Last week, our cooking social group at my local church invited me to talk about the health benefits of the Daniel Fast. So, I had to revisit plant-based eating one more time, and it reminded me of why I went on a plant-based diet with my friends for a whole month a couple of years ago. And I came across some exciting new information I will tell you about later. So, should you consider a plant-based diet? I will give you 10 reasons for women to embrace a plant-based diet and let you decide. But first, what is the big deal about a plant-based diet? After all, people have been vegans and vegetarians for forever!
By all accounts, embracing a plant-based diet is a lifestyle choice that can make a difference in your health and wellness. Like me, you may be tired or wary about diets and diet trends. It seems like, at any point in time, there is always that “ideal” diet that can get us into the best shape and health possible. And just when we think we have it all figured out, another ideal diet shows up! However, the good news is that adopting a plant-based diet is not about dieting. Instead, it is about embracing a new way of eating that is proven to prolong your life and keep you healthy for as long as possible. So, what is a plant-based diet exactly?
What is a plant-based diet?
Most of the food you eat on a plant-based diet will come from plants, with minimal to no animal-derived foods. So, you would eat primarily whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, beans, nuts, and seeds. And you would minimize or eliminate animal products like red meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy. Plant-based eating may also limit refined or processed foods.
Being on a plant-based diet is different from being vegan or vegetarian. A vegan diet excludes all animal products, including eggs and dairy. A vegetarian diet excludes all animal flesh, including meat and poultry, but may include eggs and dairy.
Now, let’s look at these 10 Reasons for Women to Embrace a Plant-Based Diet
10 Reasons for Women to Embrace a Plant-Based Diet
1) Ageless beauty
A plant-based diet has excellent anti-aging benefits. The higher amounts of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals you consume on a plant-based diet help fight inflammation and promote collagen production, leaving your skin fresh, radiant, and ageless!
2) Better digestion
A plant-based diet promotes beneficial bacteria in your gut to aid digestion and reduce or eliminate bloating.
3) Easier weight management
Undoubtedly, weight management becomes more challenging as we age and our metabolism slows down. A plant-based diet can make you feel full much longer and help you avoid mindless snacking. Also, because you generally consume fewer calories on a plant-based diet, weight management becomes easier, and you can say goodbye to the stubborn pounds.
4) Longer lifespan
Studies report that adults who consistently eat plant-based foods live longer than people whose diet regularly includes meat.
5) Lower blood pressure
Numerous studies show that plant-based diets are associated with lower blood pressure and overall better health when compared to animal-based diets.
6) Lower cholesterol
Research shows that plant-based diets decrease your bad cholesterol, which can help prevent heart disease.
7) Better heart health
As we gracefully age, our heart health should become our top priority because the number one cause of death among women worldwide is heart disease. A plant-based diet reduces your risk of heart disease. For more on how to prevent heart disease in women, check out “The Number One Killer of Women.”
8) Improved blood sugar control and lower risk of type 2 Diabetes
A plant-based diet, rich in whole grains, legumes, and vegetables, can help regulate blood sugar levels, reducing the risk of diabetes.
9) Lower risk of cancer and some chronic diseases
Plant-based diets reduce your risk of certain chronic diseases and cancers of the digestive system.
10) Improved mental focus and lower risk of dementia
A plant-based diet, abundant in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, can improve brain function and lower your risk of developing dementia.
Cons of a plant-based diet
So, all the above look exceptionally good, but are there any drawbacks to a plant-based diet?
1) Some may find it challenging to eat enough protein while on a plant-based diet, which may result in a loss of muscle mass. To minimize or avoid this, eat foods high in protein, such as lentils, beans, and quinoa.
2) Consuming less fats on a plant-based diet can lower your HDL cholesterol, the good cholesterol that protects your heart. To maintain or increase your HDL cholesterol, eat foods high in unsaturated fats, such as avocados, walnuts, almonds, and olive oil.
3) Some other nutrients that may become low while on a plant-based diet are iron, vitamin D, calcium, zinc, and vitamin B12. Eat leafy greens like spinach, whole grains, beans, nuts, and sunflower seeds to avoid these deficiencies. You may also need to take a daily multivitamin and nutritional supplements.
Now, are you ready to take the plunge? If you want to learn why and how to start your plant-based eating journey, check out “Is Plant-based Eating Worth the Hype?”
Final thoughts
So, am I on a plant-based diet? Let’s just say I am working on it! I have dabbled into plant-based eating in short bursts. With all these great benefits, maybe I will commit to it one hundred percent someday. Now, here is something highly motivating about plant-based eating that I would like to share with you.
You will agree that we all want to see immediate results whenever we adopt a new healthy habit. However, change generally happens slowly – with one exception: when you switch to a plant-based diet for optimal health, your body starts seeing results almost instantly. Every time you eat a whole food plant-based meal instead of an animal-based meal, it benefits your health on a cellular level. Changes in your body cells start within an hour after eating a plant-based meal. And within a week, you can begin noticing positive changes in your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Finally, you will realize all the other health benefits within only a few months.
Therefore, you will still obtain some health benefits by swapping one meal daily for a plant-based option or eating plant-based meals for only one day at a time. How liberating and game-changing is that? I can certainly handle this one meal or one day at a time!
Finally, whether you have been on a plant-based diet for a long time or are just contemplating going plant-based one meal at a time, I wish you a vibrant and heart-healthy adventure that will help you age gracefully and stay healthy! Cheers to embracing the green life!
Please feel free to share your thoughts and comments below. Most importantly, please share this article with anyone who may benefit from staying healthy and youthful by embracing a plant-based diet.
Yours in health and fitness,
Doctor Abi
