I’ve been promoting the benefits of not eating meat for a long time now and it really seems like the message is getting out there. In recent years, there has been a steadily growing interest in plant-based diets as more people recognise the benefits of eating this way.
Plant-based diets focus on eating whole, minimally processed foods derived from fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts and seeds, and exclude or limit animal products like meat, dairy and eggs. Plants offer essential nutrients that are pivotal to maintaining cell health and balancing your body. They are also high in fibre (which is not present in any animal products) so support good bowel and gut health.
The Health Benefits of Eating Plants
There are numerous medical studies which consistently link your risk of getting many chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and even some types of cancer being dramatically lowered if you eat mostly plants.
In fact, according to the Mayo Clinic, a plant-rich diet could prevent a third of all cancer cases! And from my experience working with many clients over the years, if you combine a plant-based diet with fasting, then you can most definitely heal many of these chronic conditions… because I have seen it happen over and over again!
A plant-based diet is also more alkaline because it focuses on consuming foods that are naturally rich in alkaline minerals and low in acidic compounds. Meat, particularly red meat and processed meat, is considered an acidic food due to its high protein and phosphorus content.
This acidity can affect the body’s pH levels, potentially leading to various health issues. It is important for good health to keep the body in a slightly alkaline state. Foods like fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains are high in potassium, magnesium and calcium and these minerals help neutralize acidity in the body and promote an alkaline environment.
You will also have more life force energy (electricity) because you are eating a LOT of living foods. Maybe you did the experiment back in school where you used a potato to light up a light bulb? All plants in their raw, unchanged state provide this life force energy so the more foods you eat in this state, the more energy you will have. A couple of times a year I do at least 30 days of a raw food diet and after a week or so I have so much energy I literally can’t sit still!
And the impact of a plant-based diet on longevity is something else that cannot be overstated. Populations consuming diets predominantly based on whole foods and plants, like those in the “Blue Zones” are known for their long life expectancies. Research supports that a shift towards more plant-based foods can lead to enhanced metabolic health, reduced inflammation and better cognitive function which leads to a longer and healthier life. Who doesn’t want that?!
But Where Do You Get Your Protein?
If you’re thinking that you have to eat meat to get enough protein, think again. Take a look at my article on Building Muscles Without Meat. And if that doesn’t convince you, look up “Torre Washington” or “Nimai Delgado”. Both these guys have been vegetarian since birth, so they have NEVER eaten meat!
Rather than eating meat to gain muscle, you should really energise your body. Try some Pulse as a gym snack. It’s super nourishing, tastes amazing, and really easy to carry around.
Don’t get me wrong, we definitely need protein to be healthy – but we don’t need as much as many people think! In fact, a study published in 2018 in the European Heart Journal showed many people are eating TOO MUCH protein and that it is negatively affecting their health. So unless you are a high performance athlete, you only need about 0.36 grams of protein per kilo of body weight. This equates to about 15% of your daily caloric intake.
Tips for Transitioning to a Plant-based Diet
1. Start Slow
If you don’t have a chronic disease and are used to eating meat regularly then you can gradually reduce your intake and incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet. There are so many recipes out there now that you can find Plant-based versions of most of your favourite dishes. And they are so delicious you won’t feel like you are missing out at all!
2. Explore New Foods
Get creative in the kitchen and experiment with different types of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and plant-based proteins like beans and lentils. I think you will be very pleasantly surprised how good they taste!
3. Seek Support
Join online communities like my Facebook group Tyler Tolman – Free Community, take a cooking class or seek guidance from one of my Tolman Health Coaches if you would like personalised help.
Over the years I’ve had hundreds of messages from people saying I inspired them to take the leap. Whatever the reason is that motivates you, go out and buy some beautiful fresh salads, greens, fruit and vegetables – you will be nourishing your body and sparing a whole lot of animals from misery.
