Last Updated on March 23, 2024 by Saira Farman
Recent years show an increase in interest in plant-based diets and veganism in general. In general, there are three key reasons why people choose to go plant-based. One of them is animal welfare reasons. We have all seen footage of how animals are treated in overcrowded stalls. Documentaries such as Earthling show a clear picture of animal abuse. Consumers started realizing that by buying animal products a questionable industry is being supported.
Another key reason is the environment. Documentaries like Cowspiracy and Seaspiracy show beyond a shadow of a doubt that animal agriculture is a significant contributor to major environmental issues such as global warming. By going plant-based we reduce our environmental footprint.
A third main reason is health-related. With more and more research coming through, medical science is now filled with examples of how a plant-based diet, or more specifically a Whole Food, Plant-Based diet, can prevent and reverse chronic diseases like cancer, diabetes, obesity and heart disease.
So, how to start a Whole Food, Plant-Based diet?
Table of Contents
Tip #1 Education
Getting educated around the topic of a Whole Food, Plant-Based is the first key step to getting started. We already mentioned several documentaries earlier in this article, including Cowspiracy. Watch it along with Forks Over Knives, What The Health and The Game Changers to get a good overview of the various reasons to go plant-based, as well as the various research studies that back it up.
Tip #2 Recipe resources
Forks Over Knives is a great resource for recipes. The recipes are delicious but also surprisingly simple and easy to make. For those starting a Whole Food, Plant-Based, it is important to keep things simple. That brings us to our next trip.
Tip #3 Grocery shopping: Keeping it simple
When doing, make sure to bring along a Whole Food, Plant-Based shopping list. Keep it simple and go for colorful fruits and vegetables first. Next on the list: Whole grains. You will want to avoid processed grains like white flour and white rice as much as possible, and replace those with whole grain flour and brown rice.
Beans and lentils form an important part of the Whole Food, Plant-Based Diet. A wide variety of options are available in most stores. Nuts, seeds, herbs and spices complete the basic list.
Tip #4 Master 2 or 3 recipes first
When cooking, it is important to note that you can get lost in all the details of a Whole Food, Plant-Based diet, such as oil-free cooking and avoiding processed foods. We find it important to focus on mastering just 2 or 3 recipes first, making them over and over again, and from thereon explore other options.
So, what is your favourite dish? Turn it into a Whole Food, Plant-Based version, and viola!
Tip #5 Connect with a local or online community
The last tip on how to get started on a Whole Food, Plant-Based diet cannot be underestimated. Not many people eat this way, and as such it is important to find people around you, whether in person or online, to connect with. There are various communities including those offered by GingerKale and Forks Over Knives, through which you can connect with like-minded people.
Read More: 7 best Foods for Avoiding Heart Diseases
