HOW TO START A PLANT-BASED DIET
The plant-based diet which has been a trendy term on social media is one such form of diet that is getting recognized worldwide and is something more and more people are trying out. With influencers oozing in and getting their hands on this healthy form of eating, it is something that has moved people and convinced them to get into the plant-based diet. This could be out of total concern for the environment because you might have been consuming a lot of meat or this could just be for better health for yourself or your family. Either way, whatever is the reason, to get started with a plant-based diet firstly needs a clear understanding of what this is and what kind of food groups are you going to consume.
What do you mean by a plant-based diet?
A lot of confusion goes around when you say that you are adopting a plant-based diet. The most common assumption which is made is that veganism and vegetarianism is the same thing and this is what makes it difficult to adopt either kinds of diet. In simple terms, it is neither of those. A plant-based diet is just a simple form of diet which specifically means that you get most of your nutrients from plant sources. You consume fruits and vegetables and also nuts, oils, legumes, whole grains, beans, and other things which are derived mostly from plant sources. Leaving dairy or meat products out of your diet entirely is your choice and, in a plant-based diet, you either eat these meat items in a limited amount or opt for the meat substitutes.
A plant-based diet allows you to have the right kind of flexibility and openness to experiment with your diet and choose the best kind of food items for yourself.
How to start a plant-based diet?
To transition into a plant-based diet suddenly would be a tough task. Also, if you are a beginner and have never tried a plant-based diet it can get a little tiresome and repetitive to have the same kind of food. This is why you need to experiment with the resources that are available in a plant-based diet and check out new recipes to give your tastebuds something new to try out every time you eat healthily. The transitioning process isn’t easy but with the right motivation and mindset, you can achieve it and get healthy.
- RIGHT MINDSET
Getting into a plant-based diet could feel a little draggy and you might start getting unsure of it at times because you will crave junk and think about the food you used to eat and you are missing out on now. plant-based diet has to be started with a clear and positive mindset wherein you sit down and think about all the benefits this type of diet poses in front of you and also how healthy and ethical it is in comparison to the meat and other unhealthy stuff you used to eat.
- FIND YOUR MOTIVATION
Transitioning would be a lot easier if you can always remember why you are switching to this type of diet and why it was important in the first place. Every time you seem out of the place or you are craving a food item that is not in the plant-based diet spectrum, remember how you started and why you started. This will help you get your mind right back on track and focus on eating healthy and not thinking about the junk and other unhealthy sources of food. Your reasons why you switched to a plant-based diet could be anything from maintaining sugar level, or reducing weight, or keeping your heart healthy.
- STOCKING WITH HEALTHY ALTERNATIVES
Grocery shopping is something which is an exciting and fun task especially if you are about to cook something new. Your transition to a plant-based diet could also be termed as something new you are trying out and thus, stocking your pantry with healthy food choices would work. Apart from buying just the boring vegetables and fruits, you can look for healthier options like opting for beans, legumes, herbs, spices, etc. Go for healthy snacks so anytime you crave food, you will have no choice but to finish off the healthy alternatives you paid for.
- MEAL PLANNING AND COOKBOOKS
One of the most fun ways to enjoy a plant-based meal is to try out a new recipe. You can find a lot of online recipes which you can make from the items you stocked in your pantry. This would be a fun job to do and you will also be able to explore new recipes which you can add to a cookbook and surprises your mates. All the plant-based recipes will turn out to be extremely delicious and super-healthy which will be your go-to recipes in no time. Staying organized and also enjoying it is vital.
- TALK TO PEOPLE AND JOIN COMMUNITIES
When you are exploring plant-based diet options, you might come across a lot of pages with blogs that can lead you to communities on social networking sites where people are transitioning and trying out new recipes through those pages or YouTube. Having people around you who are also new to this and giving their best is your top motivation. Consulting a dietician before you begin with a plant-based diet is also a recommended step that will ensure you will stay healthy and you can do this transitioning without any complications.
Transitioning into a plant-based diet isn’t an easy task especially if you used to be an avid meat eater. But with the right kind of push and motivation, nothing is unachievable. To embark on this nutritious journey, you just need a little inspiration, and inculcating the above-mentioned steps in your day-to-day routine will help you out.