Do you want to feel better every day? Changing what you eat can change your life. A whole-food, plant-based (WFPB) diet means eating foods that come straight from nature. You cut out meat, dairy, and heavily processed items. You eat more colors from the earth. [1, 2]
Here are the top reasons to try this way of eating.
1. Better Heart Health
Your heart works hard every day. Plant foods have no cholesterol. They are low in saturated fat. Eating more beans, oats, and greens helps lower your bad cholesterol. It also keeps your blood pressure in a healthy range. [3, 4, 5]
2. A Happy Gut and More Fiber
Most people do not get enough fiber. Fiber is only found in plants. It feeds the good bacteria in your gut. Good gut bacteria help your digestion. They also boost your immune system and keep you regular. [3, 4, 6, 7, 8]
3. Natural Weight Control
Whole plant foods have a lot of water and fiber. They fill you up before you eat too many calories. You do not need to count calories. You just eat until you are full. This makes it easy to reach and keep a healthy weight. [3, 6, 9, 10]
4. More Daily Energy
Heavy meals can make you feel slow and sleepy. Plant foods reduce inflammation in the body. When your body is not fighting bad inflammation, you have more energy. You wake up ready to move. [8, 11]
How to Get Started
You do not have to change everything today. Take small steps.
• Eat oatmeal with fresh fruit for breakfast.
• Add beans or lentils to your soup.
• Try one meat-free dinner each week. [14, 15]
Enjoy the fresh tastes and feel the difference in your body.
• Explore a beginner’s guide from Forks Over Knives.
• Read the Center for Nutrition Studies overview.
• Learn more at the Cleveland Clinic. [10, 16, 17]
[1] https://lifestylemedicine.org/benefits-plant-based-nutrition/
[2] https://thevibrantveggie.com/about-me/
[3] https://san-j.com/blog/benefits-of-a-plant-based-diet/
[4] https://www.manchestermemorialhospital.org/blog/the-benefits-of-eating-more-plant-based/
[5] https://health.clevelandclinic.org/whole-food-plant-based-diet
[6] https://www.mdanderson.org/cancerwise/the-benefits-of-a-plant-based-diet.h00-159780390.html
[7] https://nutritionfacts.org/video/the-negative-effects-and-benefits-of-plant-based-diets/
[8] https://www.mdanderson.org/cancerwise/the-benefits-of-a-plant-based-diet.h00-159780390.html
[9] https://www.bolay.com/blog/the-perks-of-a-plant-based-diet
[10] https://shop.forksoverknives.com/pages/beginner-guide
[11] https://www.veganfoodandliving.com/vegan-diet/health-benefits-of-a-whole-food-plant-based-diet/
[12] https://www.healthynursehealthynation.org/our-resources/blogs/2023/health-benefits-of-eating-whole-plant-foods/
[13] https://www.franciscanhealth.org/community/blog/plant-based-eating
[14] https://www.sharp.com/health-news/the-benefits-of-a-whole-food-plant-based-diet