Tips to Understanding Plant-Based Foods & Their Benefits
WHAT DOES PLANT-BASED FOODS MEAN?
Although your current diet almost certainly contains plenty of plants, a plant-based food diet consists of selecting alternatives to traditional animal-based proteins and processed foods that are consumed daily by many. While “Vegan” implies an entire lifestyle centered around animal harm reduction, a plant-based diet can include some animal products like butter or honey and is centered around a health/wellness-based approach.
WHY SHOULD I CARE ABOUT PLANT-BASED FOODS?
People utilize plant-based diets as a preventive life-style approach to staying healthy, and the biggest benefit is for those with chronic diseases. Scientific studies have shown that switching to a plant-based diet can control, reduce, and even reverse chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, rheumatoid arthritis, and weight management. It works to fight inflammation across the body and increase energy levels.
WHAT DOES A PLANT-BASED DIET LOOK LIKE?
Plant-based diets primarily center around whole foods – foods in their natural state that are not severely processed or refined – in the form of fruits, vegetables, legumes (beans), and nuts. Tubers (like potatoes and root vegetables) and whole grain starches (like quinoa, oats, barley) are also typical. Several excellent plant-based protein options, such as peanut butter (no additives), tofu, flaxseed, chia seeds, soymilk, and tahini, are available to help meet your daily protein needs.
WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE?
Best website – www.nutritionFacts.org
Best documentary – The Game Changers (on Netflix)
Best scientific study – The China Study (Google it)
Best book – How Not to Die (also in cookbook form)
Best app – Happy Cow (find plant-based restaurants)
Best local podcast – The Whole Health Cure (from Emory)
Stephanie Connerat
RMA, Emory
Sales Manager, Eat the Frog Fitness Johns Creek