Tip 2 of 10: What exactly is plant-forward eating?
Tip 2 of 10: What exactly is plant-forward eating?
It is simply making plants the centerpiece of your diet while focusing on whole, minimally processed foods and adding in more fruits, nuts, seeds, and grains. This way of eating altogether eliminates or minimizes animal products, including meat, dairy, fish, and eggs from your diet. Flooding your body with all the vitamins and minerals that a person needs to for a healthy diet!
The earth is covered in plants that provide living creatures with food to keep us healthy. It makes sense that plants are an essential part of a healthy way of eating. There have been many studies over the years, showing the many health benefits of eating a plant-based diet. My eating mentality focuses on eating to live a more full and vibrant life! By making plants the core of your diet, you will be making great strides for your health! A plant-based diet, which emphasizes fruits, vegetables, grains, beans, legumes, and nuts, is rich in fiber, vitamins and other nutrients. Making your meals generally with fewer calories and less fat. Did you know?! Even reducing meat intake one day a week has a protective effect. Research shows that people who eat plant-forward, (meaning making each meal mostly veggies) lower the risk of heart disease, stroke or diabetes.
7 Health Benefits of Plant-Based Eating
Decreases the risk of disease.
Studies have shown eating less meat or giving it up entirely, reduces the risk of many chronic diseases, including heart disease, obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes. Plant-Based diets are likely to improve insulin sensitivity and lower cholesterol levels.
Less inflammation.
Meat, dairy, and farm-raised fish contain many steroids and other toxic residue that contribute to inflammation in the body. Consuming more fruits and vegetables and reducing the consumption of animal food can help limit your exposure to toxins.
Healthy BMI.
Following a plant-based diet that includes a variety of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, and seeds are more likely to have a healthy BMI and less likely to be overweight.
Longevity.
Plant foods are high in antioxidant compounds like vitamin C, selenium, and vitamin E. These compounds assist in reducing oxidative stress in the body, which reduces disease risk and supports healthful aging. Therefore, positively contributing to a longer and healthier lifespan.
Good for the planet.
The demand for animal products is a significant cause of deforestation as land is cleared to make room for animals. The production of meat and dairy has been proven to significantly contribute to climate change and to 60% of greenhouse gas emissions. Plant-based foods require less energy, space, and water than animal foods and are less saving on our resources.
Animal welfare.
To meet the high demands for animal foods, animals are open raised under poor conditions and crowded together. By eating plant-based and through supporting humane farms it is a great way to place your vote against animal cruelty.
Budget.
Eating a plant-based diet can help save money on grocery costs. Whole grains, beans, and in-season produce are economical and incredibly nourishing.
The earth is covered in plants that provide living creatures with food to keep us healthy. It makes sense that plants are an essential part of a healthy way of eating. There have been many studies over the years, showing the many health benefits of eating a plant-based diet. My eating mentality focuses on eating to live a more full and vibrant life! By making plants the core of your diet, you will be making great strides for your health! A plant-based diet, which emphasizes fruits, vegetables, grains, beans, legumes, and nuts, is rich in fiber, vitamins and other nutrients. Making your meals generally with fewer calories and less fat. Did you know?! Even reducing meat intake one day a week has a protective effect. Research shows that people who eat plant-forward, (meaning making each meal mostly veggies) lower the risk of heart disease, stroke or diabetes.
7 Health Benefits of Plant-Based Eating
Decreases the risk of disease.
Studies have shown eating less meat or giving it up entirely, reduces the risk of many chronic diseases, including heart disease, obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes. Plant-Based diets are likely to improve insulin sensitivity and lower cholesterol levels.
Less inflammation.
Meat, dairy, and farm-raised fish contain many steroids and other toxic residue that contribute to inflammation in the body. Consuming more fruits and vegetables and reducing the consumption of animal food can help limit your exposure to toxins.
Healthy BMI.
Following a plant-based diet that includes a variety of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, and seeds are more likely to have a healthy BMI and less likely to be overweight.
Longevity.
Plant foods are high in antioxidant compounds like vitamin C, selenium, and vitamin E. These compounds assist in reducing oxidative stress in the body, which reduces disease risk and supports healthful aging. Therefore, positively contributing to a longer and healthier lifespan.
Good for the planet.
The demand for animal products is a significant cause of deforestation as land is cleared to make room for animals. The production of meat and dairy has been proven to significantly contribute to climate change and to 60% of greenhouse gas emissions. Plant-based foods require less energy, space, and water than animal foods and are less saving on our resources.
Animal welfare.
To meet the high demands for animal foods, animals are open raised under poor conditions and crowded together. By eating plant-based and through supporting humane farms it is a great way to place your vote against animal cruelty.
Budget.
Eating a plant-based diet can help save money on grocery costs. Whole grains, beans, and in-season produce are economical and incredibly nourishing.
Rebecca Gray
Health and wellness has always been a huge passion on mine. I have taught indoor cycling and strength programs for 7 years. in 2016 I took a huge leap of faith leaving a high powered corporate job to pursue fitness full time and went back to college to obtain a degree in nutrition and health promotion. Currently I teach and mentor instructors at Barre3 in Fort Mill and plan on launching my health coaching business, Faithfully-Fit, in 2018. I look forward to the next chapter in my journey of helping others find balanced and healthy lifestyles.
As a Holistic Health and Wellness Coach, I am passionate about guiding people to the resources they need to meet their individual wellness goals. Eating clean food, breathing deeply and moving intentionally throughout the day is the centerpiece of my personal health plan. I work with my clients to cultivate these habits into their lives. Through my studies in holistic nutrition and public health, I have learned it is not just about food and exercise. Yes, both are important, but family, spirituality, relationships, and your environment all matter too!