So, we’ve welcomed in 2020. We’ve made the usual resolutions for a healthier new year. Eating better. Working out four times per week. Sleeping earlier. Now that we are one month in; how’s that plan going? We make an earnest effort in week one then fall right back into those comfortable yet destructive habits. Yikes! Well, it does not have to be the same old, same old. One simple fact is that taking on too much, and making unrealistic changes overnight will always lead to failure. Losing 30lbs in days is just as unrealistic as making $1,000,000 in 1 hour (unless you’re Mark Zuckerberg). Taking on realistic goals designed specifically for you, can prove to be the winning ticket to achieving your goals this year.
Remember bigger is not always better. Small, simple changes are a good option for most of us. And yes, you can really make a difference by incorporating a few simple, yet life-changing modifications, to achieve your healthier lifestyle goals. Adding one change each week will allow you to start creating better habits.
This week let’s talk about diet. Specifically going plant-based. Have you been thinking of modifying your diet to incorporate more plant-based healthier options? Maybe you’ve even thought of going vegan. Then you’re definitely not alone. Many people have decided to ditch animal-sourced food to focus on consuming foods that naturally come from plants like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. With an increased interest in moving towards plant-based eating. More and more people are realizing the benefits of eating a plant-based diet including improving health, animal welfare, and environmental benefits.
To start a plant-based healthy lifestyle choose some simple changes that will prove to be long-lasting. Here a few tips to help you get started.
At home, incorporate a larger portion of vegetables on your plate. Make sure that you stock up on plant-based options for snacks and meals.
Try a Meatless Day. This is a great way to get started by simply choosing either one meal or one entire day to only eating plant-based. This will give you a chance to start slowly and to get used to the idea of a plant-based diet.
Eat up: Fruits, veggies, grains, and legumes are less calorically dense compared to butter, cheese, eggs, and meat. So, load up on baked potatoes, quinoa, beans, salad, and fresh fruit!
Incorporate plant-based milk and plant-based yogurt into your morning breakfast.
Swap out your favorite burger with a veggie patty. A favorite is Beyond Burger or Gardein brands. Yum!
Join plant-based communities on Reddit and Facebook. Connecting with others as they start their journey will help keep you encouraged and inspired.
Become a home chef or least try not to burn the tofu. Check out Youtube. There are a plethora of vegan recipes that are so easy to follow. You’ll never eat out again!
No matter where you are in your health journey, whether you’re trying Meatless Anyday or overhauling your diet completely, every small step makes a difference in reaching your goal.
What plant-based dish are you making this week? Share your recipe with us on twitter.com/medek or on our Facebook page.