The Importance of Plant-Based Eating
I’m sure you’ve heard plenty of people talk about plant-based eating; why it’s important, why you should do it, and ways you can achieve it. You might hear it and pass it off as unimportant information that doesn’t apply to you, but now more than ever it definitely does. In this post I’m going to share with you what it means to eat plant-based and why it’s so fundamentally important.
What does it mean to eat plant-based?
By definition, eating plant-based means that the focus of your diet is on (mostly unprocessed) fruits, vegetables, nuts, grains, legumes, seeds, oils and beans. While focusing on eating primarily those things, you also aim to eliminate all animal products such meat, poultry, eggs and dairy. While many people think that plant-based eating means strictly eliminating animal products completely from your life, the idea of plant-based eating is more to fill your diet and lifestyle with mostly the things mentioned above and avoid or at least reduce animal products in your everyday diet and lifestyle.
Animal products and meat have become such a staple piece of diets over the course of history. Many people believe that the best meal is based around a meat, with a side of vegetables and maybe a carbohydrate or grain. That may be the “norm” and what so many of us have been conditioned to believe is healthiest, it’s not the only way. There are so many misconceptions about diet and animal products that need to be debunked in order for plant-based living to become normalized.
Here are a few of the misunderstandings about plant-based eating:
Meat is the only good source of protein
Humans have eaten meat for all of time, so therefore there is no problem
Eating meat and animal products is not that bad for the environment
Eating plant-based deprives your body of nutrients that it needs
Not only are those “facts” untrue, they are also inhibiting people from feeling encouragement and justified in their plant-based eating. It is uncomfortable to go against the grain, especially when people are throwing information at you that makes your decision feel “less than”. I am here to tell you the true facts about plant-based eating and WHY it is a good choice for you and our environment.
Why should you consider plant-based eating?
There are countless reasons to switch to a plant-based diet. The benefits stretch from improving your health, to saving our planet and everything in between. But in an effort to make a long story short I’m going to share the primary ones with you here.
It’s better for your health.
Don’t believe me? It’s time to do a little research.
A plant based diet may…
Reduce your blood pressure
Many studies have shown that people who eat a plant-based diet are less likely to suffer from high blood pressure, which in turn prevents them from suffering developing other ailments such as hypertension and Type 2 diabetes. For more studies and facts about a carnivorous diet and the effects on blood pressure, read more here.
Keep your heart healthy
Truth be told, meat contains saturated fat, which if ingested in excess can lead to numerous heart problems. By reducing your meat intake or eliminating meats all-together, you are reducing your risk for cardiovascular disease and truly saving your life in the long-run. Beyond that, you also should focus on the things you DO eat and their effects on your health. Be intentional about the foods and produce that you put into your body including fruits, veggies, grains and legumes. Plant-based diets are not all created equal.
Prevent Type 2 diabetes
It’s no secret that there is a direct link between diet and Type 2 diabetes. There are things you can avoid in order prevent it, and foods to focus on eating to do the same. What diet is best? Studies show that a plant-based diet is best to try and avoid Type 2 diabetes, as well as maintain if you already have Type 2 diabetes. Plants are lower in saturated fats, just like I stated above, which promotes lower cholesterol which in turn prevents one from developing Type 2 diabetes.
It’s better for the planet.
If you are anything like me, you are constantly looking for ways to save and heal our planet. Sustainability is at the forefront of my lifestyle and I am always trying to know better and DO better. Focusing on transportation, eliminating single-use plastic, switching and ditching household items and recycling clothing are all great ways to contribute to the efforts of saving our environment. But one that often gets overlooked is our diet and food production.
The meat and agriculture industry emit more greenhouse gases than any other force in the world, including transportation. Between raising livestock, manure deterioration, deforestation and use of fertilizer; the meat production industry is responsible for releasing copious amounts of gases such as methane, CO2, and nitrous oxide. Those gases lead to climate change and global warming.
The beauty of all of this information we now have, thanks to the internet, is that we can act accordingly. After reading staggering facts and terrifying scientific information, it would be nearly impossible to NOT make a change. And statistics do show that if we all made an effort to change our diet and lifestyle, it would have a huge positive impact on our planet.
“Livestock alone account for more than 14% of global greenhouse gas emissions, and by 2050 the food sector could account for half if cuts are implemented in other sectors along the lines that countries have committed to doing. A vegan or vegetarian diet could cut those emissions by 70% and 63%, respectively.” This article from Time shows how much change could be made if we changed our lifestyle long-term. The facts are there, and the evidence is undeniable. So, what is stopping you?
Plant-based or bust
As you have now learned here, the benefits of eating plant-based start within, but create change on a grand scale as well. The benefits to a plant-based diet are countless and pack a big punch and THAT is why I encourage you to focus your diet on being as plant-forward as possible!
Not only will your body thank you, but so will our planet. If you have any questions regarding a plant-based diet or need easy and yummy recipe ideas – I’m your girl! Click here for some of my favorite plant-based meals and subscribe below to follow along on my path through health, wellness and sustainability.