Plant-Based Diets: Breaking the Stigma
plant-based diets
plant-based diet stigma
plant-based diet stigma
plant-based diet stigma
plant-based diet stigma
plant-based diet stigma
We don’t do what we do to be pretentious. And we certainly don’t do what we do because we want to be “trendy.”We’re talking about plant-based diets, something that Cocobeet knows and loves (especially since all of our products are plant-based).As much as we’re proud of plant-based, we’ve noticed a plant-based diet stigma that’s been sticking to this lifestyle: that it can be a little intimidating. Our 2018 resolution is to help break the stigma, and prove that plant-based isn’t so drastic after all. We’ll walk you through the facts and myths, the ins and outs, and the reasons why you should consider giving it a try this year.
What Does Plant-Based Even Mean?
A plant-based diet is pretty much how it sounds, but it doesn’t mean we’re munching on grass all day. Most hesitation towards this lifestyle stems from fear of restriction, or what you can’t eat. In actuality, it is more focused on what you should include in your diet, which is of course, plants, and in abundance! Plant-based includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts and seeds. Eating is so much easier when the only ingredient in your food is the food itself.
Can I Eat Meat?
Eating 100% plant-based vegan is amazing for your body, but it can be a challenge if it’s quite different from how you might be used to eating. Be realistic with yourself when it comes to your diet. The great thing about a plant-based diet is that you can customize it to work with your lifestyle and your body’s unique needs. It is extremely important to listen to your body. If you feel you thrive best when you include lean meats or fish in your diet, then that is your body telling you that is what it needs. The ultimate goal is to get more plants and whole foods in your body. Your body probably wants some greens with that chicken instead of fries, even if you may be craving something unhealthy. It’s all about balance.
What Does This Do For My Body?
If you’re trying to lose weight, this diet will likely help since just by nature, plant-based foods are lower in calories, fat, and carbohydrates. But after eating this way for a while, you’ll find weight loss is no longer your main focus. When a diet’s sole purpose is to shed pounds, it becomes all consuming and exhausting. When you eat for health and learn about the food you’re putting into your body, improving your overall health becomes fun! It’s as simple as eat better, feel better. Eating plant-based eventually transitions from simply only a diet into a lifestyle – you may notice yourself being more conscious of other products you are using, such as beauty products, which often contain harsh chemicals, animal derived ingredients, or may test on animals.
Why Will I Feel Better
A plant-based diet nourishes in many different ways because every plant does something different when consumed. The reason plants are different colors is because they contain different vitamins and nutrients that your body naturally requires to function. By eating a variety of different plants, the fiber will make you feel fuller for longer, and you’ll ensure your body is getting a wide assortment of nutrients. In addition to all of this, you can even prevent or reverse certain diseases. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, a plant-based diet may help prevent high blood pressure, heart disease, and breast cancer. We’re not saying eating a french fry will leave you with diseases, but choosing the processed option versus a whole food over time certainly won’t prevent anything. Adding these healthy choices will only help.
Why Should I Listen to You?
Even though we own a plant-based juice and food company, it doesn’t mean we’re ultra- healthy broccoli munching vegans. We’re real people, who sometimes eat meat, sometimes eat chips, but mostly try to make the healthiest choices by putting the best things in our bodies. We know what it’s like to be intimidated by this lifestyle, but once we realized how amazing some small changes made us feel, we just had to share the benefits with everyone else.Don’t just take it from us though.Boston food blogger Casey Leger (@wholeandhealthy) knows that a plant-based diet can seem nerve-wracking, but it’s doable for any type of person!“Eating plant-based is different for everyone - that’s the beauty of it! Many people think of plant-based diets as strict vegan, no animal foods of any kind, and lots of boring salads… but really, a plant-based lifestyle encompasses SO many nutritious foods that are actually really easy to prepare and delicious. There are so many different kinds of vegetables and fruits, and experimenting with these foods to find your favorite meals is what makes it fun! For the past several years, I’ve focused on creating plant-based versions of all my favorite foods, centering my plate around an abundance of vegetables, flavoring my dishes with natural herbs and spices, and garnishing with a protein and healthy fat. In honoring my body with nutrient dense foods (even just a few days a week) I found that my energy levels and digestion improved dramatically. Over time, my sugar cravings all but disappeared - now, a piece of fruit tastes just as sweet as a candy bar! Eating plant-based is extremely flexible, and in keeping an open mind, you’ll see that this is more than a “diet” - it’s a lifestyle that will change your life for the better.”The new year is the perfect time to get started. Easing into it is the best way to make it a habit. Replace a few snacks with plants like our kale chips, or treat yourself to one of our smoothies once a week, and make a food journal to keep track of your eating habits.To kick-start your health journey, a cleanse is a great way to get going. Cleansing your system naturally before you make changes will help you to feel better and start with a clean slate. We suggest our three-day cleanse!In the end, it’s not so scary, it’s a magical natural medicine designed to work with your body.