Benefits of eating a whole food, plant based diet

'You are what you eat'

- a famous saying that holds more truth than we often realize. The food we put into our bodies has a profound impact on our health and well-being. It is up to us to choose wisely what we feed our bodies with. If you are looking to improve your health and live a longer, more fulfilling life, a whole food, plant based diet might just be the answer.

But wait, what exactly is a whole food, plant-based diet?

Simply put, it's a diet that consists primarily of whole, minimally processed plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains and nuts. Processed and animal-based products are limited or avoided altogether.

You might be thinking - 'but where will I get my protein?' Fear not, my friend! There are plenty of plant-based sources of protein, such as beans, lentils, tofu and tempeh. And the bonus? Plant-based protein sources often contain fiber and a host of essential vitamins and minerals, whereas animal based protein sources can be high in saturated fat and cholesterol.

So, why would you consider making the switch to a whole food, plant-based diet? Let's dive into the benefits.

1. Improved heart health

Heart disease is the leading cause of death globally, but a whole food, plant-based diet has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease. This is due to the fact that a diet rich in whole, plant-based foods is low in saturated fat and cholesterol, while also high in fibre, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds. These nutrients work together to improve heart health and reduce the risk of heart disease.

2. Better weight management

It's not a secret that the standard american diet is heavy in processed foods and animal-based products, both of which can lead to weight gain. On the other hand, a diet rich in whole, plant-based foods has been shown to promote weight loss and help maintain a healthy weight. This is due to the fact that plant-based foods are often lower in calories, high in fiber and promote feelings of fullness.

3.Lower risk of chronic diseases

Chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer and autoimmune disorders have been linked to a diet high in processed foods and animal based products. On the other hand, a whole food, plant-based diet has been shown to reduce the chronic diseases by providing essential nutritients and phytochemicals that protect against disease.

4. Improved gut health

The gut is often referred to as the 'second brain' due to its impact on our overall health and well-being. A diet rich in whole, plant-based foods is high in fiber, which promotes the growth of healthy gut bacteria and improves gut health. On the other hand, a diet high in processed foods and animal-based products can disrupt the gut microbiome and lead to digestive issues.

5. Increased energy and improved mood

A diet high in processed foods and animal-based products can leave you feeling sluggish and low on energy, but a whole food, plant-based diet can have the opposite effect. The essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals found in whole, plant-based foods provide sustained energy and improve overall mood.

Making the switch to a whole food, plant-based diet may seem daunting, but it is possible and can have a profound impact on your health and well-being. However, it is important to remember that dietary changes take time and effort, and it is often helpful to work with a nutritionist to ensure that you are getting all the necessary nutrients to support your health and wellness.

It is also important to understand that change takes time, and it is not always easy to make such a drastic shift in your diet. You may struggle with cravings of junk food, find it difficult to meal plan, or feel overwhelmed by the changes you are making. This is where working with a nutritionist can be incredibly beneficial. A nutritionist can help you transition to a whole food, plant-based diet by creating a personalized meal plan, providing support and guidance, and addressing any concerns or challenges that may arise.

When transitioning to a whole food, plant-based diet, it's important to be patient and gentle with yourself. Don't try to change everything overnight - instead, focus on adding more plant-based foods to your diet and reducing your intake of processed and animal-based products. You might also find it helpful to join a community of like-minded individuals who are on the same journey as you, as support and encouragement can make all the difference.

In conclusion, a whole food, plant-based diet can bring about numerous health benefits and improve your overall quality of life. While making the switch may seem daunting, working with a nutritionist and taking things one step at a time can make the transition much smoother and more successful. So why not give it a try and see how it can positively impact your life?

In the end, it all comes down to making a choice - do you want to be a Big Mac and fries or a basked of ripe, juicy berries? The choice is yours. But remember, you are what you eat, so choose wisely.