You’ve probably heard of the Atkins diet, the paleo diet, the South Beach diet, and the vegan diet. Each diet has its own set of rules and restrictions, but some diets don’t actually feel like a diet at all. When you begin a plant-based vegan diet and remove all meat and dairy products from your plate, you aren’t counting calories or counting carbohydrates like a lot of diets require, but are instead enjoying as much food as you wish. These foods just happen to be a lot healthier for you while also providing other amazing health benefits as well.
The Standard American Diet consists of quick and convenient foods, but is responsible for causing a wide range of health problems such as diabetes and obesity. The Standard American Diet consists of fast food, processed foods, sugar, ice cream, sodas, candy, and red meat, which are foods that can cause inflammation in the body. Inflammation can cause aches and pains or even diseases such as cancer. By switching to a plant-based diet, you can greatly reduce your risk of diabetes, obesity, heart disease, cancer, or other life-threatening medical conditions.
A plant-based diet focuses on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, legumes, and starchy vegetables. Plant-based proteins such as tofu, tempeh, and seitan can also be consumed and prepared to resemble your favorite traditional dishes. Dairy products are sometimes more difficult for people to give up than the meat itself, but there are plenty of soy, rice, or nut-based milks and cheeses to choose from.
It can be difficult starting a new diet at first, especially a diet that excludes many of the foods you enjoyed while growing up, but the transition is much easier than you may think. Start by eliminating meat from your diet for a week or two, and then work on eliminating the dairy next. The transition will be much easier if you take your time and don’t overwhelm yourself.
For the first few weeks, try making recipes that can easily be made meatless. Meals that are easiest to make plant-based are spaghetti with red sauce, bean and vegetable chili, tacos or fajitas with beans and vegetables, or burgers made with plant-based whole foods. Brown rice or quinoa are great go-to grains when you’re running low on time.
Thankfully, there are plenty of cookbooks and websites available to help you during the transition to a plant-based diet. Cookbooks such as the Happy Herbivore, The 30-Day Vegan Challenge, and Chloe’s Kitchen all help to provide you with recipes that taste just like the food you have always enjoyed.
If you would like support and assistance during your transition to healthier eating, Premier Health Chiropractors can help! Chiropractic care can help you to feel your very best while providing support during the transition to a healthier lifestyle. Contact Premier Health Chiropractors today and see what our experienced and licensed chiropractors can do for you and your family.