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Starting a Plant Based Diet

March 24, 2015

4232091006_2551e66de9_zImage Credit

After hearing Jessica Murnane’s interview (episode #2) on The Lively Show, I immediately wanted to change to a plant based diet. I have always tried to eat clean and avoid processed foods when possible. Changing my eating habits to plant based would be a natural progression. I am lactose intolerant and I also have a sensitive stomach. My main goal with this diet would be to reduce my stomach issues.

For those who are not familiar with a plant based diet, it consist of the following components:

  • Fruits: mangoes, bananas, grapes, strawberries, blueberries, oranges, cherries, etc.
  • Vegetables: lettuce, collard greens, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, carrots, etc.
  • Tubers and starchy vegetables: potatoes, yams, yucca, winter squash, corn, green peas, etc.
  • Whole grains: millet, quinoa, barley, rice, whole wheat, oats, etc.
  • Legumes: kidney beans, chickpeas, lentils, lima beans, cannellini beans, black beans, etc.

A plant based diet incorporates whole foods and excludes or minimizes meat, dairy products, eggs, and highly refined foods like bleached flour, sugar, and oils.

(Fork Over Knives)

To make the transition easier, it is best to make gradual changes and not try everything at once. I don’t know if I will change my diet to be completely plant based, but I am trying to slowly incorporate most of the elements.

Eating like this requires you to cook everything. I don’t cook. But I have found that preparing these meals is simple and doesn’t require a lot of time.

Eating out can be challenging. Depending on your location, it can be difficult to find menus that fit this lifestyle.

Next week I’ll share some of the changes I have made, and the breakfast smoothie I’ve been drinking.

Great resources to get you started:

  • YumUniverse: How to Start a Plant-Base Diet
  • Jessica Murnane:  One Part Plant (awesome recipes)
  • Mind Body Green:  Plant- Based Diet for Beginners: How to Get Started

Do you follow a plant based diet or something similar? Share your experience in the comments.

38 Comments · Labels: Health & Fitness Tagged: Healthy Eating, Lifestyle, Plant Based Diet

Comments

  1. butwhatdidyouexpect says

    March 24, 2015 at 4:18 am

    I ate like this for the month of January (as part of Veganuary). Although challenging, I could still enjoy a large amount of lovely and usually healthy food. Good luck! 🙂

    Reply
    • Asa says

      March 29, 2015 at 3:42 pm

      That’s awesome. Have you incorporated any of the elements or continued to practice eating vegan?
      Thanks for the encouragement. I’m really enjoying it so far.

      Reply
      • butwhatdidyouexpect says

        March 30, 2015 at 9:58 am

        I wasn’t a huge meat eater before, but I’m able to eat less now. I eat a lot more fruit and veg and I’ve stopped drinking cow’s milk. (Haven’t quite got around to ditching cheese haha).

        Reply
        • Asa says

          April 1, 2015 at 9:24 pm

          Oh that’s great. Cheese can be a tough one. But if it doesn’t bother you then you’re probably ok. 😀

          Reply
  2. vivian | t w o w a r d says

    March 24, 2015 at 5:12 am

    Thanks for sharing, babe! I’ve always wanted to eat clean, but I just don’t know where I should start with hehe…but I definitely wanna try this! Thanks hun! xo Vivian

    http://twoward.com

    Reply
    • Asa says

      March 29, 2015 at 3:56 pm

      Thanks Vivian. I’m glad you enjoyed the post.
      Eating clean can be a lot simpler then it appears. Instead of eliminating items from your diet, I would focus on incorporating more fruits, veggies, lean meats, and whole grains into your routine. Watch for sugar too. If you must have it, I would suggest dark chocolate or cooking something at home. Good luck!

      Reply
  3. Pru Yeo says

    March 24, 2015 at 5:42 am

    Personally I love eating vegetables so they are always a part of my diet! I do find it hard to cut out sweet treats though so I am also making small steps to eat less desserts as best as I could!

    Prudence
    http://www.prudencepetitestyle.com

    Reply
    • Asa says

      March 29, 2015 at 4:05 pm

      Woohoo, a fellow veggie lover! That’s awesome Prudence. For a sweet tooth, I’ve started to cook desserts at home, so I know what’s in them. If I don’t have time to cook, I will grab a piece of dark chocolate. Best of luck with your goal!

      Reply
  4. Dana Fashina says

    March 24, 2015 at 5:45 am

    Good for you Asa!
    Making a change like this is never easy but you seem like you’ve got a lot of ground already covered.
    Looking forward to your future posts!
    xx

    Reply
    • Asa says

      March 29, 2015 at 4:06 pm

      Thanks Dana. I appreciate the encouragement.

      Reply
  5. Tania says

    March 24, 2015 at 6:11 am

    Great post! I too eat a mostly plant based diet and the effects it has on my body is tremendous. Do you follow the Oh She Glows blog? Lots of excellent recipes for Vegans and vegetarians. Happy Spring!

    Reply
    • Asa says

      March 29, 2015 at 4:25 pm

      That’s awesome Tania. We have a lot in common. How long have you been practicing? I’m starting to feel a lot better in my body too.
      I haven’t read Oh She Glows, but I think you referenced this blog in one of your blog post. I have added it to my Bloglovin feed. Thanks for the recommendation. Her site looks awesome.

      Reply
  6. dannie54 says

    March 24, 2015 at 8:23 am

    I’m plant-based! I transitioned slowly first taking out red meats and poultry, then fish, then dairy, then egg. Making the adjustments slowly helped my body adapt, too. It’s really important to make sure you’re getting the right vitamins. You can find iron and calcium in a lot of dark leafy greens. I take a B complex and D supplement a few times per week to make sure I’m getting those as well. The D is optional in the warmer months but for 6 months out of the year, the sun is not strong enough in my area to makemy body produce D. So I have to resort to supplements.

    The entire transition was pretty seamless for me. I ate vegetarian for the most part before I committed to 100% veg. I just didnt like the taste of processed meats or anything. When I moved on to dairy and egg it was because my fiancee (girlfriend at the time) has a VERY serious allergy to both. Cutting them out meant being able to kiss her without poisoning her. So I had some major motivation there. There are plenty of non-dairy and egg dupes that are at least close and help with the transition as well. If you need product recommendations, don’t hesitate to ask.

    Regarding your cooking struggle, I HIGHLY recommend downloading this cookbook, The Collegiate Vegan Presents: FIVE. Everything is 5 ingredients or less and super simple. It’s all plant-based, too. Really helpful for someone transitioning and for someone who’s not a pro in the kitchen. I highly recommend. It’s a favorite of mine.

    And make sure to give the food tag of my blog a glance. Nearly everything on there is plant-based (sometimes I’m bad and have sushi).

    Good luck with your transition! I look forward to reading your journey.

    Reply
    • Asa says

      March 29, 2015 at 5:51 pm

      Thanks Dannie for all the useful information and sharing your experiences. I will be sure to make sure I take a supplement for B complex and D.
      I’m finding the transition to be really simple too. I’m used to preparing simple meals and taking a lunch to work because of my sensitive stomach. My husband is also an amazing cook but I’ve been doing most of the plant based cooking.
      Thanks for recommending The Collegiate Vegan Presents: FIVE. I’m going to purchase. It’s right up my alley. I checked out your food tag and you have a lot of great recipes. Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
      • dannie54 says

        March 31, 2015 at 6:12 am

        Glad to help however I can! Whatever you need, don’t hesitate to ask.

        Reply
        • Asa says

          April 6, 2015 at 6:48 pm

          Thanks Dannie. I appreciate.

          Reply
  7. jodikayedwards says

    March 24, 2015 at 9:23 am

    Ohhhh keep us posted! I feel like if I did this I would crave chicken too much. It has crossed my mind once or twice! I’m really excited to see how you like it! 🙂 Do you have an instagram? Mine is @jodikayedwards if you’re posting food pics there I would love to see your journey! 🙂
    http://lifestylefinesse.com

    Reply
    • Asa says

      March 29, 2015 at 5:59 pm

      I love chicken! I am still eating lean meats but not very often. The journey has been simple so far and I’m starting to feel better in my body.
      My instagram account is @asaherrman but I need to be better about updating.
      Thanks for the encouragement. I appreciate.

      Reply
  8. Margaret says

    March 24, 2015 at 10:38 am

    I really appreciate all the info.I had never even heard of the plant based diet until you and I talked about it a few weeks ago.I really think it’s a diet that can be very effective for any health issues.All the best on your journey of plant based lifestyle. As you know I also eat clean,but it includes meat sources,however I notice that when I am not on a diet I can do without meat sometimes. I may try the plant based lifestyle in the future

    Reply
    • Asa says

      March 29, 2015 at 6:00 pm

      Thanks mom. I appreciate the kind words and encouragement.

      Reply
  9. avenuecamilla says

    March 24, 2015 at 7:03 pm

    I am also lactose intolerant (but ignore it sometimes haha) and have a sensitive stomach, so nice to know I’m not alone out there! This sounds like such a healthy plan, that takes so much commitment, so impressive that you’re doing this!! I don’t think I have the self restraint to start something like this just yet, but it is definitely something I want to work towards!

    xxx
    Camilla
    http://avenuecamilla.com

    Reply
    • Asa says

      March 29, 2015 at 6:26 pm

      I have a threshold when it comes to dairy products. But some foods I can’t tolerate at all, such as yogurt. In the past, I would ignore being lactose too and eat ice-cream and regret it later. Lol! 
      Thanks for the encouragement, I appreciate.
      Let me know if you try a plant based diet or something similar. I would love to hear your experiences from someone who also has sensitivity issues.

      Reply
  10. Mojisola Obazuaye says

    March 25, 2015 at 7:40 am

    That is awesome. Well done for making that bold decision and I wish you all the best with it.
    Cheers, Mojisola
    http://www.mojintouch.com

    Reply
    • Asa says

      March 29, 2015 at 6:28 pm

      Thanks Mojisola. I appreciate the kind words.

      Reply
  11. jenessasheffield says

    March 25, 2015 at 10:42 am

    ahh thanks for the inspiration I need it, I just do not like veggies! Okay I will commit with you and have a salad for lunch everyday! Thx girl, have a good one.
    XO JNESS

    http://jenessasheffield.com/

    Reply
    • Asa says

      March 29, 2015 at 6:29 pm

      Lol! You’re welcome. I can’t believe you don’t like veggies. Having a salad is a great start. 😀

      Reply
  12. WhatWouldVWear says

    March 25, 2015 at 12:23 pm

    This is so interesting, Asa! I’ve been reading a lot about eating healthier and minimize processed foods all together! Processed foods are so bad for your body, and I too want to change my eating habits. I will definitely look into this plant based diet.
    PS: We should be on a plant based diet anyways. Just by comparing our teeth to those of animals for instance we can clearly tell that we are not supposed to be meat eaters but plant eaters (our teeth aren’t as sharp like other animals, let’s say dog’s for example).:)
    xoxo, Vanessa
    http://www.whatwouldvwear.net

    Reply
    • Asa says

      March 29, 2015 at 7:13 pm

      That’s awesome Vanessa. It sounds like you’re well on your way. If you have some reading recommendations, I’d love to hear them. I plan to read In Defense of Food. If you try a plant based diet or something similar let me know.

      Reply
  13. Valerie (Our Ruins) says

    March 25, 2015 at 1:06 pm

    This is such a great post! A plant based diet has always been appealing to me because I just always feel healthier when I eat whole foods. Thanks for sharing! 🙂

    Reply
    • Asa says

      March 29, 2015 at 7:15 pm

      Thank you! Glad you enjoyed.

      Reply
  14. Ramy says

    March 25, 2015 at 1:55 pm

    Veggies are great way to lead healthy life! Great post! 🙂
    http://tickleyourvanity.com/

    Reply
  15. blvckbee says

    March 26, 2015 at 10:04 am

    Goodluck dear! I wish I could have the motivation to start this and the will power to continue it haha, can’t wait to hear how it goes

    Agnes x

    http://blvckbee.com

    Reply
    • Asa says

      March 29, 2015 at 7:41 pm

      Thanks Agnes. I appreciate the support. It’s been a pretty smooth transition so far.

      Reply
  16. nazneenzainal says

    April 2, 2015 at 10:53 pm

    all the best!!

    Reply
    • Asa says

      April 6, 2015 at 8:35 pm

      Thank you.

      Reply
  17. Asa says

    April 6, 2015 at 7:01 pm

    That’s awesome Tania. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply

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