Why follow a plant based diet?

It seems to become more and more popular to eat a plant based diet. For good reason! Not just one actually, but several.. see for yourself:

1. Colour up your life!
First of all, it's delicious and so versatile! There is an abundance in plants that can never be found in animal products including colour, texture and taste. It's so much fun to experiment with all of these foods to create nutritious meals.

2. Environment
Secondly, it protects the precious resources of Mother Earth and is a very sustainable way of feeding the world. Did you know that on one acre of land 40'000 pounds of potatoes can be grown compared to 250 pounds of beef... Or 113 litres of water are needed to produce a pound of wheat compared to 22,730 litres to produce a pound of beef. This says everything, right? I could give you many more examples, but take a look for yourself here. 

3. Your health
Thirdly and not less importantly, choose a plant based diet for your health! There have been many studies showing evidence that a plant based diet supports a healthy heart and organs, smooth gut function and digestion, your energy levels or helps to maintain a healthy weight. It can even reverse conditions such as high blood pressure or cholesterol and help balance your blood sugar. Furthermore, it will promote a good sleep, reduce inflammation in your body, and provide you with amazing skin :). Simply put, you will have a longer and healthier life!
I have read many studies, but one of my favourite scientific books is The China Study.
And if studies aren't your thing, believe me when I say, I have never felt more vital in my life but since living on a plant based diet.

4. It's healthy for your wallet too
Eating a plant based diet definitely saves you money, vegetables - even when buying organic - are so much cheaper than meat and fish. Also, consider that buying whole foods and making your own will work out so much cheaper than buying processed ready meals.

5. Animals
Eating a plant based diet also means you are not supporting all of the cruel happenings out in the farms, slaughter houses and meat mass production places. I am not going to post links to those outrageous videos that I'm sure many of you have either heard of or seen anyways, but people if you really want to eat meat and fish and eggs and dairy, please go for sustainable organic options.

On that note, I will tell you that throughout my Nutrition course I have learnt so many interesting things and of those is the benefits of oily fish. It is incredibly good for us because it comes with a great dose of the healthy Omega 3 Fatty Acids that otherwise we don't come across very frequently on our plates. On top of that it's one of the most reliable sources of vitamin D other than sunlight. Hence why I have decided to put oily fish such as salmon, mackerel, herring, sardines back into my diet whenever my body feels like it. That could mean once or twice a week or sometimes less - listening to your body is key! IMPORTANT: I will only have it when I know I can support where it's coming from, meaning wild salmon, organic and never farmed. Plus, I recommend only having the smaller fish mentioned above to avoid a heavy mercury load. Ok, it's off my chest.. phew!

Also, I don't expect everyone to go vegan, I am talking about a plant-based diet. Of course, if you feel like vegan, go for it! As long as animal products are not consumed regularly, a plant-based diet can help the body detoxify and get rid of these pollutants.