There have been many recent reports and studies that show a plant-based diet is possibly the healthiest diets we can follow. And it also pays to cut down on dairy products as well. So should you be considering a vegan diet? One thing that worries a lot of people about this way of eating is having to cut out so much product from your diet. You’ll be happy to hear that it isn’t such a big change to make. Especially if you take baby steps and cut out items one by one. To help you change your diet and follow a healthy lifestyle here is our guide to a plant-based diet.
Focus On Whole Grain Carbs
Vegan and other plant-based diets usually require a lot of carbohydrates. This is to provide your body with all the energy that it needs. Before, you could have reduced your carb intake because all the meat-based protein would have also given you a good boost of energy. However, now that you aren’t eating meat, you will need to focus on carbohydrates. Eating too many white, processed carbs can cause you to put on weight and feel sluggish. Instead, try and stick to whole grain pastas and breads.
Eat Beans And Pulses
Beans and pulses are a great source of healthy carbohydrates and fiber. They are fantastic ingredients as they can bulk up your meals to help you fill up. Also packed full of vitamins and minerals, they can keep your body nourished. Not only that, but all the fiber in them helps to keep your digestive system working as it should. Beans and pulses are super diverse. You can add them to stews and casseroles, as well as many different curries and soups!
Find Alternatives
Did you know you can still enjoy chocolate if you are a vegan or following a mainly plant-based diet? You just need to look out for vegan chocolate in the supermarket! In fact, you will be able to find vegan versions of most of your favorite treats and ingredients. As a vegan or someone who just wants to follow a more plant-heavy diet, you need to get used to looking hard for your ingredients. These days it has become a lot easier thanks to many brands that cater to specialist diets. One of these is Hampton Creek in Walmart.
Watch Your Iron Levels
This is the case with most diets, but especially so if you are trying to stick to plants. Most of us will get most of our iron from eating meat. However, this won’t be the case for vegetarians and vegans. Many people who do not eat meat are at a high risk of an iron deficiency. Just make sure you are eating lots of iron-rich foods. Pulses, breads, and fortified breakfast cereals are all rich in iron. Nuts are also a fantastic source of the mineral so be sure to snack on plenty of cashews and almonds throughout the day!
Hopefully, this introduction can help you get going with a plant-based diet!
.
Leave a Reply