The most surprising benefits of a plant-based diet

I’ve been vegan/plant-based for over 5 years now and haven’t eaten meat for over 9 years. It’s been a long learning journey and definitely didn't happen overnight. 

I've noticed lots of physical health benefits such as steady energy levels throughout the day, very little cravings, good digestion, and I'm rarely sick. 

Whilst the list is endless in terms of the overall physical benefits for our health, here are some other surprising benefits that I have noticed for myself:

I discovered a love of cooking and baking because of how curious I am about foods:

Before going plant-based I think I ate pretty much the same meals day in day out. However, now I eat an incredible variety of home-cooked meals every week from soups, stews, and curries, to ramen and sushi. I aim to try a new recipe each week, adapt it to make it my own, and add the winners to my ever-growing recipe book.

My taste buds are heightened:

I appreciate the amazing variety of flavours from whole foods, and fresh or dried spices and herbs added to meals. I don't need lots of added salt, sugars, and fats in my meals to make them taste good. 

I have the best relationship I've had with food since I was a kid:

I don't think about calories. I don't worry about nutrients. I'm more connected with my bodys needs than ever before. I just focus on eating a wide variety of whole plant foods - legumes, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds - over the course of the week. And whenever I want some play foods (things like chocolate, or a meal out), I'll have it, enjoy it, and won't deprive myself of necessary food afterward.

My actions are in line with my values of compassion, kindness, and care:

I've always considered myself a compassionate person, that I would never hurt anyone else or an animal. I always said I was an animal lover. However, something just didn't feel right inside me when I said that and was eating them at the same time. When I think about it, there are lots of foods I didn't actually like as a child, such as dairy (milk and cheese), fish, and red meat, but felt forced to eat them due to specific nutrients. Now that I follow a totally plant-based diet (and am 100% confident I can get all the nutrients I need from it), my actions are totally in line and speak so much louder than my words.

More connected with the natural world due to more focus on where my food actually comes from:

Since I switched to a fully plant-based diet, I've naturally taken more of an interest in where my food comes from and what's involved in its production. Many of the resources of our beautiful planet are exploited by an industry that gives us very little value and energy in return. I always ensure the food I eat is free of exploitation of people and animals. I also make sure it's environmentally friendly in terms of the resources it uses because without a healthy planet, there are no healthy people.