Discussion about getting protein from plants and reducing overall meat consumption.

A balanced diet includes fats, protein, vitamins, water, carbohydrates, and minerals. We’ve been taught to eat vegetables to get fiber and to eat meat to get protein. Nutrition is essential for us to have optimal health. Further, amino acids and protein are essential for "cell growth, tissue repair, and overall health" – to live your best life. Who wouldn’t want the best? If you could go directly to the source for the nutrition that you need, wouldn’t you want to? I know I would – especially if it was for something that positively benefitted my health.

Consider this, why do we eat meat? Is it really to get protein? Cows, pigs, and chickens get their protein from plants which is then passed on to us when we consume the meat. These animals are just the middlemen that provide the protein to us if we consume it. In this day in time, we have alternatives. Why not go directly to the source and get your protein from plants?

It's been proven that individuals that consume a plant-based diet have clearer/cleaner blood with less fat, less inflammation, and their body is more successful in healing itself. A study published in the medical journal of the American College of Cardiology found that a plant-based diet is associated with reduced hypertension, lower cholesterol, better weight management and reduced risk of heart diseases. All of these are the types of ailments that most deal with today. This should inspire you to change your eating habits. The Nutrition Action Healthletter published by the Center for Science in the Public Interest in Washington, D.C, indicates that there is a 50% lower risk of heart attack when people eat more than five (5) servings of nuts per week, as compared to those who eat less than one (1) weekly serving. Further, animal agriculture is responsible for 18% of all greenhouse gas emissions, which is more than all transportation emissions combined.

Around the world, the popularity of meatless diets is soaring. Plant-based eating may not be entirely mainstream but its not a fad or fleeting behavior. And this trend is having far-reaching impacts. If you haven't already, look at, Forks over Knives; The Game Changer; and What the Health on Netflix. It will make you wonder "Should we stop eating meat" and provoke you to have the internal discussion with yourself about the consumption of meat.

I challenge you to try not eating meat for every meal. For instance, on certain days out of the week, consume a plant-based diet. Make it fun and ask your friends to join you in a challenge of not eating meat for an extended time like a week, a couple of weeks, or a couple of months. Try it and see if embracing an alternative way of eating doesn’t push you closer towards living your healthiest life.

Visit us at mandylashescorner.com to learn more about alternative and healthy lifestyle.