Why We All Need To Eat More Plants
When we look at improving our diet we tend to focus on the macronutrients, carbs, protein, and fat. Although this is a great place to start, we eat food not macronutrients. What we often overlook is the actual food itself we choose to eat. As long as it hits our recommended macros, we turn a blind eye to the actual food item we choose.
Regardless of your goal, whether you’re trying to lose, maintain, or gain weight, improve performance, etc. we all need to increase our plant intake. Not just vegetables or fruits, but all plant food items which include legumes, nuts and seeds, grains, and more.
There are many reasons to eat more plant foods. Here are a few of the most important:
Reduced risk of chronic diseases. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and some types of cancer.
Improved gut health. A diet rich in plant foods can help to improve gut health and reduce the risk of digestive problems such as constipation, diarrhea, and irritable bowel syndrome. A healthy gut microbiome is also linked with reduced risk of disease as we age.
Reducing inflammation in the body. Inflammation especially chronic low-grade inflammation is a major risk factor for many chronic diseases. A diet rich in plant foods can help to reduce inflammation and lower your risk of disease as you age.
Potent source of antioxidants. The numerous chemicals in plants offer many powerful antioxidants. These protect our cells from oxidative damage in our body helping to keep us feeling and looking younger for longer.
Weight loss and maintenance. Plant foods are often lower in calories and fat than animal-based diets, in addition with providing increased fiber can help with weight loss and maintenance.
Plants provide us with so many great benefits it would be silly not to increase these in our diet. Increasing your daily plant intake is far more beneficial than any supplement on the market today.
Increasing your plant intake
If you're looking for ways to eat more plant foods, here are a few great tips:
Start by making small changes, such as adding more fruits and vegetables to your meals. Aim for at least half of your meal to be plants.
Try new plant-based recipes. There are many delicious and satisfying plant-based dishes out there, so you're sure to find some that you enjoy. Vegetarian websites are a great place to start. You can always add some meat or fish to these dishes.
Make plant-based proteins a regular part of your diet. There are many different plant-based proteins available, such as beans, lentils, quinoa, nuts and seeds.
Replace your current snacks with plants. Bananas, apples, nuts3awsz and seeds, baby carrots, snap peas are all great ways to satisfy your hunger between meals.
Eating more plants every day is a great way to improve your health and well-being. By making a few simple changes, you can start reaping the numerous benefits of plants and ensure a healthier you for years to come.
Talk to a registered dietitian to help you increase your plant intake and ensure that you're getting all the nutrients you need.
Written by Adam Skowyra MPPD, RDN, LD
