I have to admit, I’ve been eating a lot healthier since about November 2012 (the beginning of my fitness journey) and have been more conscious about where I buy my groceries from – especially my meats (chicken, turkey and fish). I started buying organic or locally and have been making sure my chicken and turkey meat were farmed raised and cage free, and my fish were wild caught. However, I have always been intrigued about individuals who were able to live a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle. I always wondered if I was capable of handling it and would I still get all of my nutrients and build muscles on a plant-based diet. Well, the only way to find out is to experience it for myself. So I stopped wondering and I took on the challenge on February 21st, 2015. No meat or foods that contain animal byproducts are allowed to enter my system for 40 days. I do, however, still consume honey and use honey for most of my beauty regimen.
Now that I have implemented a plant-based diet into my life, I have to make sure I’m receiving all the nutrients I need! It takes discipline but it’s also not as difficult as it may seem. You can do it too, I promise! Below are a list of important nutrients we need to maintain a healthy lifestyle and to ensure that we continue to build muscle (I definitely could use the extra help with my muscles since I work out and practice yoga).
During these 40 days I will document my progress, my feelings, my hair, my nails, and my body. I also have chronic anemia and am really interested to see if it will improve or not after this plant-base diet challenge. Hmmm… and, who knows? This could be the start of a new chapter in my life. Stay tuned for updates. Enjoy!
Protein
(Beans, Nuts, Seeds, Whole Grains, Legume)
Healthy Fats
(Avocados, Nuts, Seeds)
Iron
(Iron from animal sources is “heme” iron which is easily absorbed into our body. The iron from vegetables is “non-heme” iron and needs other components to be absorbed properly by our bodies. Thus, while on a plant-based diet, it is important to consume plenty of Vitamin C to help compensate for this and to assist absorption of the iron into your body).
Carbohydrates/Complex Carbs
(Oatmeal, Brown Rice, Sweet Potatoes, Whole Fruits & Vegetables)
Calcium
B-12
(Neither animals nor plants produce it. It is found in bacteria that forms in animal feces (which is why most herbivores eat their feces…. ugh, so GROSS). However, B-12 have been added to fortified foods and supplements. Supplements are recommended because as we age we become less able to absorb b12 )
Iodine
Omega 3 Fatty Acid
(Leafy Greens, Flaxseeds, Chia Seeds, Hemp Seeds, Beans, Seaweeds, Winter Squash, Collard Greens, Wild Rice
T(HER)APY 