Plant-based and vegan diets are gaining acceptance as a healthier, more balanced, and equally (and more!) tasty alternative to the standard American diet. However, veganism does not always come with a healthy lifestyle.
Some people benefit from eating plant-based processed foods, but the healthiest vegans are those who cultivate good habits. When others see how energetic they are and their vegan glow, of course they want what they have! If you also want to get what they have, here are some tips to get you started:
1. Eat greens and many greens
We all know how important it is to eat green vegetables. They are an excellent source of vitamins, antioxidants, minerals, fiber, and even some protein. Healthy vegans eat enough of these superfoods every day. A great way to increase your green intake is to make your own morning green smoothie or green juice. Large portion of shredded kale with arugula – this salad is always to your taste during the day, and you will never get tired of steamed broccoli with tahini.
2. Serious approach to the preparation process
Smart vegans take their meals seriously. This means having a good supply of food in the kitchen—enough fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, and anything else that makes you feel better so you don’t have to worry about what to eat when you get hungry. Being prepared to eat right also means taking food with you when you walk or travel.
If you’re planning to eat at a non-vegan restaurant, check the menu beforehand to make sure the restaurant can offer an adequate selection of healthy vegan options. And come up with a plan in case they can’t accommodate your wishes (i.e. eat ahead of time or bring your own food if allowed). In this way, energy is not wasted on worrying about food, and you can enjoy it to the fullest.
3. Be active
All healthy people in the world know the importance of exercise and movement. Whether you choose to go in for sports, jogging, dancing or gardening, the main thing is to stay in motion, this is a must for maintaining health. Not every activity is right for you, so if you haven’t made your choice yet, find one that works with your lifestyle, personality type, and physical abilities. The most popular ways to stay active are yoga, cycling, dancing, and exercising. Alternate daily activities to combat boredom.
4. Healthy thinking
An optimistic attitude is critical to overall health. Thinking positively and feeling compassion for ourselves and others helps us reduce our stress levels. In addition, the healthiest vegans allow themselves a fair amount of “wiggle room” with regard to their diet. That’s not to say they aren’t always strictly vegan, but they do admit that occasionally eating vegan donuts or veggie hot dogs won’t hurt their healthy habits. You shouldn’t feel guilty about this.
5. Community support
One of the benefits of a vegan lifestyle, along with delicious food and health benefits, is the opportunity to be in amazing surroundings. The company of people who understand your lifestyle is constantly helping you grow. Even if you can’t surround yourself with vegans, find a group of like-minded people who will support you.