by Julie Piatt, international author, plant-based chef, meditation guide, yoga teacher
We can all benefit from adopting a more plant-based lifestyle. The added vitamins and minerals protect your immune system, feed your skin and hair, nourish your mind and combat tiredness. It’s a win-win. And no, it doesn’t mean you have to give up chocolate. Or wine. It’s just that a little bit more of the ‘good stuff’ can only be good.
Here are some simple tips and tricks to make the shift to a more plant-based lifestyle.
1. Designate one afternoon per week for stocking your fridge with green food
It is critical that this day is self-perceived as a positive weekly ritual.
2. Drink a large glass of warm body temperature (not room temperature) water
This practice should occur first thing in the morning and is essential for gently waking up your metabolism and liver.
3. Don’t let your brain think you are giving up meat
This can have a negative backlash in your prefrontal cortex. Instead, simply experiment with substituting meat for beans/tofu/eggplant for one meal a day. Perhaps eventually you will shift to two meat-free and packaged-free meals per day.
4. Control your cravings
Almost all cravings are determined by your micro-biome, which is comprised of trillions of microorganisms living inside your gut. Fortunately, we can transform our cravings within about two weeks if you start incorporating green juices and adding steamed leafy greens (kale, spinach, bok choy) to your daily diet.
5. Experiment with new recipes that have similar tastes and textures to your favourite foods
For example, The Plantpower Way contains several recipes for delicious plant-based meals like lasagna, stews, enchiladas, curries, macrobiotic bowls, chili, beet soup, mashed potatoes, mushroom gravy, tempeh loaf, and more.
Put simply, eating more of the good (non-processed whole foods closer to their natural state) and a bit less of the bad (processed foods) will help reconnect you with your authentic self, and make you feel like you can rule the world. Because you can!
You may also like MD® TREND: Why Matcha is your new bestie #tea and MAMA SOUL: How to wake up inspired.
MD®
