Keto, paleo, raw: The evolving spectrum of on-trend diets can make you feel like a teen navigating handbag shapes. Though the plant-based movement, dare we say revolution, is gaining recognition because limiting animal-derived foods is not only good for you, it’s good for the environment. Plant-based foods are less taxing on our natural resources, thereby reducing your carbon footprint, saving water and animal life.
Following a plant-based diet is not only good for you, it’s good for the environment.
Plant-based foods have loads of nutritional benefits too. The right selection of plant-derived foods decrease the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and can help with stress and weight loss. Additionally, many proteins found in meat can be found in plants, which reduces bad cholesterol. In Happy Healthy Home’s podcast, Healthy Benefits of a Plant-Based Diet, we review how this is not a diet, as diets can be a set up for failure, but more of a lifestyle. Overly processed foods should be omitted over fresh options. Crowd your plate with the good stuff. By filling up on nutritionally-dense options found in fruits, vegetables and whole-grains, you’ll be less likely to have a triggered moment. Enjoy what you are eating rather than not eating.
Eating more plants includes vegetables, fruits, grains and limiting processed foods traipses into Mediterranean territory. The traditional foods of these coastal regions emphasize with hefty portions of vegetables along with grains, herbs and fish with meat in moderation. Protein can be found in legumes, beans and nuts. Fresh is emphasized, thus shop regularly, spend time in the produce aisle, buy local and when able, choose organic, which has a higher level of nutrients, tastes better, and maintains healthy soil.
Buy Organic! Especially those on the Environmental Working Group (EWG) 2020 Dirty Dozen List:
Strawberries
Spinach
Kale
Nectarines
Apples
Grapes
Peaches
Cherries
Pears
Tomatoes
Celery
Potatoes
Resources:
Liquid soap: Compagnies de Provence
Colander: Reston Lloyd
