What is a plant based diet?
A plant-based diet is often defined differently by different people. A plant-based diet, as used in this blog, is defined as:
A diet consisting of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and legumes. No animal products or by-products are consumed. This includes, but is not limited to: meat, poultry, fish and seafood, eggs, milk, cheese, butter, yogurt, and honey. This also includes ingredients derived from animal parts. For example: gelatin, casein, whey, and foods fortified with vitamin D.
Since this definition of a plant-based diet is also called a vegan diet, I will use those terms interchangeably on this blog.
What are the health and medical benefits of eating a plant based diet?
There are a wide array of health and medical benefits when you eating a plant-based diet, including decreasing risk of heart disease (the number one killer in America) and other diseases, lowering risk of cancer, and decreasing blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol.
What is Heart Disease?
Heart disease is a broad, general term for a wide variety of heart conditions. These include arrhythmias, congenital heart defects, and blood vessel diseases, such as coronary artery disease (CAD), which is the most common.
Symptoms of heart disease may be angina (chest pain), shortness of breath, decreased blood flow which can lead to a heart attack or stroke, and heart failure.
Risk factors for developing heart disease include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, obesity, unhealthy diet, age, family history, stress, physical inactivity, and excessive alcohol use.
If you would like to read more information, visit the CDC or Mayo Clinic’s websites.
Is it expensive to eat a plant based diet?
I have found eating a plant-based diet to actually be less expensive. It is only expensive when you buy processed foods or pre-cooked meals–which also happens to be true for any diet. Fresh, whole foods are less expensive in the long-run. Organic can be expensive, yes. Which is why I buy a lot of organic produce at Costco. The money you’re saving on meat can be applied to the budget for organic produce or more produce in general. Also, think of all the money you could be saving on healthcare and medications since you’re eating a healthier diet! That alone is worth it.
Where can I follow you?
You can follow A Case for Plant Based on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest.
How do I get in contact with you?
You can contact me on any of the above social media platforms or email me directly at: erica@acaseforplantbased.com
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How often do new blogs get posted?
New blog articles are posted every Friday morning at 8 a.m. central standard time.
How long have you been vegan?
I have been vegan since October 7, 2019. And my only regret is not going vegan sooner! 🌱
How long has veganism been around?
What if my local supermarket doesn’t stock a particular item I need for vegan cooking?
I have sent emails to local grocery stores and restaurants requesting certain things. If you want a specific ingredient or item, send an email to the supermarket suggesting they start stocking it in their store. Explain to them why you, as well as others, would benefit from this item. Also, don’t forget to thank them for all of the wonderful produce and vegan-friendly items they already stock. 😊
You can also send emails to your favorite local restaurants requesting they add plant-based options to their menu. Again, explain why this would be beneficial to both you and to others. Name local vegan organizations or Facebook groups that you know have a good following and would come to the restaurant for vegan-friendly dishes. The more we request certain things, the more of a demand we create.
Above all, be kind and show appreciation for what they do already.
How do I deal with the stereotypes of being a vegan?
Here’s a good place to start. If you show others kindness and respect, chances are, they will show you the same in return.