Plant-based nutrition has gained immense popularity in recent years, and for good reason. It is not only a compassionate way of eating but also a healthier and more sustainable choice for our bodies and the environment. A plant-based diet is centered around whole, unprocessed foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds, and excludes animal products or by-products.

In this article, we will discuss the top 10 benefits of plant-based nutrition. From improved heart health and lowered risk of cancer to better digestion and increased energy, a plant-based diet can provide numerous benefits for overall health and wellbeing.

 Additionally, we will explore how a plant-based diet can contribute to environmental sustainability and animal welfare. Whether you're a seasoned plant-based eater or simply curious about incorporating more plant-based meals into your diet, read on to discover the power of plant-based nutrition.

My Journey to Plant Based Nutrition

I committed to changing my eating habits at the start of the new year. I was not looking to lose weight as much as I wanted to have a leaner body. Age has a way of slowly adding extra bulk around the midsection.

Due to work commitments, winter had me home sitting at my desk more than any other time of year. Not being as active as usual didn’t cause weight gain; it was just a feeling of being soft and lazy.

I believe that vitamins and supplements are necessary as I don’t eat enough “good foods” such as fruits and vegetables. Yes, I get into a good eating streak of preparing food, steaming my vegetables, and even juicing. I have limited time to prepare meals for a few days when I get into work mode. But, somewhere along the line, I usually get off track and stop doing what is good for me.

The same things happen with my supplements. I’ll read an article about a supplement, decide that’s the magic pill I need, order it, then add it to my ever-expanding supplement routine, but just like with my healthy eating habit that goes astray, I would get overwhelmed by the number of vitamins I was taking, the time to sort them out each day, the financial commitment, scheduling when to take them optimally, and lastly, actually taking them each day.

Often, I didn’t consume them all each day. I may have been rushed to get out the door and left home without taking my morning vitamins, or I’d eat out after work and not taken my afternoon allotment of vitamins. Or, worst of all, I would stop taking one or more of the supplements, and the half-full bottles would sit on my shelf for months before I’d toss them out.

I took a good look at my supplements and came to a startling realization that if I read something good about a supplement, I ordered it, used it for a while, then moved on to the next supplement I read about.

My introduction to Juice Plus+ Plant Based Nutrition

Through an exciting chain of events (thank you, Daryl), I was introduced to the Juice Plus+ company and its line of plant-based powdered products. As they advertise, “We love plants! Lots of different plants!

They create their Juice Plus+ Essentials Fruit, Vegetable, and Berry Blend capsules with 30 different farm-fresh fruits and vegetables to give you the best whole-food nutrition. Their Omega Blend is plant-based with no fishy burps or aftertaste.

The light bulb when off in my head; complete natural plant-based nutrition has to be better than the many vitamin supplements I was purchasing and taking or wasting each day.

I was taking so many different supplements that I had to schedule time each day to sort them out and then keep track of when to take them throughout the day.

Sometimes my stomach felt off as I had so many to take. At times it became inconvenient to take my vitamins, and there were days when I had not taken them. Then I had to figure out which one I did take and needed to replace for the next day. In short, there were too many friction points to take as many different supplements as I had purchased.

I’ve written about streamlining the process of getting out the door to walk. A routine reduces the friction points. If you don’t have a get-out-the-door routine in place, it’s that much more challenging to develop the habit of walking each day.

Friction points caused me not to be consistent with taking my vitamins and supplements.

Could I streamline my vitamin and supplement routine and meet all my nutritional needs? Could I eliminate the many vitamins and supplements (and their bottles) I was taking? Could I make improving my health and nutrition more efficiently and save money?

Yes, I could… and did!

Learn more about Plant-Based Nutrition & Juice Plus+

The Power of Plant-Based Nutrition: 10 Reasons to Make the Switch

1. Improved heart health: Plant-based diets have been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and inflammation.

2. Lowered risk of cancer: Some studies have suggested that a plant-based diet can reduce the risk of certain types of cancer, including breast, prostate, and colon cancer.

3. Better digestion: Plant-based foods are often high in fiber, which can promote healthy digestion and help prevent constipation.

4. Increased energy: Plant-based diets can be rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, all of which can help boost energy levels and improve overall health.

5. Improved weight management: Plant-based diets are often lower in calories and higher in fiber, which can help with weight management and promote healthy weight loss.

6. Better skin health: Plant-based diets can provide the nutrients necessary for healthy skin, such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene.

7. Reduced inflammation: Plant-based diets can help reduce inflammation in the body, which can lead to a lower risk of chronic diseases.

8. Lowered risk of diabetes: Some studies have suggested that a plant-based diet can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes by improving insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control.

9. Reduced risk of osteoporosis: Plant-based diets are often high in calcium, magnesium, and vitamin K, which can promote bone health and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.

10. Improved environmental sustainability: Plant-based diets have been shown to have a lower carbon footprint and require less land and water resources than animal-based diets, making them a more sustainable choice for the planet.

Switching to plant-based nutrition and supplements can have numerous health benefits, as they are often more easily absorbed by the body and free from harmful additives.

Take action today. Find out how to add JuicePlus into your daily routine for a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle.

Walk on,
Frank S. Ring
Author: Walking for Health and Fitness, Fitness Walking and Bodyweight Exercises, Walking Inspiration, and Walking Logbook Journal.