Why plant-based?
All that I researched about food, healing, and the
documentaries I have watched, lead me to plant-based whole foods. Simply eating
what our grandparents ate.
It is a lifestyle that focuses on eating a variety
of vegetables, fruit, beans, nuts, seeds and whole grains, that will provide
your body with essential nutrients needed for a healthy immune system and
muscle recovery. Plant-based foods contain healthy fats, protein, vitamins,
minerals and plenty of fibre.
The vitamins & minerals & antioxidants in
plants help keep your cells healthy and your body in balance so your immune
system can function at its best. Plant-based foods also act as a natural
antioxidant, helping the body remove toxins. Studies have shown that eating
plants improves the health of your gut,so you are better able to absorb
nutrients.
Eating processed, animal
products and sugary foods cause the body to become more acidic and prone to
inflammation. Our digestive system must work harder to digest these types of
foods and vital minerals and nutrients are lost in the process. The digestive
system also struggles to eliminate unnatural chemical additives the food
industry adds to our foods. All these things contribute to disease.
Combine all the above with,
Fresh Air, Exercise,
A good Sleep, Drinking
plenty of Water
Is equally as important, as eating healthy
Cooking
Use organic and locally
sourced produce as much as possible. Locally grown produce is more likely
fresher because they most probably have had a shorter travel time and not
stored sitting at warehouses before they get shipped out. So, the nutrients are
not lost. Loss of moisture, enzymes and storage conditions all contribute to
nutrient decline once vegetables have been harvested.
When it comes to eating
healthy, it is all about variety and colours. If you have limited access to
fresh produce, don’t be discouraged. Fresh produce is great, but frozen can be
just as healthy too. Read food labels, avoid anything with added sugars,
additives and preservatives.
Eat seasonal vegetables and
buy small amounts and use them at their freshest. Avoid stocking up on large
quantities that stay in the fridge for too long as they lose their nutrient
value.
Avoid pre-chopped vegetables.
They lose their nutrients as soon as they are cut. Chop your vegetables, just
before cooking.
Use wholegrains, such as
quinoa, wild rice, whole-grain pasta, spelt, kamut and amaranth.
Make your own sauces and
dressings. Avoid packaged foods and jars of sauces, as they usually contain
added sugars and salts and chemical preservatives and additives.
Using healthy cooking methods
and knowing how to make the most of your vegetables can help you get all the
benefits a plant-based life has to offer.
Avoid deep frying, shallow
fry or air fry instead with a spray of healthy cooking oils, e.g. hemp seed
oil, avocado oil and grapeseed oil.
Use natural sweeteners, such
as agave, date syrup & coconut sugar.
Using fresh herbs and spices, adds colour and
flavours to your food.
Adding a squeeze of fresh lime & lemon can
transform your dish and make it even more satisfying.
Cooking at home, you can
ensure that your meal is healthy, because you are in control of what goes into
it. Minimise processed foods as much as possible.
Heart Health
Eating a whole food
plant-based diet can improve your heart health. There is plenty of research
that shows that people who eat a diet rich in wholefoods, fruits and
vegetables, lower their risk of cardiovascular disease. Teamed with
incorporating some form of activities in your daily lifestyle.
Looking younger
Cutting back on dairy and
animal products also takes away the saturated fats which clog your pores. Plus,
many of the phytochemicals in fruits and vegetables contribute to healthy skin.
Losing Weight
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