Plant-based dieting has become increasingly more popular over the last several years. Although once considered a niche diet for health-conscious extremists—plant based diets are now being embraced by individuals from all walks of life.
Whether it be beyond meat on grocery store shelves or impossible burgers at large scale burger chains—it seems like everyone has been turning to plant-based options as a viable alternative to traditional forms of meat protein sources.
Hi, I’m Sean Torbati. Although plant-based options are nothing new, they’re now more prevalent and accepted than ever before. In previous times plant-based options were generally tasteless and lacked widespread appeal. Now with advanced technology in food sourcing—more people are going plant-based than ever before.
Let’s take a look at why more people are going plant-based in 2021 and beyond.
The Benefits of Plant-Based Diets
Recent evidence has suggested that plant-based eating patterns including the Mediterrean diet and vegetarian diets can provide an array of health benefits to people. Plant-based diets have been shown to have a number of positive health side effects including:
- Reduced risk of heart disease
- Lower chance of metabolic syndrome
- Decreased risk of diabetes
- Decreased risk of cancer
For people looking to lead a longer and healthier life—plant-based diets may be a step in the right direction. With numerous vitamins, minerals, fiber, and a high phytonutrient content—plant-based followers are able to enjoy the benefits of a well-rounded diet while still receiving valuable macronutrients.
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How to Get Started on a Plant-Based Diet
Many people become overwhelmed with the idea of undergoing a new type of diet. They believe such drastic lifestyle changes can be difficult to understand and comprehend. If you’re looking to try a plant-based approach to eating here’s some easy steps you can take:
Although beginning a new diet may seem difficult, you should gradually take the small steps necessary to change your life instead of jumping in with massive changes at once.
What are Some Plant-Based Food Options
People often confuse the terms vegetarian, vegan, and plant-based. While each of them may have overlapping similarities—it's important to recognize the differences between them. Here’s some of the food choices you may find on a plant-based menu including:
- Beans
- Lentils
- Chickpeas
- Quinoa
- Tempeh
- Tofu
- Seitan
- Hummus
- Meat (occasionally or never)
- Avocado
- Avocado oil
- Nuts
- Nut butters
- All fruits and vegetables
- Brown rice
- Oatmeal
- Farro
- Barley
- Dairy (occasionally)
As you can see meal options don’t have to be limited with so many different food choices available to your disposal. If you’re thinking of going plant-based—it doesn’t have to be all in at once. Instead experiment with plant-based meals throughout the day before eventually taking a bigger leap into a more complete diet.
Start Your Plant-Based Diet Today
If you’re thinking of trying a plant-based diet or have questions about how you should approach it—feel free to reach out to me with questions or feedback. Although plant-based diets aren’t necessary for long term health—it can be a solid option for people looking to make positive healthy lifestyle choices.
For more information on how you can live a healthier lifestyle—feel free to contact me with additional questions or concerns. I’m here to help you lead a healthier lifestyle from a physical, mental, and professional perspective.
Kindest regards,
Sean Torbati - PN Certified Nutritionist | EXOS Phase 3 Training Specialist
Co-Founder, Ambrosia Collective
