about meat – plant-based eating is all about eating more of plant and less of meat. If you can, avoid meat completely or consume in smaller amounts as a garnish.

Choose good fats – make it your responsibility to consume healthy fats such as those in olive oil, nuts, and nut butter, olives, avocados and seeds.

Include whole grains for your breakfast – Start your day with a healthy breakfast that consists of whole grains such as quinoa, oatmeal, barley, or buckwheat, then add some seeds or nuts and fresh fruits.

Keep greens closer to your heart – There are some varieties of green leafy vegetables which you can eat every day. They include swiss chard, kale, spinach and collards among others greens. If you’d want to preserve their nutrients and flavor, ensure that you eat them raw or steam it.

Ensure that your meal plays around a salad – If you want to change your eating lifestyle, fill a bowl with salad greens such as spinach, romaine lettuce or red leafy greens. You can as well take your game to a higher level by adding an assortment of other different vegetables along with beans, fresh herbs peas or tempeh.

Consume fruit for dessert – eat fruits such as watermelon, apple or peach to satisfy your craving for sweats.

Grow your own organic vegetables – if you have space in your backyard, we advise that you grow your own fruits and vegetables. there is nothing more nourishing than food grown by you for you.

In a nutshell, it is without a doubt that one of the most powerful steps anyone can take to prevent chronic illnesses, boost energy levels, and improve health is by shifting to a plant-based eating habits. It can be hard at first but when you get used to, it will become your second nature and you will become healthy and happy. Isn’t that what we all want?

To Your Health,

Danuta and Vitoldus