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About the plant based diet, There is no one right way to eat for everyone. We are all different and what works for one person may not work for the next. However, with more and more people choosing to follow a vegan lifestyle I hope this plant-based eating blog will be of interest.
How to Enjoy The Plant-based Diet
The extent to which plant-based sources can provide excellent sources of nutrition is endless. With a balanced vegan diet, you can help yourself become the healthiest version of yourself. For those starting Veganuary this month, these minimally processed substitute animal products can be seen as ideal replacements.
Tofu and tempeh:
versatile protein-rich alternatives to meat, fish, poultry, and eggs.
Legumes:
Beans, lentils, and peas are excellent sources of many nutrients.
Nuts and nut kinds of butter:
Most nuts are good sources of iron, fiber, magnesium, zinc, selenium and vitamin E with almonds, walnuts, and pistachios the most nutritious varieties.
Seeds:
Hemp, chia, and flaxseeds are also sources of protein and omega-3 fatty acids Alpha Linoleic Acid (ALA). That Protein I Heart Pumpkin and Chia Seeds Super Protein is an excellent source of ALA.
Calcium-fortified plant milk and yogurts:
To achieve your recommended daily allowance of calcium, opt for fortified varieties with vitamins B12 and D.
Algae:
Spirulina chlorella is sources of complete protein that aren’t animal-based, they have added a bonus of containing Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA), the most active Omega-3 fatty acid.
Whole grains:
Spelled, amaranth, brown rice protein and quinoa (technically a seed) are all great sources of complex carbs, fiber, iron, B-vitamins and are extraordinarily high in protein.
Sprouted and fermented plant foods:
Tempeh, miso, sauerkraut, and kimchi all contain probiotics and vitamin K2.
Fruits and vegetables:
Leafy greens such as spinach, kale, and bok choy are both unusually high in iron, calcium and other vital nutrients.
WHAT ARE THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF A PLANT-BASED DIET?
Plant-based diets have an array of health benefits including a 15% lower risk of developing or dying from cancer, reducing symptoms of arthritis and reduced risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
Those that follow a plant-based diet also tend to be slimmer than those who don’t, with studies demonstrating vegans have a lower body mass index (BMI) than non-vegans. This lower BMI trend may be caused by a higher dietary fiber with a vegan diet intake which can make you feel fuller.
For such health benefits to come to fruition, a well-planned diet that limits processed foods and embraces organic and nutrient-rich ones is crucial. Those who follow poorly planned plant-based diets – just as with poorly planned omnivore diets – are at risk of individual nutrient deficiencies. These include a significantly higher risk of having inadequate levels of vitamin B12, vitamin D, omega-3s, iodine, iron, calcium, and zinc.
These nutritional requirements are particularly necessary for children and pregnant women as development can be hindered through dietary deficiencies. There are however particular elements that every plant-based diet should be aware of.
5 POTENTIAL PLANT-BASED NUTRITIONAL DEFICIENCIES
Protein
A common concern amongst plant-based diets is a lack of sufficient protein. Higher protein diets promote muscle strength and satiety. Protein is, of course, vital for muscle and bone health but also for our cellular structure, even affecting our skin and hair. With about 20% of the human body made up of protein and as our bodies don’t store protein, it’s essential to get an adequate amount from your diet every single day. Thankfully, there are plenty of delicious, protein-rich plant-based foods to consider including tofu, lentils, quinoa, hemp, chia, and beans.
That Protein is a plant-based range of super organic proteins that are all natural and cold pressed and an excellent and easy way to add protein and nutrition to your vegan diet.
You can add to all your fav recipes or make protein shakes. It is also important to vary your sources of protein throughout the day, as each provides different amino acids, vitamins, and minerals that are all uniquely important for your health.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that is involved in the function of every cell in the body.
It is particularly important in the formation of blood and the function of the brain. As B12 is critical for life is by far the most vital nutrient that plant-based eaters must be concerned with. Palmyra Nectar is an excellent way to get B12 and a range of B vitamins into a vegan diet as this sweet superfood is exceptionally high in all the B virus. Nutritional Yeast like Marmite will also add B12.
Vitamin D
The type of Vitamin D we get from the sun isn’t always enough, especially in colder countries such as the UK. This issue is so apparent that it is now widely recommended that everyone supplements with vitamin D in winter months.
With studies suggesting vegans are up to 74% more likely to be deficient than meat eaters, fortified milk alternatives should be consumed.
Omega-3
Omega-3 containing foods, especially those high in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), can help the body produce longer-chain omega-3s such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Foods rich in Omega-3 include hemp, flaxseeds, walnuts, and soybeans.
A daily intake of 200–300mg of EPA and DHA from an algae oil supplement is an alternative preventive measure against Omega-3 deficiency.
Iron
Despite a rich dark leafy green diet, without vitamin C very little iron is absorbed, and any benefits won’t be obtained. Additionally, the type of iron in plant-based sources contain non-haem iron which is very difficult to be absorbed effectively. With too much iron causing severe health complications, iron supplementation should only be considered where there is documented deficiency.
If these potential deficiencies are enough to consider an entirely plant-based diet one step too far, meat-free Mondays are a great way to dip your toe in the water.
A TYPICAL MEAT-FREE MONDAY FOOD DIARY
Breakfast: Porridge with That Protein I Heart Pumpkin and Chia Seed Raw Vegan Super protein is a great start. With almond milk and topped with almond nut butter and a handful of raspberries.
Lunch: Quinoa falafel on a bed of spinach, peppers, and pomegranate topped with flaxseed and seeds.
Snack: Brown rice cakes with hummus.
Dinner: An Asian stir fry with tons of vegetables and bok choy, complete with some baked tofu.
Dessert: Fortified coconut yogurt with blueberries topped with crushed nuts That Protein’s Blissful Brown Rice and Raw Cacao Super Protein and some cacao nibs. finally, thank you for reading the best plant based diet article