How to Create a Plant-Based Diet Meal Plan

Nutrition fads come and go as people seek ways to eat healthy. There’s a reason these trendy diet plans never last: many of them lack nutrients, or are too complicated, or simply don’t taste good. A plant-based diet is nutritious, delicious, and one of the best decisions you can make for both your body and the planet. 

5 Benefits of a Plant-Based Diet

There are many reasons people adopt plant-based diet meal plans. They may be focused on healthy eating, animal rights, or environmental issues, among others. Regardless of the reason, plant-based diets have exploded in popularity in recent years. 

The definition of a plant-based diet means choosing foods that come from plants and are free of animal ingredients such as meat, eggs, dairy, and honey. They typically consist of whole grains, beans, fresh produce, seeds, and nuts. There are many benefits to choosing a plant-based diet, including:

1. Reduced inflammation. Inflammation occurs when white blood cells fend off invaders. Diet is a major factor: foods that contain sugar and fats increase inflammation, while fruits and vegetables decrease inflammation. Plant-based diets contain nutrients such as free radicals that help neutralize toxins and reduce inflammation. This can help with pain management associated with arthritis and other inflammatory conditions.
2. Strengthened immune system. Plants contain a host of nutrients that aren’t found in other foods: vitamins and minerals, phytochemicals, and antioxidants that all help keep your cells healthy and provide a boost to your immune system. This helps protect you against germs and microorganisms, making you less prone to illness. This goes beyond the common cold…
3. Reduced risk of cancer and other diseases. A healthy immune system is also a great line of defense against cell mutations that may lead to certain types of cancer. Studies show that a plant-based diet might prevent up to one-third of all cancers, especially breast, colorectal, gastrointestinal, and prostate cancers. It may also lower your risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, stroke, hypertension, and cognitive impairment. 
4. Healthy weight. Plant-based diets are high in nutrients such as magnesium, potassium, iron, thiamin, riboflavin, folate, vitamins, and minerals and low in fat. These ingredients are great at helping you maintain a healthy weight; with less fat being stored in the body, more calories are burned after each meal. Plant-based meals also contain higher levels of fiber, water, and complex carbohydrates, all of which can keep you feeling fuller longer.
5. Reduced carbon footprint. Sustainability is a growing concern as many of the earth’s resources dwindle. Adopting a plant-based diet is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and make a positive environmental impact. Animal protein requires 100 times the amount of water as grain protein, and dairy production requires 60% more energy and emits 80% more greenhouse gases than milk alternatives such as oat. 

Choosing Foods for a Plant-Based Diet

When choosing foods for a plant-based diet, focus on minimally processed items like the following:

• Legumes
• Nuts & seeds
• Whole grains
• Fruits & vegetables
• Soy

Perfect Servings® meals are a great addition to a plant-based diet meal plan. They contain healthy, plant-based ingredients that are nutritious, packed with protein, taste great, and can help you feel your best. 

All are MSG-free; just add water, heat in the microwave or on the stovetop, and enjoy a tasty meal in minutes. You can choose twists on classics like Be’f Stroganoff, Creamy Chick’n Alfredo, and Mac & Cheese with Ch’rizo Jalapeno. There’s even an entire lineup devoted to Easy Peasy Mac & Cheesy goodness. 

Visit our website for more information. You can buy online, and shipping is free every time!