Building meal plans can be confusing with all the contradictory diet advice out there. There are however six key elements every meal plan should include. Today we are diving deeper into element number five: plants
If you remember last week we said we were breaking carbohydrates down into two pieces and last week we went in depth on fiber. This week we are breaking down plants. While essentially they both come from the same source each one has its own importance.
We are going to define a plant based diet not as vegetarian or vegan though those are examples but as a diet that consists of a balance of all plants. Meat and other animal products are part of a balanced, healthy meal plan, but everyone has different dietary needs and personal preferences. Whatever path you choose you can lead a healthy, active lifestyle with a high performing body with or without animal products. Everyone however, needs plants in their diet. So from here on out when I say plant based diet you will know what I mean.
Plants include: fruits, vegetables, legumes, grains, seeds and nuts.
They perform several vital functions:
If you remember last week we said we were breaking carbohydrates down into two pieces and last week we went in depth on fiber. This week we are breaking down plants. While essentially they both come from the same source each one has its own importance.
We are going to define a plant based diet not as vegetarian or vegan though those are examples but as a diet that consists of a balance of all plants. Meat and other animal products are part of a balanced, healthy meal plan, but everyone has different dietary needs and personal preferences. Whatever path you choose you can lead a healthy, active lifestyle with a high performing body with or without animal products. Everyone however, needs plants in their diet. So from here on out when I say plant based diet you will know what I mean.
They perform several vital functions:- Provide energy for the body
- Helps with vitamin and mineral absorption
- Provide vitamins and minerals
- Aid digestion
- Fruits and vegetables specifically have large amounts of antioxidants that help keep us healthy
Having a plant based diet has several benefits including lowering the risk of obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease and stroke.
I sneak more plants into my diets by making sure I am consuming one with every meal and snack. Most are super low in calories so you can pile them on and get the added health benefits without adding tons of calories.
My favorite sneaks are adding fruit and spinach to my morning protein shake and making soups and stews with tons of hidden veggies in them. If you have picky eaters at home its a great way to make sure they are getting plenty of plants in too.
What are your favorite ways to sneak more plants into your diet?
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