We, as humans, eat for a variety of reasons. The pendulum of food consumption swings a wide arc from eating to satisfy tasty cravings, fill a hungry belly, or even for the sole purpose of fueling the body to sustain life. Most people, however, tend to fall somewhere in the middle, eating to provide nutrition and fuel to the body while also satiating their hunger and cravings. Although not a new design on eating, veganism has also gained popularity of late. With some celebrities leading the march and informational documentaries adding fuel to the fire, much discussion is taking place on plant-based eating. 

Upsides to Vegan Eating

You may have heard it said that vegan eating can lower cholesterol. The good news is that's not just hearsay. According to an article published by Harvard Medical School, not only does a well-balanced vegetarian diet lower cholesterol, but also triglycerides and blood pressure as well. 

Not only is a plant-based diet good for your health, but also for the environment. According to the World Resources Institute, eating a diet with fewer animal-based products can make a significant impact on earth's food sustainability. In addition, you'll be happy to see savings at checkout. Pound-per-pound, fresh produce and grains are less costly than meat and dairy products. However, use discretion when purchasing processed food as boxed goodies are truly the costliest products lining grocery store shelves. Nonetheless, with hundreds of plant based foods available in the average supermarket, a vegan meal plan can easily be achieved with a quick trip to the grocery store. 

You'll also likely notice you feel happier. And not just because of the above. According to the Nutrition Department at Benedictine University in Lisle, Illinois, meat-eaters are getting a dose of arachidonic acid with their proteins. In a study, they found this natural chemical can enhance mood disorders. Restricting meat can actually help you maintain a more stable emotional status.

What Do Vegans Eat?

Plants! Fresh or frozen finding whole vegetables is a simple task in any grocery store. Leafy greens such as spinach, chard and kale, are chock full of iron as well as vitamins A, C, and K. They can easily be incorporated into salads, smoothies, or stir-fry dishes for a delicious hit of nutrition. Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage are serious fiber-bombs and a great source of folic acid. Supplements like Le-Vel Thrive can also provide great vitamins and minerals for anyone on the vegan diet.   

Steamed, sautéed, baked or broiled hearty plants will satiate your appetite and the added fiber will keep you full longer. Root vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, beets and turnips are great for quick energy. One cup of root vegetables yields 13 grams of carbs and 2.2 grams of protein. Nuts, seed and legumes are also rich in protein and fiber. As a matter of fact, one serving can afford up to nine grams of protein. In addition, nuts are filled with mono-saturated fats. Although these fats are a good-for-you macronutrient, beware that they are also calorie-dense which, if not used sparingly, could end up causing weight gain. Don't forget to stock up on whole wheat, barley, rice, quinoa, and corn. High in iron, thiamine, riboflavin, protein and niacin, whole grains will keep your heart and blood vessels in great shape.

With great benefits to your health and the environment as well as an almost-limitless food selection, eating a plant-based diet can be both satisfying and gratifying. When implementing wise choices with fresh, whole foods, meeting the daily requirements of carbs, fats and proteins can be easily achievable as well as delicious.