10 Resources that Support a Plant-Based Diet
There is a lot of science behind the health benefits of a plant-based diet. By now, you’ve probably been hearing for years that cutting meat and artificial foods from your diet can help you live longer and ward off disease. Despite the evidence, it’s hard to get someone to change their food choices drastically, even if their health is suffering.
Documentaries are probably one of the best ways to convince someone to change, especially if you are talking to a millennial, and it boils down to one thing: social credibility. According to a survey, 57% of millennials are persuaded by documentaries in life-changing ways. To top it off, many people report that they end up sharing information learned in a document with those around them. Here a list of documentaries, books, and blog posts to help you put peer pressure to good use and inspire others (or yourself!) to make a change that could potentially save a life.
The Game Changers
This documentary explores the benefits of a plant-based, high-protein diet and gears it towards an audience that one may consider a little outside of the box in terms of veg-head living: athletes. Some of the notable mentions in this flick include Jackie Chan, Lewis Hamilton, and even Arnold Schwarzenegger. Arguing that you can’t get enough protein or build mass on a plant-based diet is a thing of the past, and this eye-opening documentary is here to make sure that you know it.
The Fork Over Knives Plan
In the form of both a documentary and a book, this plan gives you the perfect guide to a transition into plant-based eating. Not only does this diet emphasize the importance of more fruits and veggies, but it also teaches you how to wean yourself off of a dangerous American staple: sugar.
How Not to Die
“Discover the Foods Scientifically Proven to Prevent and Reverse Disease.” Written by physician Dr. Michael Greger, this book delves into the most important aspect of our overall health: our diet. Going into the depths of why plant-based is the way of the future and the key to overcoming disease. This book is packed with science-backed evidence and was even editorially reviewed by the Dalai Lama himself. If you find yourself looking for more, this series also includes numerous sequels and cookbooks.
The China Study
The China Study looks at the connections between eating animal products and illness. Particularly using milk-products as an example, this study details a link to chronic illness, heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. T. Colin Campbell makes a compelling argument for a plant-based diet to the tune of nurturing your long-term health.
The Plant-Based Diet for Beginners
Exactly what it sounds like! An ultimate recipe guide to incorporating fruits, veggies, and legumes into your life while still maintaining a healthy balance between foods that make you happy and foods that keep you fit.
Wellness.com
Simply search “vegan,” and you will find yourself swimming in fact-backed articles with roots planted firmly in health and wellness. Particularly when looking at the brain, upping your plant intake can help ward off neurological disease, and even Alzheimer’s.
LiveKindly
Live Kindly is more than just a blog. It’s a network of wellness tips, recipes, lifestyle hacks, and news to help you live ethically and sustainably. Not only will it help you fuel your new lifestyle with recipes and snack ideas, but its postings and videos will help you learn more about plant-based life in a way that helps you stay on track and remember why you started in the first place.
Nourished by Nutrition
Nourished by Nutrition is a blog run by a registered dietitian with a master’s degree in nutrition therapy. She takes her passion for both wellness and a healthy vegan lifestyle and boasts a slew of recipes from snacks to dinners to desserts, and more!
Minimalist Baker
While this site isn’t entirely plant-based, it still provides a wonderful baseline and a guide to simple eating. This hub has everything from a guide to vegan cheese, to vegan frosting, to a treasure trove of recipes with ten ingredients (or less). If you’re looking to get started on plant-based eating, but want to do it without any crazy bells and whistles, then this is the spot for you.
The Thriving Vegan
If you’re looking to build nutritional and spiritual growth, Laine’s blog might be a good fit for you. This blog is home to a balance of raw food recipes and introductory tips to a vegan lifestyle. Her post on essential tips for vegan beginners is a great place to learn how to start, without feeling overwhelmed.
Whether you’re looking to make a total lifestyle change or simply a few healthy changes, remember that it’s okay to start slow. Even an extra serving of vegetables or a little cut when it comes to your meat intake can still be enough to make a lasting impact on your health and the health of those around you.
