What to Eat During our February Vegan Challenge?
First I’d like to say thank you for having the courage to step outside of your comfort zone. Challenges are tough because they give you the opportunity to do something different. Which is another way of you to grow and improve.
The main types of plant based food are fruit, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts and seeds.When you build your meals from these foods, you get a huge variety of healthy, great tasting meals that will meet all of your nutritional and taste requirements.
Because vegan food comes from plants, it’s high in disease preventing fiber, free from dangerous cholesterol and low in saturated fat.Plant-based food is high in phytochemical and antioxidants, which help protect against heart disease, stroke, diabetes and certain cancers.
I’m not allergic to meat, or have difficulty digesting it, or have religious or ethical reasons to avoid meat.I do respect people who choose to follow a vegan path for whatever their motivation.
I have come a long way from the guy who didn’t like vegetables to the person i am today. To someone who has vegetables the main dish and meat as the side dish during meals, quite a significant departure from my youth.
I want to personally thank my vegan coach Monica Coleman Certified Vegan Life Coach and Chef (ig-monicatheveganchick_) for incredible tasty tips and helping me to understand that vegan food isn’t just nutritious but delicious.I would also like to acknowledge my friend Fhanta Williams Naturopathic Nutritionist, PlantBased Athlete and Vice President of the Jacksonville Association of Exercise and Nutrition Professionals (ig-@plantfitfhanta) for always being accepting of omnivores and promoting plant based living by leading by example.
I invite you to imagine a typical 9- inch plate, you want to fill half your plate with vegetable and fruit, one quarter of the plate with hight protein plant-based food and the other quarter with whole grains.Be sure your plate has a variety of different colored vegetables, beans and grains. The phytonutrients that produce the colors help prevent and reverse chronic disease.
Try to eat 4-5 small meals throughout the day, rather than three large meals each day. It’ll help you maintain your energy levels throughout the day and can actually lead to eating less food and level your blood sugar so you won’t get too hungry and overindulge at any of your meals.
If you need me don't hesitate to reach out. Enjoy the challenge.... If you are interested in sharing your journey I would like to interview you for my podcast.