A balanced and well-structured plant-based diet is packed with phytonutrients, minerals, vitamins and other phytochemicals that provide the body with nourishment and improve metabolism, and at a cellular level, the function of the mitochondria, known as the powerhouses of the cell, increases.
Remember the focus should be on one’s nutrient intake, and not on calories. When one consumes a natural plant-based diet, decreasing processed foods, cells are automatically provided with optimum nutrients and the body self-regulates and reaches an optimal weight.
Increasing fibre-rich foods in the diet like beans, legumes, flax seeds, asparagus, Brussels sprouts and oats can help to boost metabolism, improve gut health, reduce risks of heart disease and lower inflammation, and since fibre is hard to digest, the body needs to work hard to break it down, which additionally helps with weight loss.
As common sense would suggest of course, a healthy lifestyle that includes exercise and nutritious food is the way to lasting results.
If one follows a plant-based diet, it is important to focus on plenty of nutrient-dense vegetables and good quality fats with less processed foods, and to carefully research “meat alternatives” as many varieties are loaded with sugar, oil and excess salt. The less processed the diet, the better.
For protein, consume legumes and nuts, almonds, quinoa, lentils, chickpeas and beans. And to keep the fibre coming, include fruits such as berries, apples, mangos, pears, melons and oranges; and leafy green vegetables such as broccoli, kale and carrots; nuts, seeds, beans and legumes.