5 Tips to Keep in Mind When You Switch to Plant-Based Diet
By Nmami Agarwal 19-Feb 2020 Reading Time: 5 Mins
Plant-based diet has gained much momentum in recent years. Plant-based diet does not only mean a diet that is dependent on greens but it means that you should opt for more proportions of plant-based products than the dairy products. A plant-based diet not only includes vegetables and fruits but it is also jam-packed with nuts, seeds, oil, whole grains, beans and much more. A plant-based diet is healthy and it slashes down the risk of many diseases from your life.
In the iconic book named The China Study, it was proven that a plant-based diet can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, certain types of cancer, and other major illnesses.
Plant-based diet also contributes to more energy, reduced inflammation, and better health outcomes after making the switch.
If you have recently opted for a plant-based diet, here are some tips you will find useful:
Abandoning meat and processed food: The first and foremost step to start with the plant-based diet is to cut on the meat and processed food like frozen meat. Stop consuming animal diet. It may be difficult to change your diet to a plant one but you’ll get along with it. Simple steps will lead you to take the plant-based diet ahead like consider adding a large portion of veggies and fruits in the diet. A bowl of salad would be a good start for now. Cut the dairy and meat products you don’t like anyway.
Slow and steady wins the race: Make a plan on how to take the plant-based diet, start with adding all the meals that are plant-based and try it for a week or so. It’s a process that will take time but will happen eventually if you are determined for it. Pick your favourite plant-based foods and add to your daily routine, once you get the hang of it, will help you stay firm in the long run.
Go for greens: In today’s time, people tend to miss out on the importance of greens and how beneficial they are for the immune system. Greens help and boost your immune system and make you more active than usual. While you opt for a plant-based diet, you should always add more and more greens to your meal. Try a variety of leafy veggies like spinach, Swiss chard, kale, broccoli and lettuce.
Pick fruit as dessert: Dessert is one important part of the meal, so let there be fruits instead of dessert. Fruits will work as a great substitute for desserts and it will also cut down the sugar and dairy intake. A ripe juicy peach, crisp watermelon or a crisp apple will satisfy your cravings for something sweet. If you are opting for a plant-based diet, then cutting back on the dairy desserts is the key.
Stock up on healthy foods: Take your time to explore what all veggies and fruits are available around. You can cook plant-based snacks at home like smoothies, vegetable chips and much more. Stock up on snacks like butter-free popcorns, chickpeas, homemade nutty bars and a handful different types of seeds. Stop consuming fried snacks and opt for plant-based ones like kale chips, pumpkin seeds and different types of nuts.
Over To You
Try to keep these tips in your mind while you are opting for a plant-based meal and you are all set to slay this diet with proper nutrition.