There are many factors that go into how we decide what to eat. You likely choose based on several reasons: convenience, the taste of delicious food, satisfaction, and, of course, cost. We eat for fuel and to provide the energy we need to move, think, and feel good. Many of us also make choices around food because of politics, environmental concerns, ethics, and health. In fact, that might be what brought you to the Splendid Spoon community! Here, we delve into why you should be choosing plant-based meal options whenever possible.
Despite the factors that may go into choosing a meal, we often we make choices with little thought at all. It is estimated that we make decisions about food over 200 times a day, and many of these decisions are automatic or unconscious choices driven by cues in our environment.
The truth is, there are countless reasons why you might choose to follow a specific diet. Regardless of the reasons behind your food choices, or whatever diet philosophy you subscribe to, everyone benefits from eating a specific group of foods: plants.
Choosing to consume a whole-food, plant-based diet – and kicking the processed food habit – is beneficial for a host of reasons. Here are our top reasons to consciously, and intentionally, base your diet around plants:
1) Plants help reconnect you to good food.
Regardless of your health goals or diet strategy, incorporating more plants and plant-based meals into your day allows you to reconnect to the flavors of nature. Vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, nuts, and seeds contain a variety of pleasing textures and flavors as well as potent nutrition for your body. Not ready to be all in? Start with just one plant-based meal per day, or add more plants such as herbs, leafy greens, and fresh fruit to the meals you already eat. The freshness from whole food will leave you satisfied, and more connected to both your body and the natural world we thrive in.
2) Plants are healthy.
It is well documented in scientific literature that those who eat more fruits and vegetables have better health outcomes, including a decreased risk of chronic diseases, lower risk of cancer, and longer life expectancies. Have you heard the saying “an apple a day keeps the doctor away”? Well, it turns out to be true! However, it’s not just apples - studies connect eating more carrots to a decreased risk of breast cancer, kale to better blood sugar control, and berries to lower risks of heart attacks.
Sometimes it can be hard to translate science into day-to-day habits, but we are here to tell you that small changes make a big impact on your health. Pick one or two places in your diet where you can easily incorporate more colorful produce. Your body will thank you.
3) Plants are important for fiber and phytonutrients.
Not only are whole, unprocessed plant foods an excellent source of essential vitamins, minerals, and fats, but they are the only sources of fiber and phytonutrients in your diet. Fiber is an indigestible carbohydrate that becomes a food source for healthy bacteria in your gut. It keeps your immune system and whole body resilient and full of vitality. Phytonutrients are special chemicals produced by plants that protect them in the environment. When you eat these nutrients, they help to protect your cells and reduce inflammation.
4) Eating more plants saves you money.
For every dollar Americans spend on food, over a third goes to eating out, and another large chunk goes to eating processed and convenience foods. By switching some of the food budget to purchasing whole, unprocessed plants – and cooking them at home – you cut out all of the added costs that pile up from industrial agriculture, food manufacturing and transportation. You’ll likely spend less each month too!
Here at Splendid Spoon, we are committed to bringing you the best plant-based foods, to easily and conveniently fit into your life. Busy can be healthy and we are here to support you in achieving these wonderful benefits from a satisfying, plant-based diet.
Interested in adding 2 more plant-based meals to you life everyday? Get Started with our Breakfast, Lunch + Reset program! The meals are 100% plant-based, made of clean ingredients, and require no work - just heat or shake and eat!