Plant-Based Diets: Benefits and Simple Steps to Get Started

The last four years especially have served as a catalyst for positive lifestyle changes for people. Many are looking more seriously at the possibility of leading better lives via cleaner eating and targeted supplementation. On this journey of more conscious consumption, many run into the idea of leading plant-based lifestyles – the practice of consuming all or mostly plants. To determine if the plant-based way is right for you, let’s explore the facts surrounding the benefits of this wholesome lifestyle.

Why Is Plant-Based Eating Healthy?

A diet centered around fruits, vegetables and other plant-based foods may improve energy levels and lifespan.

Eating fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds and grains are healthy because they contain a plethora of nutrients that support healthy function across all bodily systems.

The macronutrients (protein, fat, and carbohydrates) and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) we see on nutrition labels only scratch the surface of a food’s benefits. There also exists phytonutrients and numerous other compounds that make many plant foods “superfoods.” 

Do You Have to Eat Only Plants to Be Plant-Based?

Generally speaking, “plant-based” refers to a lifestyle in which someone eats only or mostly plants.

Another term floating around is “plant-forward”. A plant-forward diet emphasizes whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, seeds and nuts, but it's not limited to those foods. If someone says they’re plant-forward, they may be a vegan, vegetarian or flexitarian.

Simple Steps to Get Started with Plant-Based

1. Set yourself up for success. Don’t plunge into eating fully plant-based all at once. Your taste buds are adjusted to your current way of eating, making you crave those foods. Start with one plant-based meal per day, and slowly increase to three a day over a one- or two-month period.

2. Keep it simple. You’d be surprised at the deliciousness of simplicity. There’s something about a bowl of piping hot oatmeal or a cool, fruit-filled smoothie that never gets old. You can follow challenging recipes when you feel like it (it’s fun), but don’t let it get in the way of your success. Plant-based should not be complex!

3. Don’t focus on the label. Focus on the food! This journey isn’t about being able to label yourself “plant-based” or “plant-forward.” It’s about filling your body with living foods that can transform your life. Forget about the processed, packaged plant foods and head straight to the source – farmers markets and the produce aisle!

4. Focus on environmental health, too! Doing your part can create a deeper connection with your food and the natural world. Plus, a healthy environment helps us all stay healthy! Reducing food waste is a simple action that can have a great effect. In a survey conducted by Herbalife concerning plant-based diets, 40% of respondents said that their food choices are a result of wanting to be more environmentally friendly.