What is a Plant-Based Diet, and Should You Try It?

A trend that has been picking up rapidly for the last few years, plant-based diets are becoming a way of life for many health-conscious people. Not only in overseas countries but also in India, you’ll see people adopting these healthy diets more and more, and all for good reason. However, what is a plant-based diet exactly? Does it mean that your meals are only made up of leafy greens and nothing else?

Well, although a plant-forward diet focuses on foods that come from plants, it doesn’t exclude other natural foods. In fact, if you decide to adopt this diet, you choose to eat foods that are mostly sourced from plants. It can also include nuts, test whole grains, beans, legumes, seeds, and oils along with fruits and vegetables. 

Still wondering how you can incorporate this diet into your lifestyle? The below guide should help you gain some clarity.

Here’s what a plant-based diet should include:

Colourful vegetables for lunch and dinner filled up to half of your plate.

Opt for healthy and good fats like nuts, seeds, avocados, olives, nut spreads or butter, olive oil, etc.

Involve a larger chunk of vegetables, beans, and whole grains in your vegetarian meals.

Choose breakfast that is heavy on whole grains like barley, buckwheat, oatmeal and quinoa and throw in some fruits, nuts or seeds in the mix.

Go green with leafy green vegetables, make sure to stir-fry, steam or grill them to retain their nutrients and flavours.

Swap dessert with fruit after a meal.

Well, we do know that fruits and vegetables in our diet can be life-changing. However, adopting a full-fledged plant-based diet comes with its own set of boons. Read on to unravel them:

Healthier Immune System

A must for everyone today, plants are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and all the essential nutrients. These properties come with the promise of keeping your cells healthy and body in perfect balance, in turn, improving your immunity. With their anti-inflammatory perks, they not only help keep the occasional flu at bay but also help reduce the risk for cancer and heart diseases.

Helps Maintain a Healthy Weight

Being rich in fibre, a plant-based diet is also naturally satisfying, preventing overeating and in turn, controlling your weight. This also helps improve your gut health, leading to better absorption of nutrients and managing your bowel management. Bonus perks? It helps regulate blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

Keeps You Looking Youthful

A plant-based diet that is low in salt and sugar helps promote cellular ageing in a healthy manner. This helps prevent chronic health concerns that are common with age. Moreover, based on research, the antioxidants that plants come with, not only help detoxify cellular waste but also protect cells from damage, in turn reducing the risk of cognitive brain conditions.

Helps Control Diabetes

As per studies, those who ate plant-based diets also contributed towards dropping their risk of diabetes by over 23% and for type 2 diabetes, by over 30%. Rich in antioxidants, fiber, minerals, and vitamins, these natural ingredients are a must for everyone trying to ward off these health concerns by natural means.

Lastly, transitioning into this eating pattern is not only beneficial for you but also for the environment that we are striving to preserve. Consider this a win-win for everyone i.e your health, the ecosystem and the environment.