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Let’s Go Plant-Based! What does it mean?
Let’s Go Plant-Based! What does it mean?
Source: Unsplash
Plant-based diets are becoming increasingly popular around the world, however, it is easy to feel confused or uninformed about the term. But going plant-based can have a profound impact on your health, especially when you have all the necessary information to make the dietary change.
Curious about a plant-based diet? Wondering what that even means? Don’t worry, Plant Sumo are here to guide you through all of your questions.
What Does Plant-Based Mean?
Putting it simply, a plant-based diet is any diet that focuses on foods obtained from plant sources. This includes fruit, vegetables, beans, grains, pulses, legumes, nuts and meat substitutes such as soy products like tofu.
People are often confused about the term plant-based and this is because people often have different interpretations of what ‘plant-based’ eating looks like. This can be put down to the different diets associated with this term, but it is not as confusing as it may seem.
Semi-vegetarian’s, or flexitarians, still include small amounts of animal products in their diets such as meat and fish, but focus mainly on vegetarian foods. Pescatarians cut out meat but still include fish. Vegetarians don’t eat meat or fish but still include dairy and eggs in their diet. And finally, vegans cut out any animal-derived products including dairy, eggs, honey and gelatin.
However, each of these can, and are, considered plant-based diets.
Why Go Plant-Based?
You may be considering a plant-based diet due to a number of reasons such as concerns about animal welfare, health benefits, environmental concerns or just personal preference. But here are just a few of the reasons why you should consider going plant-based if you weren’t already.
- People focusing on plant-based diets are more likely to meet their five-a-day target, meaning they have a better intake of fibre and vital vitamins and minerals such as folate, vitamin C and potassium.
- A plant-based diet can improve heart health due to cutting back on the saturated fats that different meats contain.
- A plant-based diet can strengthen your immune system due to the antioxidants present in plants, meaning your body can fight off infections or illnesses and keep you healthy.
- Plant-based diets are known to reduce the risk of obesity and, in many cases, can help you lose weight.
Where to Start?
Research
Before delving into a big diet change such as going plant-based, make sure you do the research to ensure this is the right choice for you and your body. Doing the necessary research also means you can decide which kind of plant-based diet is the right one for you.
Plant Sumo is a vital resource for anyone on a plant-based journey with our range of content and our London-based delivery service for exclusively plant-based food.
Meal Plan
Now you know what kind of plant-based diet you’re going to try, now it is time to plan! Meal planning is especially important for those eating plant-based as you can clearly mark out where you are getting your vital nutrients.
In particular, vegans will benefit from this step as they can mark out their sources of protein which they are at significant risk of missing out on due to their strict guidelines.
Be sure to explore our Plant Sumo subscription boxes as well, as they can reduce some of the stress that comes with meal planning, especially if you are new to the plant-based diet.
Supplements
Keep in mind that some people benefit from additional supplements, such as B12, when partaking in a plant-based diet. It is worth keeping an eye on any health changes when switching diets in case you would benefit from a supplement alongside your diet.
Enjoy!
Now you can sit back and enjoy your new plant-based diet and all the benefits that come with it!
It is clear why plant-based diets are taking the world by storm and why it is worth exploring! Changing your nutrition is a powerful way to live longer, help the environment, and reduce your risk of getting sick.
But keep in mind, Plant Sumo is with you the whole way! With pages of content to give you a helping hand or our subscription box service- you’re not alone in your new journey!
About the Author
Tamara Kettles is a recent English graduate and blogger. She loves all things writing and always has her head stuck in a book.
