What is A plant-based diet?
A Plant-Based Diet is a Simple Solution Contributing to Reversing the Effects of Climate Change!
A plant-based diet consists of nature-based foods with no artificial ingredients, which originate from plants such as vegetables, grains, fruits, legumes, nuts, and seeds. Plant-based does not have to be vegan, as many theories or diets allow a low amount of animal products. With that in mind, if you choose to eat meat, it is critical to examine its source.
Currently, it is estimated that about 4 billion people on Earth eat a plant-based diet. Many do it by choice while others do because of the limited access to a variety of food sources.
In European countries, the consumption of plant-based meat alternatives is steadily increasing, and it is estimated that by 2025, it will reach 60% of an overall world market. Similarly, the growth of plant-based foods in the United States grew eight times faster than the general food market.
In our journey to saving our planet and making a better future for all, everyone can contribute in so many ways, including the plant-based diet.
Why is it important?
Data suggests that animal agriculture contributes to 40% of our greenhouse gases which, as we know, trap heat in our atmosphere causing the increase of average temperature, rising sea levels, and consequently the increase in natural disasters. In addition to the methane from animal waste and CO2 emissions from mass-meat production, the deforestation resulting from animal farming lowers the oxygen levels in the Earth’s atmosphere. Switching to a plant-based diet or cutting the amount of meat we consume can contribute to reversing this hurtful cycle.
Recently, there is more data indicating that a plant-based diet can be linked to longevity and a healthy heart. Our eating choices are mostly based on our upbringing, cultural influence, convenience, affordability, and availability. Therefore, implementing small steps can lead to greater success, as making drastic changes in eating habits might be difficult and unsustainable.
The new dietary guidance published on November 2, 2021 by the American Heart Association – as always – includes eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein but it also focuses on changing the eating patterns by ensuring that we not only focus on what to eat but mostly on what not to eat.
Personal Story - Our Why
About four years ago, Rob and Ewa from Think Greener, LLC transitioned to a plan-base diet which we now like to refer to as a plant-based lifestyle.
We did it for two main reasons; personal health benefits as well as our increased awareness of the negative impact animal agriculture has on our environment, health, economy, and global emissions.
Awareness is a key to success. As we learned more about the way big agriculture is run, we decided not to contribute to the cause of an unjust economy and unhealthy diet that the American FDA recommends and subsidies. We decided to support local farms that grow organic, nutrient rich food not derived from fertilizers and pesticides. These farmers grow crops that are rotated each year and support regenerative agriculture, promoting healthy soil that sequesters carbon.
Now we choose not to support the mass-produced meat industry due to inhumane ways animals are treated. There is so much wrong with the way the system is currently run. Quite frankly, the system that the federal government subsidizes is backwards. Free range, regenerative agriculture is a way to create healthy ecosystems that can feed animals naturally and, consequently, is a solution to reverse the effects of climate change. This would also negate the need for growing large scale mono-crops used to feed animals, as soy and corn were never their natural food source.
As far as the health reasons, we both lost a combined total of 110 pounds and our biometric screening numbers went down to healthy levels. Prior to making a switch, we both started experiencing health problems starting with high cholesterol and blood pressure.
Part of our awareness was the discovery of Dr. Gundry. He is a world-renowned cardiologist and a well-published author who believes in and supports plant-based lifestyle.
In the initial stage, for about 6 months, following Dr. Gundry’s Plant Paradox program, we excluded animal protein, dairy products, sugar, and white flour. Eventually, we introduced a low amount of animal protein, with a strong commitment to supporting small and local farmers known for their sustainable agriculture. Cooks Venture became our go-to source for pasture raised heirloom chickens. We also discovered alternative sources for purchasing wild caught fish. While we decided to replace dairy products with alternative milk options such as coconut or almond, occasionally we indulge in goat cheese or buffalo mozzarella and we are truly adamant about eating whole foods and avoiding processed products.