If you read the news, you’ve probably seen some pretty inspiring stories on how powerful a plant based diet can be. People have recovered from cancer, dementia, and other serious illnesses – so, it’s pretty amazing if you ask me!
As a 22 year year old, I don’t always realize the consequences of the foods that I choose to put in my body. After I completed 21 Day Ultimate Reset (which, is pretty much plant based the entire time), my skin was almost completely clear and I had crazy amounts of energy, so that was pretty eye opening.
Since then, I have done a decent job of not eating meat. I had one bite of chicken (fried…oops) since the cleanse ended, so overall I am doing well. But I am breaking out again, my energy levels are average, and I gained 2 pounds back. What’s changed? I am eating processed foods again and I am indulging my sweet tooth at least once a day.
It’s seriously the little things that can cause chemical imbalances in your body, things that you think you are doing “right” could be the cause of a lot of your issues. Like that Lara, Luna, Cliff, or Quest bar you had this morning? Processed.
The good news is a plant based diet is not as restrictive as we all speculate, and I think we should all get on board with it! Even if you don’t fully adopt a plant based diet, try to have at least 2 fresh meals a day, and no, that doesn’t just limit you to salads.
I recently got an amazing vegan cookbook by Chloe Coscarelli and it just shows you how versatile plants can be. Something that I recently learned that I think you should know when looking up recipes is that plant based does NOT equal vegan, so not all of the recipes in Chloe’s book are plant based, but there are a lot to choose from that are, and the ones that aren’t can be modified.
When I first considered a plant based diet my excuse was that I would not get enough nutrients, and I wouldn’t have enough protein in my diet – boy was I wrong! Check out these stats:
- 1 cup cooked lentils = 18g protein (and these little power grains can be spiced with taco seasoning and put onto a corn tortilla YUM)
- 3 tablespoons hemp = about 10g protein (great in your morning shake!)
- 2 tablespoons of chia seeds = 4g protein (also great for shakes, or chia pudding for a sweet treat!)
- 1/2 cup cooked quinoa = 7-9g protein (these little grains are packed with aminos and are a great addition to any dish!)
- 2 tablespoons spirulina = 8g protein (great and colorful addition to a smoothie bowl)
- 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast = about 12g protein (use this to make some yummy queso and if you like it chunky add some more veggies or jalapeno!)
Just to give you an idea! I eat mostly plant based, but I am definitely doing my best to completely cut out animal products and processed foods. Oh, and by the way – most alcohol is plant based, so you can still go out with the gals or boys!
If you want to convert to a plant based diet, don’t jump right in. Ease into it, and slowly phase out animal products. If you cut it all out, cold turkey (lol), you are less likely to stick with it, so ease into it and you’ll start to feel and see a huge difference in your skin, energy, and you’ll probably lose a little weight too! (: All in all, I think we should all explore the idea of a plant based diet.
Until next time!
Xoxo,
Rayne
Anika Rayne 