Why 1-Day Plant-Based Is The Perfect Place To Start
When people think about eating plant-based, they often think that means committing to a full-time change or becoming vegan. It can evoke a whole range of emotions, some positive and some not so, and it can often lead to overwhelm.
Did you know that for many just 1-day plant-based is the perfect place to start?
You may have heard of Meatless Mondays, a global movement to encourage people around the world to drop meat from their meals. We recommend a similar concept, although it’s not just meat that we recommend you switch out. We also recommend you ditch other animal products including dairy and eggs.
Don’t worry though, it’s not every day (yet)… simply just 1-day per week!
Small steps like this can really improve the health and wellbeing of your family, allow them to explore new foods, and have an impact on the world we live in. You may be surprised by how good you’ll feel and how delicious plant-based food really is.
Keep in mind though, 1-day a week where you eat salads and soups all day is never going to be fun, so get ready to explore new meal options and get a little creative in the kitchen.
The Greater Impact
Did you know that just 1-day plant-based per week for a year will save:
- 52 animal’s lives
- 217,335L of water
- 945kg of grain
- 146sqm of forrest
- 475kg of CO2
source: www.thevegancalculator.com
Plus, it will improve the health of you and your family members by introducing a wider range of fresh fruits and vegetables.
To help you on your way, try to think more about the delicious foods you will be adding to your diet, rather than the few things that you will be cutting out.
Eating more beans, lentils, vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts and seeds on your plant-based day will nourish your body and provide many additional health benefits.
Whole grains such as brown rice, oats, buckwheat, quinoa, millet, whole grain pasta and whole wheat bread can help prevent heart disease, certain cancers, and even diabetes. Grains also provide you with fibre which promotes healthy bowel function as well as a variety of valuable vitamins and minerals. Consider experimenting with a grain that you ordinarily wouldn’t cook with to introduce something new to your diet.
By including beans and lentils in your meals you will feel more satiated and get a mighty protein kick (protein might be something you are worried you’ll be lacking whilst eating plant-based foods)… never fear though, if you eat a varied diet on your plant-based day, you will not be missing out on protein. Beans and lentils will also provide you with a great source of fibre, iron, potassium, and folate.
Nuts and seeds are packed full of vitamins and minerals and can really bulk the nutrient density of your food. They also add texture and flavour that is hard to find elsewhere.
We all know that fruits and vegetables are packed full of vitamins and minerals, plus they are an excellent source of dietary fibre. They are low in fat, sugar, and salt, and should be included as a huge proportion of any diet (plant-based or omnivorous). They help protect against chronic disease and will make you feel great. Fruits and vegetables also come in a rainbow of colours, designed by nature to make your food interesting, so embrace this and include a wide variety in your day.
So, Why?
Well, the why will be different for everyone. Some will choose to do plant-based for 1-day per week for their kids health, or for their own health. Some want to start increasing the variety of foods they include in their diet. Others may see it as a challenge to push them outside of their comfort zone, and some will do it to minimise their impact on the world around them and the lives of animals.
The choice will always be yours.
The results, however, will likely include more energy, clearer skin, reduced risk of serious illness and an opportunity to explore new foods with your family and friends.
Worth giving it a go? I think so.
