Health
Why a Plant Based Diet is Scientifically Proven Healthy
Healthy, easy, fast, recipes, ideas and fun facts that make vegetarian living an easy choice.
Eating is both emotional and social. It is something we all need to do in order to survive and yet most of us enjoy eating at least on some level, some of us more than others. I am not here to tell you what to eat, how to eat, and I will certainly never judge you or shame you for what you eat. I am simply here to explain the difference between vegetarian and vegan diets, why plant-based diets have been known to be scientifically proven to have long lasting health benefits and provide some fun veggie food facts.
I would also like to share with you my personal journey and why I vacillate between a vegetarian and plant-based diet, and some fast and healthy recipes that make vegetarian living easy and approachable. At the end of the day being vegetarian alone does not make you healthy. I still have to take responsibility for making healthy, well-balanced choices that keep my body well nourished. For example, I could eat mac-n-cheese, cheese pizza and fries and call myself vegetarian, but without whole grains, fruits, and vegetables my body would lack essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients.
“Studies have shown 50–70% of the nation’s health care costs are preventable, and the single most effective step most people can take to improve their health is to eat a healthier diet.” ~ John Robbins, Food Revolution
“The vast majority of all cancers, cardiovascular diseases, and other forms of degenerative illness can be prevented simply by adopting a plant-based diet.” T. Colin Campbell, the former Senior Science Advisor to the American Institute for Cancer Research.
My first introduction to learning about plant-based food was when I read, Food Revolution, by John Robbins about sixteen years ago. That entire book just intrigued me. I then went on to read and watch documentaries such as Forks Over Knives and study the scientific reasons on why I should be plant based and quickly adopted a vegetarian lifestyle. I admit, it was a pretty easy change as I did not eat much meat to begin with. I have always loved animals, but I was honestly much more convinced of the health benefits of a plant-based diet than the non-harming of animals, although that pleased me as well.
“Long term vegans (strict vegetarians who consume no dairy or other foods of animal origin) almost never get heart attacks.” ~ Joel Fuhrman, MD, Eat to Live
The Difference Between Vegan and Plant-Based
I call myself vegetarian, but many days I am dairy and animal product free, so vegan, or plant-based. To me, the difference between vegan and plant-based is lifestyle. To technically be vegan — all clothing and products you use must also be vegan — that’s a bit too hardcore for me, but kudos for them, that’s serious dedication. True vegans wear/ own zero silk, leather, suede, they do not eat honey because it comes from bees, and they do not eat cheese or eggs. I do love my cheese and eggs, but I do give them up occasionally to eat plant-based from time to time. Dr. T. Colin Campbell coined the term “plant-based diet” in the 1980’s, during his China Study to distinguish the diet vs. the vegan lifestyle.
In my opinion, the closer you are to plant-based living the healthier you are. So, do the best you can and, just like everything else in life — start where you are with what what you can do, and make the best of it. Baby steps are better than nothing. There are great products out there to help like Amy’s soups, they are vegetarian and high quality. I am trying to get away from processed food but it is certainly better than fast food. And, for the record I am not an affiliate or getting paid in any way for any shout outs.
Sometimes in our home we will even make a dinner out of raw vegetables and dip, add a bit of bread and cheese and we are very satisfied. This is an example of watermelon radish, which I love, peppers, cauliflower, purple and regular carrots, cucumber and raw green beans with an avocado yogurt dip.
Many people think it is difficult to be vegetarian and I often get asked, “what on earth do you eat?” But, in reality there are endless possibilities from eggplant, okra, lasagna, ethnic foods, raw foods. In fact it is fun just being creative.
In our house, some nights are simple and some are a little more elaborate. I just try to keep it fresh, make it affordable, and try not to let things get stale, meaning wear it out to the point where we never want it again. I am not afraid to experiment and try new recipes, in fact I often just create my own. This is a stuffed acorn squash and is my own creation. I steamed quinoa with vegetable broth. I melted a little butter and brown sugar in the acorn squash halves and baked those for 30 minutes. Then filled them with the quinoa that I mixed with sautéed onion, celery, apple, and dried cherry. Seasoned with salt and pepper. I baked for another 20 minutes covered in foil and topped with goat cheese, baked ten minutes then served.
Sometimes I choose healthy desserts and sometimes sinful. The point is, when I live a balanced life I do not have to deprive myself of anything I love. I simply live in moderation. Most of the time I try to fuel my body as if I am a race car trying to put the best energy sources inside to help energize myself. However, when I occasionally want fresh fried zucchini out of my garden in the summer heck yes I am going to eat it guilt free because it is orgasmically good. And, when I want pecan pie or carrot cake or a really good creme brûlée which are three of my very favorite desserts I will eat it guilt free.
Most of the time I try to keep life simple. I eat, I love, I laugh, and I enjoy. Life is meant to be enjoyed. It is simply too short not to live to the fullest. I spent one day in Rome on my way to Africa for a safari. I learned so much in that one day about life and culture and I left a bit of my heart and soul there that is longing to return.
Food is culture. Culture and food are love. Many translations. I know I cook with love and passion and when I eat, I eat with gratitude.
So, vegetarian, plant-based, vegan, meat, whatever you eat please take a moment and slow down before you eat. Take a moment to just take it all in. Look at the colors on your plate. Pay attention to how many times you chew. Say a blessing of gratitude for those around your table and hold space for those not present. Say a blessing for those less fortunate.
In today’s busy rush we have sadly lost the art of sharing a beautiful meal. We are always on the run. The fast food industry is thriving as is obesity. Maybe, just maybe, it is time to slow down once again. Time around the table is time sharing stories and making memories. It is a safe time for children to confide in us as parents and to look to us as role models and for us to hear what is going on in their lives. Without that shared quality time we are truly missing out. How often does it happen in your home? It doesn’t happen enough in mine. Maybe the world is trying to teach us a very hard lesson. Maybe we need to dig in the soil and plant some seeds. The only time we really have is NOW.
Love and Light to you all, thank you for being here to read this. I would love to know your thoughts in the comments. I hope you are all well. My prayers are with all those innocent families of both Ukraine and Russia and anyone who has families there. Peace, hope, and light for a peaceful resolve.
Please read a couple of stories from Dancing Elephants Press if you are looking for more positive inspiration, the last one is mine and the other two are from Dr. Preeti Singh and Umme Salma.
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