Next Step Challenge

When we switched to a plant based diet we were hoping to change our health. My husband and I both lost pounds and inches, we felt better and looked better. There were several changes that we didn’t anticipate.

Trash

First, we had a lot less trash. Before the switch we would take out our 13 gallon kitchen trash can daily. After the switch it was every few days. On a plant based diet you (should) eat a lot less processed food which means a lot less packaging coming into your house. That means a lot less packaging going in the trash or recycling. So if you were wondering if a plant based diet would help you save the planet the answer is yes.

New Tastes

I grew up eating more Little Debbie snacks than fruits or veggies. Every summer brought a new batch of red plum jelly from my Memaw. I would eat fruit occasionally but who needed fruit when there was Chef Boyardee to be eaten. Now I love broccoli! Who knew that broccoli could be admired. Even a few years ago if I HAD to eat broccoli I would cover it with cheese and butter. Now I’ve matured a bit and I can appreciate broccoli, naked with no adornments. If you have trouble getting passionate about broccoli try steaming it and adding to you a baked potato, or eat it as part of a stir fry.

I love my grains, my husband even gets excited when I make quinoa. He loves it for breakfast with raisins, cinnamon, and a touch of agave. I prefer it with beans, salsa and my new love, avocado. Since I no longer eat greasy fast food I find a lot of satisfaction from the high fat content in avocado. It taste great in any Mexican food but it also good in sandwiches and wraps. Speaking of Mexican food, lentils make a tasty meat substitute in tacos or burritos. They cook very quickly and can be seasoned for whatever food you are wanting. I made a terrific chili using lentils, pinto beans, and red beans.

Maybe you don’t like any of the food I mentioned. Truth be told I didn’t like them either but as you eliminate junk from your diet your taste buds become accustomed to new tastes. Once you’re no longer fueling your body with over processed stuff (was it really food anyway) you body will crave healthier foods.

Grocery Bill

If you typically buy and eat a lot of meat you’ll save a lot of money by eliminating those purchases or only eating meat products a few times per week. When we eat meat we buy organic and it is not the main dish. One organic chicken breast is more than enough for our family of four. Beans and whole grains are not expensive if you buy in bulk. Buying seasonal fruit and veggies, or frozen veggies is best. Avocados can run close to $2 each. I usually only buy them then they are on sale for 49 cents each. I recently stocked up on potatoes during the holidays when a 10 pound bag was 99 cents. Potatoes last a long time so we have about 30 pounds of them in the pantry. If you can’t bring yourself to buy 20 pounds of beans see if a friend will go in half with you. You’ll both save money and you can share recipes.

Ego Boost

The last unintended effect is the ego boost you get when you realize you can change your diet, you can improve your health, and you can look and feel better than you have in a long time. Your friends and co workers will compliment you and want to know how you did it.

Have you made the switch? Share any unintended effects you’ve noticed.