plant-based diets are gaining popularityThis year we have heard a lot of news about the downsides of eating meat, and the health benefits of moving towards a plant-based diet.

In October, the World Health Organization (WHO) published a report in collaboration with the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) that warned that there is “sufficient evidence” that processed meats cause cancer. Processed meats are popular in the diets of many, and include smoked, cured, salted, and preserved meats (i.e. deli meats, hot dogs, sausages, ham, and beef jerky to name a few).

Red meat (beef, veal, pork, lamb and mutton) was also suggested to be likely cancer-causing based on “limited evidence.”

Meanwhile, plant-based diets and vegetarian and vegan foods have seen a big rise in popularity. Even former California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has hopped on the plant-based band-wagon, advocating moving towards vegetarian diets to combat climate change. The abundance of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds that characterize plant-based diets make them chock-full of beneficial phytochemicals, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Studies find therapeutic benefits of plant-based diets for type II diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and obesity.

Don’t think of plant-based diets as a “diet,” but as a new way of thinking about your overall eating patterns. To learn more about the benefits of plant-based eating, check out my article The Power of a Plant-Based Diet in Health and Wellness Magazine.

Curious about what plant-based diets are all about? Try a plant-based experiment for the New Year!

I like Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine’s 21-Day Kickstart, which starts on the 1st day of every month! This “kickstart” provides 3 weeks of nutrition tips, webcasts, and low fat, vegan meal plans, along with a community forum and restaurant guides to support you in your mini plant-based journey!

If you live in the area, contact me for a nutrition consultation to help guide you on your path to ultimate health and healing in 2016!

Happy New Year!

Post a comment:

    Your Name (required)

    Your Email (required)

    Your Comments