Understanding the Whole Food Plant Based Lifestyle
You may be noticing that more and more people are shifting to plant based eating. There are many reasons for this, including concern for the environment, weight management, the love of animals, or a desire to eat more wholesomely. I embrace all of these reasons, but the main focus is the amazing healing power of plants. There is ever increasing research proving the ability of plants in healing and reversing chronic ailments such as diabetes, heart disease, autoimmune diseases and cancer, to name just a few. Whatever your reason to seek out this pathway I will help you understand what WFPB is all about.
The General Guidelines
In a nutshell, the WFPB lifestyle is centered around eating all fruits, vegetables of all types, whole or minimally refined grains, peas, beans, lentils, nuts and seeds. Basically this is peasant food at it’s best. This means that processed foods such as chips, crackers sugary cereals and other “junk foods” are not considered WFPB, even if they don’t contain any animal products. So the ultimate focus is directed at wholesomeness, as much as avoiding meats, fish, dairy, eggs and oils.
Often people have the misconception that it’s all just about eating salads and greens. Though these make up a significant part of most meals, consuming rice and grains, sweet potatoes and corn, beans and lentils, are an important part of the diet. Complex starches add bulk, vitamins and minerals, and protein. In order to get enough calories and balanced nutrition it’s important to eat it all!
Learning to Move Away From Reductionist Nutrition
Unfortunately diet culture over that past several decades has lead us to define foods as one of the 3 macronutrients: fats, carbohydrates and protein. This has sadly reduced us to thinking that there are “good” and “bad” foods, and that to lose weight and be healthy you need to eliminate or limit things, such as carbs or fats. This has been a great disservice and has caused tremendous confusion. I also believe it has helped contribute to a variety of health issues.
The truth is that as humans we are meant to consume a healthy balance of all these nutrients. All of which we can get in adequate amounts from plants. In addition plants provide us with extremely important fiber, and certain vitamin and minerals which we cannot get from animal products. It really brings us back to an ancient way of eating. You could say that we evolved to eat this way.
What About Protein, Calcium and Iron?
Most people are surprised to learn that fruits and vegetables have a fair amount of all of these nutrients. When you consume a varied diet, and enough calories to meet your needs, you will have no problem getting all that you need- PLUS the added bonus of rich vitamins, minerals and vital fiber. For more on this you can read up HERE. You may be surprised to know that there is a long list of professional athletes, body builders, and endurance athletes who are plant based, and they get everything they need from plants, and NOT powders or processed “foods”.
What Is There To Eat?
I think a lot of people at first get stuck on this question because we have been trained to think that dinner is centered around a protein with veggies as sides. Instead your thinking will shift into eating a variety of vegetables instead. In many ways I find this far easier to create dinner. I no longer have to worry about expensive meat going bad in the fridge, instead I have beans and grains on hand and I keep a variety of vegetables stocked. We are also living in a time where there are more and better non meat options available in the markets and at restaurants. There is a lot to explore, and I know you will be amazed at the variety and deliciousness of your meal options.
Do I Have to Give it All up For Good?
Not necessarily, but it’s a complex question. Let me say this- If you are struggling with a concerning health issue the closer you get to eating a wholesome diet the better and faster your health will improve. A lot of people also experience a realization that feeling good is really surprisingly wonderful, which encourages them to go deeper. If you are nervous about giving up some favorite foods know that if you truly want them, there is no plant police to harass you.
This is your body, your health, and your lifestyle.
My role is to provide you with tools and inspiration, reliable facts and information, and the support to assist you in reaching your goals.