Power to the Plants

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Power to the Plants

By Cheryl Alker

It would seem we are all talking about plant-based eating at the moment. So is it just the latest buzz phrase and today’s trendy diet or a long-term lifestyle with lasting benefits?

Let’s Look at the Evidence 

Firstly, there is no timeline associated with plant-based eating, it is actually a lifelong journey that, if followed, will improve your overall health. Plant based foods are low in saturated fat and cholesterol and rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. It can help you lose weight and lower your risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes.

A plant-based diet consists of eating plentiful supplies of vegetables, fruits, nuts, legumes, whole grains and seeds. At the same time you should be reducing the amount of animal and refined products you eat.

No Limitations

The great thing about a plant-based diet is there are no rules telling you that you can’t eat this and you can’t eat that such as vegetarian or vegan diets. So if you want some chocolate, ice-cream or to join your family for a family meal to celebrate a special holiday such as Thanksgiving or Christmas, then you can without limitations!

The rule of thumb for plant-based eaters is good nutrition with a balance of fat, protein and carbohydrates. The ratio of each really depends on your personal goals. For instance, do you want to lose weight or build muscle? Aiming for one-quarter whole grains, one-quarter legumes, one-quarter vegetables and one-quarter dark leafy greens is a good place to start.

Simple Steps

Start out with simple steps such as choosing one day of the week not to have meat, you can even start out only doing this once a month and increase it as you feel comfortable.  These meat-free days could end up only once a week or a couple to more days a week.  As I said no rules, it is whatever you are comfortable doing and what makes you feel healthier and more energized.

There are so many wonderful totally plant-based recipes out there, that it shouldn’t be difficult to introduce wonderfully nutritious and tasty meals into your weekly plan. 

Before you know it you will be cooking plants regularly and your lifelong path to better health will have truly began. 

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Cheryl Alker specializes in flexibility training, facial exercises and postural alignment. Her 30 year career started as a group fitness and personal trainer, she has lectured and directed fitness training programs in both Europe and the USA and was an advisor for a Governmental health promotion program. Alker and her company Stretch Results International continues to work with a select clientele from a base in Palm Beach County, Florida, certifying health professionals in her results based stretching program, educating consumers through public speaking and offering consultation to clients who wish to lose their muscular pain and gain flexibility to achieve full and active lifestyles. Alker has a proven totally natural program that alleviates back pain visit www.secretbackpaincure.com. For more information about professional continuing education and consultation options, e:books or DVD’s please call Cheryl on 561 889 3738. If you would like more articles like this please visit www.24sevenwellness.com.