It’s highly probable that you are considering ways to follow a healthier lifestyle after the New Year. Regardless if your desire is to lose ten pounds, improve your cholesterol levels or gain more vigor. Try these 5 tips below that will aid you in attaining your objectives.
- Mindful eating
- Cook at home
- Meatless meals one day a week
- More fruits and veggies
- Water
Studies have consistently revealed that diets based on plants are associated with a lesser chance of acquiring obesity, hypertension, heart ailments, type 2 diabetes, and cancer,” revealed Sharon Palmer, a registered dietitian, and author of “Plant-Powered for Life.”
Palmer stresses that even with the slightest changes to your diet, you can notice a difference. People often think that switching to a more plant-based diet means having bland food. There are in fact many foods to choose from— beans, lentils, whole grains, nuts, seeds, vegetables, and fruits. According to Palmer, these foods have components that contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
Supplying your food cupboard and refrigerator with an assortment of beans, whole grains, seasonal vegetables, fruits, spices, herbs, healthy oils, nuts, and seeds is the key to consuming additional plant-based food, she said.
Palmer likewise suggests “plantifying” your most beloved meals. “Just make your favorite entrees or meals plant-based, with a few swaps.” There is no reason that you should not be able to enjoy your favorite foods. Just make a few tweaks. If you love lasagna recipe, just replace the meat with greens, broccoli and peppers and perhaps some pine nuts. You can also replace the regular cheese with cashew cheese. You won’t have to give up on taco Tuesday either. Just use black beans or a vegetarian mushroom tofu filling. If you love Indian food, you can have chickpea masala instead! Palmer encourages sticking to the foods you know and love.
Trying out new dishes and making a list of new recipes can be enjoyable as well. “There are so many gorgeous plant-based recipes on sites, in books and in magazines these days. I like to try a brand-new recipe one day a week to keep things interesting. If you love it, make it again,” Palmer said.
If you want a seamless recipe without meat, Palmer suggests her spicy hummus vegetable tacos.
How to measure it:
Choosing a specific day in the week to pursue a plant-based diet and putting it in your reminders or to-do list is a great way to follow through on your plant-consumption program. “I love the Meatless Monday idea because people often start their best behaviors at the beginning of the week. … However, there may be a better day of the week for you, so just plan it,” Palmer said.