{"id":28096,"date":"2021-12-13T19:01:27","date_gmt":"2021-12-13T19:01:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.humnutrition.com\/blog\/?p=28096"},"modified":"2022-01-14T23:28:55","modified_gmt":"2022-01-14T23:28:55","slug":"plant-based-diet-for-beginners","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.humnutrition.com\/blog\/plant-based-diet-for-beginners\/","title":{"rendered":"A Beginner\u2019s Guide to Plant-Based Eating"},"content":{"rendered":"

Plant-based doesn’t mean you’re limited to salads and fruit bowls. If you’re hoping to make a switch in your eating habits, we put together a guide to plant-based diets for beginners (including dietitian-approved recipe ideas).<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n

Food trends are constantly changing, but one in particular has stood the test of time: plant-based eating. Some research<\/a> finds that Jain monks may have been practicing vegan diets in ancient India. This is one style of eating that many experts can get behind. As scientists continue to discover more about the benefits of whole, unprocessed foods, it\u2019s become increasingly popular. There are even more options than ever to try eating plant-based, with delivery services and restaurants incorporating dairy-free and meat-free meals into their menus. If you want to get in on the trend but don\u2019t know where to start, we put together a guide to plant-based diets for beginners.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n

If you\u2019re thinking about making the switch to plant-based eating, you\u2019re not alone. Cow\u2019s milk sales have declined<\/a> while plant-based alternatives are on the rise. Additionally, research shows that one in four people in the U.S. have cut back on eating meat<\/a>. There\u2019s never been a better time to make the switch\u2014but it can be intimidating for some. Below, we break down exactly what a plant-based diet is, how it benefits your health (and the planet\u2019s health), and give expert-approved meal prep ideas.<\/p>\n\n\n

What Is Plant-Based Eating?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Before trying out a plant-based diet, it\u2019s important to understand exactly what you\u2019re signing up for. \u201cPlant-based eating describes a diet that is mostly (or exclusively) made-up of minimally processed plant-based foods,\u201d explains Gaby Vaca-Flores, RDN, CLE<\/a>, HUM\u2019s education specialist. The key word here is \u201cmostly,\u201d as going plant-based doesn\u2019t mean you have to go vegetarian or vegan. However, you certainly can if you\u2019d like.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n

What Are The Health Benefits Of A Plant-Based Diet?<\/h2>\n\n\n

Plant-based diets are so buzzy because they offer a multitude of health benefits. That\u2019s because they\u2019re typically high in vitamins, minerals, and fiber<\/a> while also low in cholesterol and saturated fats. It all adds up:\u00a0 A plan-based diet supports your overall health. The benefits include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n