Subscribing to a plant-based diet may have seemed like a hippy thing to do back in the day but it has certainly proven that it’s a lifestyle and not just a fad. Today, there are many individuals and households who don’t consume anything with a face. More and more are following suit because they’re learning more about its benefits.

The Major Benefits of Eating a Plant-Based Diet

Here’s a quick round-up of the benefits that you can get by switching from being a carnivore to a herbivore:

Good for the Environment

One of the reasons why lots of environmentalists are vegetarians is because meat production harms the environment. Some even believe that it’s one of the biggest contributors to global warming.

How is this possible? Well, growing livestock takes up a lot of resources so it creates a massive impact on the environment. To put things in perspective, to produce a pound of hamburger, about 52.8 gallons of drinking water, 6.2 lbs of forage and grains, and 1036 fossil fuel energy are used. That’s a whole lot of resources for so little food.

This is not to mention that livestock production in the developing world accounts for 75% of the total global greenhouse emissions. A meat-rich diet can also create 7.2 kg of carbon dioxide emissions. Compared to the 3.8 kg of vegetarians and 2.9 kg of vegans, it’s safe to say that going meat-free can be friendlier to Mother Nature.

Good for Your Health

It’s not just your mom who’s saying that vegetables are good for you. Science backs up this claim by looking at the various nutritional contents of different fruits and vegetables.

Experts also say that ditching the meat can help you lose weight. Fruits and veggies can help you stay full for longer because you get to eat more substantial food. They also don’t contain empty calories so you can be sure to get the nutrition your body needs with these ingredients.

Improves Mental Clarity

It’s also said that a meat-free diet helps improve one’s mental clarity. Studies found that ditching meat can help you have a better mood. It can lower stress and anxiety levels so it might just be the very lifestyle change some people need to feel better. Combined with exercise (yoga, cardio, or strength training), a balanced plant-based diet is life changing.

The fact that you’re guilt-free with a meat-free diet can also help explain the improved mood. If you don’t eat meat, you don’t have to worry about making such a huge carbon footprint or eating something unsustainable. This might help you sleep better at night knowing that you’re doing the right thing.

Enjoying a Plant-Based Diet

Not because you won’t be eating meat anymore does it mean that you can’t enjoy tasty dishes anymore. Knowing the right dishes to cook and learning the best techniques can make vegetarian meals more enjoyable. You also don’t have to keep on eating salad if you don’t want to as there’s a wide array of different no-meat recipes that you can try.

Worried about nutrient deficiency? Fret not. It’s actually very easy to get a balanced diet with vegetables. You just need to substitute meat with other sources of protein like soy and a wide selection of fruits and vegetables. You honestly won’t run out of options when it comes to nutritious ingredients with veggies.