We've all heard that we 'should eat our fruits and veggies' to be healthy... it's been advice we've faced as long back as we can remember. I think we all know that plant foods are good for us. I think we've all had it seared into our brains that plants are good for us... yet, many of us still find it to be the hardest to keep up with our everyday eating patterns. WHY do you think that is?
I think WHY is the exact issue. We know plants make us healthy... but we don't know WHY they make us healthy. Plus, "Healthy" is such an abstract term... what does "healthy" even mean and how could we measure it?
As humans, we live for the WHY. We want to make sensible decisions. We naturally will put effort toward value. Without an understanding of the effort going in, or a defined outcome, we're inclined to just pass. Even if the value seems great (healthy)... if there isn't a specific benefit that helps us measure tomorrow as being better than today, we don't tend to take on that extra burden. Think about it... why do our kids avoid doing chores? A "clean house" certainly isn't motivating to them. I have the same battle with eating.
So here we go. Let's dive into the WHY behind MORE plants. What if I told you it could balance your energy levels, improve your digestion, and enhance your immunity? Would that pique your interest? I have witnessed countless success stories from individuals who have experienced transformative changes by incorporating more plant-based foods into their lives.
So why does adding plants to our diets seem like such a struggle? Partly due to our preference for convenience, reliance on familiar habits, and easy access to processed foods. This coupled with messy marketing labels about what is "healthy" and what is not... we tend to miss the natural benefits of simply adding plants.
Our biology tells a different story than our minds and habits. Our bodies actually thrive on a range of nutrient-dense plants – fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts, and seeds provided by Mother Nature herself.
Let's cut out the first blocker. Do I have to stop eating foods I like? Nope! That's the best news... You don't have to go vegan, or vegetarian. You don't need to kick sugar or snub desserts with a twinge of wishful longing in your heart. Simply start by adding in a few extra plants than you have done in the past to see the benefits. Super simple. Super easy. By exploring these options without limits or restrictions while keeping an open mind towards new flavors and choices we can unlock immense potential for nourishment and vitality. You'll notice small differences almost immediately. Better satisfaction after meals, reduced cravings, and stable energy. Small little "thank you" moments from your body, peppered throughout your day.
There are numerous ways to seamlessly bring a few extra plants into your daily meals. Here are a few, curated priceless tips for a plant-boosted path forward that will leave you feeling energized and invigorated.
- Start with Small Changes: Begin by adding one extra serving of fruits or vegetables to each meal. Wait... did I just say eat MORE? Yep... permit yourself to add in that extra serving. It will help with energy and weight management. Whether it's throwing a handful of spinach into your morning smoothie or choosing a salad instead of fries during lunchtime, these simple adjustments gradually increase your intake of plant foods without overwhelming change. Soon, you'll begin to notice you feel a bit more of an energy boost after each meal... and that it lasts longer, so you don't give into other cravings as much…
- Step out of Your Comfort Zone: Bored with your current list of fruits and veggies? Try something new! There are so many weird plants out there that are amazing for you. Random herbs, fruits, grains, roots, and spices can help fight disease, balance hormones, and stabilize your mood. Make the experiment fun... something to look forward to! By broadening your palate, you'll discover a kaleidoscope of flavors and nutrients, making healthy eating an exciting adventure rather than a chore.
- Batch Cook and Prepare Ahead: This is a HUGE blocker. The time it takes to slice, dice, cook, and combine. But not to worry- just find one time during the week when you can just do it once for the entire week. I usually dedicate that time to preparing larger quantities of plant entrees and toppers that can be stored in the fridge or freezer. Peppers, sautéed mushrooms, broccoli, carrots- these all store well. Hummus and nuts are easy to grab. This will ensure that you have quick and effortless yet nourishing options for busy weekdays. Homemade soups, stews, stir-fries, and roasted veggies are just as easy to grab as the other snacks. Maybe even easier because they're not wrapped in a plastic package you have to tear through. Then the best foods can be enjoyed on-demand, giving you fewer reasons to turn to less healthy choices. You'll find you worry less about what to eat throughout the week because everything is easy to make!
- Give Plants the Spotlight: Challenge the conventional notion of a balanced meal by focusing on building hearty salads incorporating grains, legumes, and colorful vegetables as the main attractions. Most of the time we'll see a bed of pasta or rice with some veggies on top. Try turning that upside down. Aim for a base of roasted veggies with some interesting pasta toppings or intermixed with a bit of rice. Aim to use more whole grains like brown rice or quinoa with some nuts or beans as protein sources, avocado for some healthy fats, and a sprinkle of seeds will leave you satisfied with every bite! This will help feed a healthy gut biome, which boosts your immune system and reduces inflammation.
- Seek Inspiration from Global Cuisines: Take a culinary journey through various cultures that celebrate plant-based eating. From Mediterranean delights like hummus, falafel, and tabbouleh, to fragrant Indian curries bursting with antioxidant-rich spices—exploring global flavors will open up new dimensions in enjoying plants' bounty. There are so many countries with amazing cuisines that pack in the plants, and they're so easy to make! Bringing such delights to your table helps to bring joy back into eating and build trust between you and your food.
The key is to remember that in this case, more is truly better. You'll notice that your guilty pleasure relationship with food will begin to balance out. Your cravings will decline. You'll find peace with your habits. Your body will tell you more about exactly what kind of foods it needs to give you its very best.
Open Eating... Bringing out your best- so you can take back your life!