A Vegetarian Journey: The Benefits of a Plant-Based Lifestyle

Krys Brunt July 13, 2018

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Three months ago I decided to try a more plant based diet and I am so happy with my results. I did not do this for weight loss, but more so to put my body back into a healthy state. Eight years ago I decided to give up pork and I have not regretted it once. Although the scale hasn't really moved since changing my eating habits, I have experienced so many positive benefits.

Benefits such as:

• More energy

• Better sleep

• Increased regularity

• Less fatigue

• Less mood swings

• Better mood

• Losing inches off my waist

• Going from a size 14 to a size 12

I knew the vegan lifestyle would not work for me because it felt too restrictive. I love dairy so I couldn't let that go! I decided to focus on mostly plant-based meals, and the goal was to cut down on processed foods. I had always used meat in all of my recipes so Pinterest became my new best friend. I immediately began searching vegetarian meal preps. My first meal was buffalo cauliflower tacos with homemade avocado ranch. It was delicious I was immediately hooked. I realized I could feel fuller much faster with vegetables as the bulk of my meal and not feel bloated afterwards. In the past, after eating meat I always felt super bloated, but now after a meal, my stomach is always flat. I've always struggled with digestion and being regular, but that is no longer an issue what so ever. With my digestive system on track, I now have more energy and feel less fatigue. I remember always feeling sluggish and dragging after meals that were loaded with meat. Now I feel a boost of energy and feel much more energized to take on the day!

Having a plant based diet has also helped me to save a ton of money. I never realized how expensive meat was until I stopped buying it. Now the majority of my grocery shopping takes place on the outer aisles at the grocery store, and primary in the fresh produce areas. I have eliminated a lot of the junk food out of my day-to-day diet.I used to enjoy sweet and savory snacks like chips, granola bars, and cereal. As we all know, these items are full of sugar, as well as sodium. They can also start begin to get costly once you start adding them up.

What I typically eat in a day...

Breakfast:

• 4 egg whites, scrambled with spinach and or other vegetables like mushrooms or peppers.

Morning Snack:

• 1 handful of unsalted almonds with dark chocolate chips.

Lunch:

Usually consists of a variety of salads!

One example is

• 1 spinach salad with avocado, strawberry, feta cheese and slice almonds topped with balsamic vinaigrette dressing.

Afternoon Snack:

• 1 vegan mixed berry protein smoothie with unsweetened vanilla almond milk

• 1/2 frozen banana

• Vega One-All-In-One Plant Based Protein Powder, Mixed Berry (includes 15 grams of protein and two serving of vegetables so it's packed with nutrients!)

Dinner:

I like to eat something hot so anything from black bean burgers to mushroom melts is on the menu!

Black Bean Burger Recipe

Yields: 4 servings Prep Time: 5 mins Cook Time: 10 mins

Ingredients:

2 cup black beans, dried and mashed

1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs

1/4 cup grated onions

1/2 teaspoon chili powder

1 egg

1 to 2 kaiser rolls

salt and freshly ground black pepper

canola oil, for oiling pan

arugula, for serving                 

sliced tomatoes, optional

mayonnaise, optional

Directions:

1. Coat pan and hands with oil

2. Mix beans, egg, bread crumbs, onions, and seasonings

3. Make patties

4. Grill patty for 5 minutes on each side

5. Place patty on bun and add any desired toppings 

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I always eat 4-6 times a day and my grocery budget never exceeds $50 per week! Some weeks I only spend $30!!! Overall,  I love my new lifestyle. I am not 100%. Vegetarian yet because I do eat fish 1-2 times per week, and for the summer holidays I did indulge in a turkey hotdog! I can honestly say I will never eat beef again and I do not miss it at all. The way I see it, if you can give up bacon you can give up anything! I would definitely recommended anyone to try to eat more of a plant-based diet, even if it is only one day a  will not regret it!