Plant-Based Eating 101: Getting Started is Easier Than You Think

You may have heard of plant-based eating, but did you know it does not have to mean being vegan or vegetarian? Rather, plant-based eating is about eating a diet of mainly plant-based foods like vegetables, fruit, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds and vegetable oils, while enjoying fewer animal-based foods.

For those interested in plant-based eating, making a few simple changes to your diet is easier than you think and can have positive health benefits. In fact, a healthy diet low in saturated and trans fats may reduce the risk of heart disease. Follow these easy tips to incorporate more veggies into your meals.

1. Go meatless one day a week. Try having a vegetarian meal at least once each week. No one said you had to change overnight, but slowly introducing more vegetables and meat alternatives to your diet and subsequently reducing your meat intake helps make for an easier transition.

2. Opt for plant-based oils. Vegetable and plant-based oils, like canola, sunflower and olive oils contain good fats, like monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. Becel margarine — which is made from plant-based oils — has 80 per cent less saturated fat than butter and can be used in its place.

3. Infuse with culture. Lacking culinary inspiration? Grow your palate by sampling from a variety of cultures to spice things up. Indian cuisine is packed with flavour, and provides a wide selection of vegetarian dishes.

Whether you are reducing your meat consumption for health reasons, or just looking for a way to freshen up your diet, plant-based eating is a simple, healthy option for anyone.

SOURCE: www.newscanada.com