With the world heading for a crisis with regards to climate change, and more people becoming conscious of the effect different types of foods can have on one’s health, plant-based diets are more popular than ever before.
If we follow the principle that healing begins on the inside, then nourishing our bodies with the right type of foods is key when it comes to improving health both physically and mentally.
Ten years ago, plant-based diets weren’t considered to be anything more than a fad. In turn, today there is sufficient scientific evidence urging us to cut back on the amount of meat and processed foods we consume and start eating whole foods as much as possible. There are several links between physical illness and inflammation and a plant-based diet can significantly help to improve your overall gut health, which is a foundation of health and wellness.
The Health Benefits Of A Plant Based Diet
Whether you are morally invested when it comes to animal welfare, or you simply want to feel more energetic and shift some extra weight, a plant-based diet allows you to develop a way of eating that works in perfect harmony with nature.
But don’t panic- a plant based diet doesn’t have to be stressful or complicated and it also doesn’t mean you have to ditch meat and animal products all together. It is simply a way of achieving a balance that works for you, whilst focusing on consuming whole foods from the earth, that are packed full of the necessary nutrients your body needs to thrive!
Some of the benefits of a plant based diet include:
A Healthier Heart
Studies have shown that eating meat in excessive quantities leaves you open to potential issues with your ticker! Meat contains saturated fat, which in the long run, isn’t great for your cardiovascular system. Loading up on vegetables and whole grains instead can cut your risk of heart disease by 16%.
Aids Weight Loss
Providing you are not replacing meat with sugary beverages and processed products, a plant-based diet can significantly help you shed those pesky pounds when combined with exercise.
A diabetes care study revealed that those who follow a vegan or vegetarian diet have a lower overall BMI than meat eaters, which could be due to the fact that whole grains and vegetables have lower glycemic indexes than other foods and fruits are packed full of antioxidants. Of course, if you choose to eat processed “vegetarian” foods then you may not benefit as much when it comes to weight loss.
May Decrease The Risk Of Cancer
It is remarkable that despite significant evidence in research papers, the majority of people are not fully aware of how true the saying “you are what you eat” is. The American Institute for Cancer research recommends eating a diet rich in vegetables, fibre and fruit in order to better protect your cells against the disease. Whilst there are never any guarantees in life, it sure helps to do everything within your power to preserve the most precious commodity of all; your health!
The Different Types Of Plant Based Diets
Before you storm into your kitchen and start throwing out everything that isn’t considered to be vegan or vegetarian, it’s important to realise that following a plant based diet doesn’t have to be a stressful experience, or a total upheaval for your lifestyle.
The beauty of going plant based is that you can be as strict, or as flexible as you like. You can indeed still consume animal products, but your intention should be to eat less meat and more veggies! Your diet should not feel restrictive, it should be a lifestyle change that works to improve your health, body and mind.
Let’s take a look at the different types of plant-based diets:
Flexitarian
A Flexitarian diet is the best way to start for those of you who are apprehensive about a plant-based diet. Essentially, all it means is cutting back on the amount of animal products you eat and can be as simple as starting with “meat free Monday.”
Vegetarian
Meat is a no go if you decide to try being veggie. You can still consume other animal products such as milk, cheese and eggs- but you will rely on plants for protein.
Vegan
Being Vegan means giving up all animal products or derivatives entirely, including cheese, milk and eggs. Vegans obtain all of their nutrients from products that are completely plant-based.
Raw Vegan
This diet involves following a Vegan regime, but you eat only raw, plant-based foods.
We’re Fuelled By Nature At The Sanctuary
Many people are afraid to make changes to their diet, perhaps because for so long they have been stuck eating the same foods that seem easier to prepare and are a “safe” and tasty option. Making conscious choices about the food we consume isn’t something we tend to do out of habit, so change may seem scary! That’s where we come in.
During your stay at the Sanctuary you will have the opportunity to eat a variety of plant-based dishes prepared by our 5 star chef in house and in doing so, you will hopefully realise that going plant-based doesn’t have to be complicated and it also can be incredibly tasty!
Our team is always available to offer nutritional advice and help get you started on your journey to a healthier lifestyle!
