Have you considered going vegan or vegetarian but thought it might be too difficult or you’re not sure if it would be a healthy decision? In recent years there has been a large increase in people choosing to switch to a 100% plant-based diet. Recent documentaries such as “Forks Over Knives,” which aim to connect the dots between American overconsumption of animal products and our skyrocketing increases in morbidity and mortality, have helped drive the trend. Of course there are many factors that contribute to the rise in chronic diseases like cancer, diabetes and Alzheimer’s, but there is strong evidence that adopting a plant-based diet has been shown to lower risk factors for such diseases.
Luckily, we live in a time in the U.S. in which switching to a plant-based diet couldn’t be any easier.
When it comes to eating a whole foods, plant-based diet, your whole body can benefit. People who switch often report weight loss, an increase in energy, better digestion, better sleep, improvement in mood, clearer skin, and a decrease in elevated cholesterol. Often health professionals do not recommend vegan and vegetarian diets because of the difficulty people sometimes have at keeping their diets nutritionally balanced. But plant-based diets can vary greatly: some are similar to the Standard American Diet, full of refined carbohydrates, processed foods and fast food, while others are full of fresh organic foods with a heavy focus of being nutritiously sound and well-rounded. Both approaches could be void of animals products, yet the former contributes to disease while the later fights disease.
As a vegan naturopathic doctor I have found that eating a balanced, nutrient-dense, plant-based diet can be simpler than most people realize. A plant-based diet is often more nutritious and easier to sustain than the Standard American Diet.
You are not alone if you’ve been hesitant to adopt a plant-based diet. Unfortunately there are many myths people believe about being vegan, such as you can’t gain muscle mass on a plant-based diet, or it’s too difficult to be vegan. Even if you have tried being vegetarian or vegan in the past and did not feel successful, a healthy plant-based diet can always be revisited.
In Austin, eating plant-based is easier than you might think. Please join me on June 26th for a complimentary talk where I will discuss the truths and myths about a plant-based diet, as well as share great tips and tricks to support your whole family! You’ll learn how to make quick vegan meals, how to make some of your favorite meals plant-based without losing the flavor, plus receive great recommendations on superfoods, supplements, and more. See you there!
Class: “Plant-Based Nutrition for the Whole Family”
Monday, June 26, 2017
RSVP and info here!
Lauren Sanchez, ND* received her Naturopathic Doctorate at the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Tempe, AZ. Her natural approach to medicine facilitates healing by respecting the mind, body and spirit connection. She also specializes in helping individuals reach optimal wellness through a plant-based regimen. She is excited to be an integral part of your health journey and a resource for optimal wellness for you and your family.
*Naturopathic doctors are not currently licensed in the state of Texas.