Science keeps proving that a western diet, with mostly animal products and unhealthy processed food, is more related to lifestyle diseases than any other factor. It also has a significant impact on the human gut microbiota, which plays a critical role in our physiology and health.
As these findings have surfaced, more registered dietitians and food scientists have started to recommend a plant-based, vegan, or vegetarian diet due to the myriad of health benefits it offers.
READ MORE: 10 Health benefits of a plant-based diet
But changing the way you eat or eliminating foods you have eaten your entire life can be difficult and feel overwhelming. We know! Giving up cheese may be one of the hardest things ;-) (Stick with us; we have some clever alternatives!)
So if you are ready to make the switch or test the waters, we want to help make it easier. Here are 11 practical tips you can incorporate to make the transition to a plant-based diet easier and ways to replace some of your favorite animal-based products and ingredients.
But first, The different diet types...
A diet consisting of mostly raw, wholesome, unprocessed foods such as veggies, fruit, nuts, wholegrains, and legumes. In some cases, people may include a limited amount of animal products.
You forgo anything that contains products derived from animals, including milk, cheese, fish oil, and honey. The diet only includes vegetables, fruits, grains, legumes, and nuts. Essentially, all vegan diets are plant-based, but not all plant-based diets are vegan.
Vegetarians also focus on whole, plant-based foods but would still eat cheese, eggs, milk, honey, etc. They do not eat meat, such as chicken, pork, and beef.
This diet is more flexible and will include food from all major food groups, meat and animal by-products included. But, the aim is to reduce your meat intake and eat more plant-based foods.
It’s great seeing articles like this from a health food company. Just another reason I enjoy ordering from your company! Keep it coming!