How To Be A Plant Based Family
This week, I want to talk to you about the why’s and how’s of being a plant-based family.
I will share resources with you, speaking to the incredible health and environmental benefits, as well an introductory “how-to” shopping list. I will discuss how to shop for a plant based diet for the entire family, no matter your geographic location.
In a separate post this week, you will find a shopping list that is full of vegetables and fruits, whole grains, nuts and seeds.
I have been thinking a lot about food desserts. What is this you may be thinking.
“The USDA defines a food desert as areas with limited access to affordable and healthy food.”
I grew up in an area such as this in rural Eastern Kentucky. I know all too well that it can be seemingly challenging. I am here, and very happy to share, the ways to make a WFPB diet possible no matter where you are!
Let’s begin with some of the “why’s” for adopting a plant based diet. We know there are amazing and documented health and environmental benefits. Additionally, it truly feels wonderful knowing that by choosing this way of life, we prevent the suffering of animals.
Health Benefits:
As an instructor of Plant-Based Nutrition and Food & Sustainability, I spend a great deal of time researching current studies, and staying current on the latest outcomes. Diseases such as type 2 diabetes, autoimmune diseases, and chronic stomach conditions, can very often all be healed through a healthy plant based diet. The resources I share this week are not meant to overwhelm you, but rather, to comfort you in knowing that there is documented scientific research speaking to the benefits of a plant based diet. I encourage you to dive into the resources fully, but gradually, but please take the time to do so. This information is truly life-changing!
“According to the World Cancer Research Fund and the American Institute for Cancer Research, there is no amount of processed meat that is safe to consume, so take charge of your health and remove processed meats from your diet!”
The following links are to the Center For Nutrition Studies website, where you will find many articles referencing health and environmental benefits of a WFPB diet:
Center For Nutrition Studies Health & Plant Based Diet
Center for Nutrition Studies Environment & Sustainability
Additionally, I want to share the The Plantrician Project with you. From their website:
Vision
A nation—and a world—in which all physicians, healthcare providers and, health influencers have embraced the dietary paradigm shift to a whole food, plant-based diet; in turn, effectively promoting patient and client adoption of this health-protecting, disease-fighting way of living.
The result: the transformation and regeneration of human health, health care, and the food ecosystem.
I have given you quite a bit to think about! Many of you may already be aware of these benefits, and some of you may be on a quest for knowledge. No matter where you are on your journey, I want to help you and your family find optimum health and options, and am here for you!
Coming up in a separate post, you will find a plant-based shopping list for Wal-Mart. Again, I have lived in an area where this was the primary grocery store, and I want to let you know that you can have this lifestyle no matter where you.
This blog post discusses optimum health achieved through a plant based diet. Environmental aspects are also addressed to discuss the importance of living a sustainable life. References and resources are provided.