How to Convert to a Plant-Based Diet.

Sneak Peek-You want to start eating cleaner? You've looked into starting a plant-based diet but it seems impossible to start. Here are 5 tips to start your journey to a cleaner lifestyle.

What is a plant-based diet?

Before I give you my 5 tips on how to start your journey of eating more "clean." You should probably have an understanding of what does "clean" mean.

What is plant-based diet? A plant-based diet isn’t just salads and smoothies. There are many options to choose from. For example, bean soups like lentil soup, quesadillas, veggie stir-fry you can even add some chicken for protein, avocado toast, eggplant parmesan, stuffed peppers, etc. Eating plant-based does not mean you can’t eat meat. It means your meals are mostly plants: vegetables, whole grains, fruits, beans, seeds and nuts. The list is endless.

Fill two-thirds of your plate with these plant-based foods. The remaining one-third should be a lean protein like chicken or fish, or a plant protein like tofu or beans.

When I first made the change I went all in with no meat. I realized that it was not sustainable and also having two boys who love their meat was going to be challenging. So I compromised. During the week I only eat plant-based foods and on the weekends I eat what my boys want to eat. It's usually burgers and tacos.

Benefits:

Plant-based diets are associated with numerous health benefits. They are linked to lowering type 2 diabetes and other medical conditions. I am not a doctor but will attest to avoiding type 2 diabetes. Diabetes runs in my family and so far have avoided it.

I do want to be transparent that being on a plant-based diet can lead to deficiencies in B12, iron, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids. You have to do your research and talk to your physician about how to supplement these deficiencies. I was low on iron and supplemented by eating beets and hearty greens like spinach. There are plants to supplement the deficiencies you just have to find the ones that are beneficial to you.

A plant-based diet helps maintain a healthy weight.

If you eat mostly plants, you remove many of the foods that lead to weight gain. Add in exercise and you’re on a path towards weight loss.

 5 tips to start your journey to a cleaner lifestyle.

1. Create a meal planner. Gather a few recipes for the week that could fill two-thirds of your plate. Since you are starting on this journey I recommend one-third of a protein like chicken or fish, or a plant protein like tofu or beans. See what works for you and your family. It's easier to start and stick with it if you take a gradual approach.

2. Go meatless one day a week.

3. Try to limit highly processed items like frozen meals, snack foods and sugar-sweetened beverages.

4. Add greens like spinach or kale to your daily meals.

5. Drink more water. Water helps break down the food we eat, promotes good bowel health, and prevents constipation. Staying properly hydrated also keeps the stomach in good working order. Drinking water is also important for the look of your skin: dehydrated skin can be cracked and dry. Well-hydrated skin is much more smooth, soft and clean. Use one of my soaps to help keep your skin moisturized.

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Would you like me to post a few plant-based recipes?

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