If you're wondering what a plant-based diet means, you're probably looking to lead a healthier life or to get into veganism.
A plant-based diet consists of consuming all fruits, vegetables and whole grains, seeds and nuts, and any products that are minimally processed. In this type of diet, all products such as red meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy products are excluded.
Specifically speaking, "Plant-Based" refers to foods that come from plants without including animals or animal products.
What Food Groups Include a Plant-Based Diet?
If you begin to build your diet on a plant-based diet, these are the groups you can enjoy in your dishes:
Vegetables. Lettuce, spinach, peppers, corn, corn, cabbage, peas, tomatoes, etc.
Legumes. Beans, broad beans, lentils, green beans, etc.
Fruits. Apple, banana, melon, orange, grapes, etc.
Tubers. Potatoes, carrots, beets, sweet potatoes, etc.
Whole grains. Rice, quinoa, oats, wheat, etc.
Seeds. Nuts, almonds, chia, pumpkin, sunflower, etc.
There are other types of foods that you can include in your plant-based diet such as avocado, tofu, whole-grain breads, etc. However, these types of foods should be consumed in moderation as they are higher in calories.
What Benefits Do You Get from Eating a Plant-Based Diet?
The benefits of eating a plant-based diet can be extensive. Many health experts endorse this type of diet, so you can rest assured that you are choosing this lifestyle.
One of the great benefits of this diet is weight control. Following this type of diet facilitates weight reduction and weight control. In general, people who eat a balanced plant-based diet are thinner than those who do not.
Another fundamental benefit for those who follow a plant-based diet is disease prevention. Thanks to the nutrients provided by natural and unprocessed products, the body is balanced and can prevent heart disease or chronic diseases such as diabetes.
In addition, a plant-based diet not only helps your own body but also reduces your environmental footprint. Because the products consumed in this type of diet are natural and purchased in bulk markets, packaging waste is reduced to a minimum. There is no processing required on the food that leads to excessive expenditure of natural resources.
Last but not least of the benefits is that you can prepare delicious dishes. Many people are reluctant to enter the world of plant-based diets for fear of missing the taste of some of their favorite foods.
The reality is that now people have experimented with natural ingredients and have recreated much healthier versions of dishes such as hamburgers, wings, desserts, etc.
Conclusion
Although a plant-based diet is very healthy and brings multiple benefits, it is always recommended to consult with a nutrition expert if you want to change your diet. Some people with gastric problems are often prohibited from eating certain foods such as legumes or cabbage. So it is best to consult a doctor for proper guidance and adopt a plant-based diet for you and your body.
If you do choose to go “plant-based”, enjoy!