once upon a time...i decided to be plant-based Well what the heck does that word mean? Plant-based? Are we saying we are made of plants? Let me put it into easy terms for you all. Someone who lives a plant-based lifestyle chooses to avoid almost all animal-based food products, and instead consumes foods that are derived from vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and fruits. I use the term "almost" because I do know of some plant-based people who do still consume eggs. I would not put this term in the same category as a vegan, however some may disagree, but we are all entitled to our own opinion! The term "plant-based" is generally used pretty loosely meaning it can refer to a vegan to a vegetarian or even a semi-vegetarian who still consumes foods such as eggs.
Me personally, I won't lie there are times that I consume eggs if they are found in baked goods but that's pretty much where I draw the line....besides the occasional pint of ice cream but 9 times out of 10 I go with a cashew or almond milk-based ice cream (now I am craving ice cream...). So back to where we started, what's the deal with plant-based and how does it really work? Maybe you're asking yourself these questions..or maybe not...I might just be wasting your time but please read on! As I stated above, I do occasionally consume eggs but otherwise my diet is pretty simple. An easy way to start developing a plant-based diet (in my personal opinion) is to start with a few set meals that you will consume everyday -- like meal prepping almost. I did this when I first started my plant-based journey. It was less time consuming, easy, affordable, and it made my transition so much better. I made sure to not over-complicate my meals because well then I would have been stuck in this huge mess... but my original meals went like this....
It was pretty easy to follow I must say. This menu of foods lasted me the first month or so of my transition and then I learned about all the crazy, mouth watering meals that other plant-based humans prepare such as zucchini noodles (YUM), avocado toast (YUM), spaghetti squash boats (YUM) and so on..i'll make sure to post all the recipes I have for all of you guys so those who are foreign to this kind of lifestyle can test out these good meals! My daily intake of foods has changed drastically since I first started my plant-based journey. I now focus on getting different nutrients and vitamins into my body such as Omega-3 fatty acids, and iron. Another thing I focus on is balancing my nutrients such as protein. SO MANY athletes believe that since they are so active their diet needs to thrive on protein or they need to carb load the night before a race -- that's not true at all ! A nice balanced diet will give you all the benefits you are looking for and more, without the hassle of worrying if there is enough protein in the pile of black beans on your plate will be enough of an energy supply for your next run or be enough to help recover and repair body tissue. So my tips to you are as following:
Whatever your reason may be for choosing a plant-based diet, more power to you! You're helping the planet and allowing your body to give you the benefits from whole foods that you deserve; what's better than that? Until next time.... Stay green, Amanda
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