Eat More Plants, Less Meat

Science has shown that the more meat we eat, the greater the risk of heart disease, diabetes and stroke. Research has shown that red meats, such as beef, lamb and pork, and processed meat products such as sausages, deli meats and bacon, are metabolised into toxins that damage our blood vessels and other organs. Read on to learn more about why to eat more plants and less meat.

Food Matters

A healthy body detoxifies easily, but what happens if the body is not healthy or strong enough?  Modern life has brought more health problems than ever before. Fast food seemed to be a good option for people working full time, but it brought with it modern diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure and cholesterol. Food in supermarkets is rich in saturated fat, sugar and salt, and it is also addictive. Food matters. Good health requires clean air and water, rest, cheerfulness and good food.  If you take your health into your own hands, you can change your life and avoid or reduce suffering.

What is a Healthy diet?

A healthy diet is a diet that improves or maintains overall health, providing the body with all essential nutrients. There are many people that don’t eat meat, but this does not mean that their diet is necessarily healthy. Someone can be vegan or vegetarian but consume a lot of carbohydrates, refined sugars or unhealthy oils. So, they may still be at risk of developing heart disease or diabetes. One can be a vegan or vegetarian, but it is also important to eat in moderation and avoid unhealthy and processed foods. A healthy diet includes whole foods of plant origin such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains and nuts and seeds.

Addictive Foods

The modern food industry designs foods that are highly addictive. This means adding huge amounts of sugar, salt and fats, but also artificial flavours, colours and flavour enhancers that can harm the body and create addiction. The most addictive foods include processed foods high in refined carbohydrates or added fats, such as sugary and salty snacks. The more you eat, the more you crave. Here is a list of the most addictive foods:

• Potato chips
• Ice cream
• Chocolate
• Pizza
• French fries
• Cookies
• Cheeseburgers
• Soda

Whole Food Diet

A whole food diet consists of: 

• Fruits and vegetables – Preferably organic or pesticide-free;
• Whole grains – The grains that have all parts of the grain;
• Legumes and beans – An excellent source of protein and fibre;
• Nuts and seeds – Rich in healthy fats, protein and fibre;
• Healthy fats – Include avocados, olives, coconut, avocado oil, extra virgin olive oil and coconut oil;
• Lean protein – Of vegetable or animal origin, including beans, legumes, quinoa, fish, poultry and eggs;
• Dairy – Preferably organic, row or fermented, such as yoghurt, cheese and kefir;
• Herbs and spices – Add flavour to dishes and have many health benefits. They include turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, garlic;
• Water, tea, coffee – Water should be the primary beverage, while minimising sugary drinks and alcohol is crucial for the whole food diet. Unsweetened tea or coffee is also acceptable.

Take Your Health into Your Own Hands – Eat More Plants and Less Meat

A healthy diet reduces the risk of weakening of the body and developing diseases. Research has shown that people who ate fruits had a 20% lower risk of developing heart disease. Nutrients and antioxidants present in fruit improve heart health, and a fruit-based diet can reduce the risk of a heart attack. Transition to a whole food diet does not have to involve stress and suffering. You can make your transition gradually, by taking small steps, such as swapping processed snacks for whole foods, like fruits and nuts, meal planning, cooking from scratch instead of takeaway, trying new recipes, etc. Switching to a whole-food diet is a way to improve your overall health and well-being and reduce the risk of developing diseases. Be determined, be patient and celebrate the success.

Change your diet – eat more plants and less meat! See your health change!

Looking for more articles like this? Check these out:

• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Intermittent Fasting

➥ DISCLAIMER: This post is not intended to replace medical treatment. The information provided is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.