Make the Switch to a Plant-Based Lifestyle
By Sara Butler
Every year a lot of people consider making the switch to a plant-based lifestyle. Some do it for health reasons, some for environmental. No matter your reason, becoming a strict vegan right out of the gate may not be a great plan. Instead, you should explore a plant-based diet and see if it’s for you.
What is a Plant-Based Diet?
A plant-based lifestyle doesn’t have to eliminate meat altogether, but what it does do is put an emphasis on consuming fruits and vegetables while minimizing or excluding meat -- the choice is up to you. It’s more than just a fad because there are a lot of proven benefits to a plant-based diet you may be interested in learning more about.
The Point
A plant-based diet isn’t a diet that’s really restrictive. Instead, the aim is to eat more sustainably, more consciously, and more cleanly than you did before. This approach to eating helps people to include more natural and nutrient-packed choices in their diets while exploring new fruits, grains, vegetables, spice and other ingredients along the way.
The Benefits
There are several benefits to your health that can come from a plant-based diet, such as:
- Reduced consumption of saturated fats – Meats and dairy contain saturated fats that can impact your cardiovascular health; reducing them can help you be more heart-healthy
- More fiber – Fruits and vegetables are naturally high in fiber, so you’ll be more satisfied after eating and your digestion will be in good shape
- Lower blood pressure and cholesterol – Reducing or eliminating animal products in your diet will help control dietary cholesterol as well as reduce blood pressure; your heart will thank you
- More energy – A balanced plant-based diet will provide your body with energy, so you’ll feel like you’re ready to tackle each day at your best
- Healthy skin – The Vitamin E and Vitamin A found in many plant-based foods is great for your skin, helping it to heal and keep its elasticity as you get older
- Reduce allergies – For some people, meat, eggs, and dairy cause allergy symptoms that they may not even realize. It’s not uncommon for someone eating plant-based foods to report less congestion and runny noses
There are so many benefits to your health, so educate yourself about a plant-based lifestyle!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Shiloh, Ill.