YES! You can!
I started moving towards a more plant-based diet earlier this year. In full disclosure, I’m not fully plant-based today, I’ve had periods of being more plant based than others.
I made my decision because I was trying to see if moving to a less inflammatory diet would help my headaches. I truly believe it was helpful in decreasing the frequency and debility I was experiencing.
There are many other reasons to consider switching to a plant based diet.
A plant-based diet has been shown to:
- Improve nutrient intake
- Decrease mortality from all causes
- May reduce the risk of coronary heart disease by estimated 40% and cerebral vascular disease by 29%
- Reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome by 1/2
- Reverse atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)
- Decrease blood lipids
- Decrease blood pressure
What is it?
A plant-based diet is a diet based in nothing from animal products. A vegetarian diet is slightly less rigid and typically allows eggs and dairy.
So, how do you start? Like anything, you start
There are sooooo many resources for beginning a plant based journey, and it does require research. If you are going to be strictly plant-based, and not vegetarian, you will need a vitamin B12 supplementation.
If you click the link, there are several other links to information on how to get started on your own. It takes a good deal of research on nutrition and matching nutrients. You want to make sure you are getting enough essential amino acids per day, and enough nutrients–you can’t just eat rice and potatoes–not healthful!
One thing I have done is invested in meal prep. It let’s me try different flavors and takes some of the stress off as I transition. My meal prep person is AMAZING!! If you’re in the Houston area and reading this, consider contacting Julia of The JuJuProducts for amazing vegan meals. You can also look for a healthy vegan meal prep in your area as you continue to try your own vegan recipes.
You can start with Meatless Mondays and transition to more meatless days, or rip the bandaid off and go for it. The goal is to make a change in the right direction. Honestly, the right way, is the way that works for you and your lifestyle!
Thank you for the session!
🙂
So excited to connect with you!
Mutual!
Awesome and encouraging! I have realized during Covid the block in moving toward more plant based isn’t my desire or willingness, it’s habit and years of self soothing with the WRONG foods. I am trying to step out and try new recipes as well as ways of doing. Thank you for your continued, uplifting education.
You don’t have to be totally plant-based–more plants will do 🙂
Any healthy change helps!
You can do it!!
Thank you Dr. Sims for this Post and sharing Chef JuJu’s creativity on Vegan Food and Drinks.
Thank you for sharing your gift with the world! Truly amazing!