Are you considering a major diet change? Here is your sign to take the plunge and commit to a plant-based diet. There are so many reasons why you should! To save you a bit of time, we’ve summed it up for you.
The health benefits
Plants are high in fiber and antioxidants that are great for you.
Fibre rich foods improve the health of your gut so you are better able to absorb the other nutrients from food that support your immune system and reduce inflammation. It can also lower cholesterol and stabilise blood sugar and it’s great for good bowel management.
Antioxidants are good for you as they help neutralise free radicals that are linked to heart disease and certain cancers in our bodies to boost overall health.
Research has shown that individuals with a plant-based diet are at a lower risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes and some mental health illnesses, to name a few.
It's better for the planet
Did you know that animal products are responsible for up to 75% of total greenhouse gas emissions from food production?
Greenhouse gas emissions cause climate change, contributes to extreme weather, wildfires, droughts and food supply disruptions.
Researchers have projected that vegan and vegetarian diets have the potential to have the greatest reductions in greenhouse-gas emissions.
Simply put, raising livestock requires more amounts of resources while producing more carbon emissions compared to growing and distributing plants.
It makes you happy!
The nutrients in plant-based foods are high in antioxidants, which can help to repair damage and decrease inflammation in brain cells that can reduce your risk of depression and other mental health illnesses.
They are also high in phytochemicals that can act as natural antidepressant, resulting in a happier mindset.
By choosing plant-based foods over animal products, you're reducing your impact on the planet, eliminating the suffering of animals and caring for your body, which will help you feel good about your life and choices.
New to all of this? Here are some tips that can help with the transition.
- Start small and swap out at least one meal a day with a completely plant-based recipe and slowly increase this as you get more comfortable with the different food alternatives.
- Eat less meat! Fill half your plate with vegetables at meal times (make sure to include plenty of colours in your veg choices) and swap out your usual snacks with fruits and other plant-based options.
- You don’t have to completely forgo your favourite foods. Keep your meals fun and enjoyable by focusing on foods and ingredients you know you like and ones that are easily accessible to you.
Our Favourite Plant-based Recipes
Going plant-based might feel scary to you right now, but the good news is it only takes up to four weeks to see the results of a plant-based diet on your health so you’ll be feeling fitter and happier in no time.
To help you get started, have a look at our favourite plant-based recipes below.
