Plant-based diets are becoming more and more popular in households across the country. Plant-based meals are an eco-friendly choice that can often introduce a wide range of healthy nutrients and antioxidants that can boost wellness and aid in weight loss. However, keeping produce fresh can be a challenge, and making sure all of the vital vitamins and minerals are included in this diet can be a challenge.
Tamme McCauley of Pacific Palisades discusses more below about the pros and cons of a plant-based diet.
The Pros
• Good for the Planet
The cost of raising animals for food is incredibly high financially and environmentally. A lot of land, fodder, chemicals such as antibiotics, and water are needed to keep the animals involved in food production. Some, such as cattle, can be great contributors of methane, a greenhouse gas, to the atmosphere.
Plant-based diets reduce the need for commercial meat production, helping to save the environment. Not only that, but it can be an ethical choice for some, helping to promote animal welfare.
• Saves Money
Although it may seem like a costly venture, especially when considering the prices of some organic produce, a plant-based diet can actually be more wallet-friendly than others.
Buying seasonal vegetables means they are at their freshest, and often cheapest. Staples such as dried fruits, grains, and pulses such as beans always remain affordable all-year round.
Also, for those who grow their own fruits and vegetables can save on the added grocery bills, plus, they know where the food comes from, how it’s harvested and/or treated, and what’s better than heading out to the backyard for your meal?
• Can Aid Weight Loss
Many fruits and vegetables contain dietary fiber, which not only helps people to feel fuller for longer but also aids in a healthy digestive system.
Ultra-processed foods can often be high in sugar, so a piece of fruit can help to crave a sweet tooth in a healthier way.
Meats, especially red meats like beef and pork can tend to be high in fat. Limiting or cutting out the consumption of meat can help to aid weight loss by reducing the fat intake in a person’s diet.
• Rich in Vitamins and Antioxidants
Fruits and vegetables are rich in a wide range of vitamins and minerals that are essential for a healthy mind and body.
They are also packed full of antioxidants, which can help to reduce the likelihood of diseases such as diabetes and other inflammatory conditions.
The Cons
• Getting Enough Protein
Some plant-based dieters neglect to think about the foods that they are eating in terms nutritional value, and often need to supplement their diets with vitamins and minerals they aren’t getting strictly from plants.
Meat, eggs, and dairy are naturally high in protein, so those eating a plant-based diet need to be aware that they will need to make up for the shortfall in their diets.
• Keeping Food Fresh
Fresh fruit and vegetables can start to spoil quickly if they are not eaten or stored correctly. It is important to only buy as much as is needed.
Some products can be frozen to save on wastage, but can often lose taste or texture when thawed or reheated again. A way to get around this can be to batch-cook plant-based meals with ingredients that are likely to go bad soon, providing a quick and easy meal when you need it without throwing a load of food in the trash.
Another trick that requires a little more work is canning and/or freeze drying what you can’t eat. This of course requires the proper equipment to do so, but may be beneficial for those who have a large garden.
• Lacking Certain Vitamins
Plants are lower in iron levels than meat, so getting enough can be tricky for those first starting out on a plant-based diet. Boost the absorption of plant-based protein by consuming foods high in vitamin C and vitamin A. Dark, leafy greens and mushrooms can also help the body to absorb more calcium from plant-based meals.
Another vitamin to be conscious of is vitamin B12, as this is not something that is naturally found in plants. This will need to be added to the diet using fortified foods such as some cereals and nutritional yeast.
The Final Take
Although a plant-based diet might seem like a lot of effort and planning, it does have some major payoffs for those who are committed to taking up this lifestyle, such as better health and promoting a way of eating that is better for the environment.
However, the balance needs to be struck in what foods are eaten to ensure the body has all it needs to thrive, meaning a lot of meal planning and perhaps some compromises.
