AARP Plant Based Cooking - Raw Pasta and Marinara

Whether it’s a story about your experiences managing weight loss on paleo or keto diets, intermittent fasting, or just tips on eating healthier in general - we want to hear it.

We strongly believe knowledge should be shared; not hoarded for personal gain. So please email us your stories and recipes at [email protected] and help us spread the word about how anyone can achieve optimal health and wellness through proper nutrition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a plant based diet the same thing as a vegan?

No. A plant-based eating plan is not the exact same as a vegan. A plant-based diet is an eating plan that focuses on mainly consuming fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts and seeds, and whole grains. Although this eating style does not include meat, dairy or other animal products, it may contain small amounts of animal protein. Veganism is an ethical lifestyle that emphasizes a plant-based diet. It also avoids cosmetics and clothing made from animal products. While vegans might choose to eat a plant-based diet, these are two distinct concepts.

Can I eat a diet that is plant-based and still eat eggs?

Eggs are not allowed on a plant-based diet. This diet completely eliminates any animal products like meat, poultry, fish, or eggs. Many vegan options exist for traditional egg-centric dishes, and they offer the same texture and flavor without using animal products. Tofu scrambles, omelets, and chickpea flour are excellent breakfast dishes that look and feel like eggs. However, they also contain plant-based proteins. You can use aquafaba (the liquid found inside a can chickpeas) to substitute eggs for vegan egg whites when making meringues. Flaxseed meal/chia seeds, or water substituted for one egg can help preserve non-vegan recipe without compromising the taste.

Are plant-based diets environmentally sustainable?

For their environmental and health advantages, plant-based foods are becoming more popular. Eating a plant-based diet can be more sustainable than consuming foods derived from animal sources, as it generally causes less pollution and has lower emissions of greenhouse gases. A plant-based diet also takes up fewer resources as plants are typically grown with fewer inputs than animal products. Commercially raised animals often need large amounts of water, soil, and fossil fuels. As some environmental effects of livestock production have been linked to global warming, reducing consumption of these foods through introducing more plant-based meals into one's weekly rotation could help reduce an individual's carbon footprint and support healthier, more eco-friendly practices.

Are there any celebrity or athlete advocates of a plant-based diet?

There are many celebrities and athletes who advocate a plant-based diet. Kyrie Irving is a NBA player. Lewis Hamilton is a Formula 1 World Champion. Natalie Portman is an actress. Meghan Trainor is a singer. Kenneth Farrow is the NFL running back. Each of these people have chosen the vegetarian/vegan lifestyle to suit their goals and achieved remarkable results in their athletic endeavors or artistic endeavors. Actress Alicia Silverstone even wrote a book about her experiences with the vegan lifestyle, Kind Diet. Novak Djokovic, a professional tennis player, has attributed his success to his unusual habit of eating mostly organic vegan food during competitions. His stats have dramatically improved since he began this diet. The four professional athletes all point out some notable qualities such as increased energy, quicker recovery from injuries and better overall health and well-being. The success stories demonstrate that plant-based diets can be an effective tool for achieving better athleticism.

Can you get enough protein on a plant-based diet?

Yes, you can get enough nutrition from plant-based foods. You can get amino acids from legumes, nuts, seeds and grains to help build muscle and keep you healthy. Tofu, and other soybean products, contain all 9 essential amino acid that the body cannot make. Vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or kale are also high in protein and can provide the amount of protein required for adequate nutrition when combined with legumes and grains. Plant-based protein are better for long-term satisfaction and support longer-lasting satiety. Flaxseeds and chia seeds, walnuts and hemp seeds all contain omega-3 fatty acid, which can be used to balance the other nutrients in a plant-based diet.

What can I eat instead of meat for protein?

Protein is an important component of a healthy diet. It can be found in both animal- and plant-based sources. You can find plant-based protein in legumes, nuts, seeds, grains and beans. A high level of antioxidants can be found in many vegetables and fruits which can offer anti-inflammatory benefits. Some dairy substitutes, such as almond or oat milk, are fortified with proteins, making a great plant-based alternative to cow's milk. Alternatives like pumpkin seeds and nutritional yeast can lend cheesy flavor to dishes while providing more micronutrients than their animal-based equivalents. You can also add extra nutrition to smoothies or shakes by using vegan protein powders.

Is it possible for a plant-based diet to help you lose weight?

Yes, a plant-based diet can help with weight loss. It is possible to get enough volume from eating a variety fruit and vegetable, legumes, fruits, nuts, seeds, and other protein-rich plants without adding any extra calories. A well-rounded vegan meal plan is usually low in saturated fat and cholesterol-containing foods like red meat and processed snacks that tend to add weight instead of take it away. Research shows that eating a plant-based diet can help increase metabolism and decrease the risk of obesity. The addition of healthy, fiber-rich ingredients and the elimination of starches, sugars and white bread can support weight loss, while also providing vital vitamins and minerals necessary to keep your body healthy.

Statistics

• According to research published, going plant-based can cut grocery bills by $750 a year per person, Journal of Hunger & Environmental Nutrition. (forksoverknives.com)
• Another found that following a diet rich in plant foods and lower in animal foods was associated with a 16 percent lower risk of cardiovascular disease and a 31 to 32 percent lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease. (everydayhealth.com)

External Links

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• Scientific Reports


• The carbon cost of land-based animal-sourced foodstuff production

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• Weight Loss


• Plant-Based Diets and Omega-3 Fatty acids

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• What is a Plant-Based Diet? Why should you Try It? - Harvard Health

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• Diabetes

How To

How do I meal prep for a plant based diet?

Preparing plant-based meals ahead of time makes cooking easy and efficient. While it takes some planning and preparation, this can save you valuable time and encourage healthy eating habits. It is easier to follow a plant-based diet by prepping meals ahead of time. The food will be ready for you when you are hungry. Additionally, by removing the need to cook from scratch each day, there's more time available for activities such as exercise or relaxation.

Successful plant-based meal prep is all about variety. To get more nutrition, choose different ingredients every week. Choose spinach for greens; purple carrots to orange/reds; brown rice for complex carbohydrates. Every meal should have a balanced ratio of fiber and protein. It all depends on the individual's dietary needs.

To optimize meal prep efficiency, consider using a slow cooker or multi-cooker device; batch cooking various ingredients at once by freezing portions of cooked meals; pre-cut vegetables, so they're ready to add to recipes; portion out snacks ahead of time, or keep staples like canned beans and jarred sauces on hand for easy dinners after work.

A few easy steps can make meal preparation for a plant based diet fun and easy. Start by creating a grocery list that is based on the recipes you want to prepare. For fresh produce and quality ingredients, it is a good idea to shop at your local farmer's market or health food store if you can. The next step is to plan enough time to prepare the food. This option allows you to save time and effort while still getting great results. Utilizing appropriate storage equipment additionally helps so food remains fresh until needed.

Plant-based meal prepping allows one to eat well regardless of how busy they are. By taking the guesswork out of healthy eating, individuals will likely achieve their nutritional goals sooner rather than later.

Resources:

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