I often have people make these statements to me:
“I have to have my meat”
“I don’t see how you do it, but you look good”
“I couldn’t do it, I need my grease (referring to pork, ribs and fried foods, like catfish)”
“You really have gotten small..are you alright?”
I usually respond politely with a pleasant smile and I don’t usually say much, unless the person shows genuine interest. Lord knows, I’m not in the offending business.
But inside I am yelling, “you can do this, if you want to, you don’t have to eat meat..that’s your choice. I look good because of the way I eat..you should give it a try. That grease is going to give you a heart attack..high cholesterol..and who knows what else. Am I suppose to be overweight?”
Those of you who think you can’t eat a vegan or raw food vegan diet (plant-based diet), know that it can be done. Granted, it is not easy, but if you gradually transition, you will find that you can do it.
I devised a list of reasons why you should consider eating a vegan/plant-based diet based on my experience and studies. The benefits of eating a vegan diet are enormous. Below are 16 reasons why you should consider eating a plant-based diet:
- Live longer
- Helps cleanse the body
- Weight loss
- Achieve your ideal weight
- Lower cholesterol
- Lower blood pressure
- More energy
- Rarely get sick (colds, flu)
- Regular and easy bowel movements, like clockwork
- Increased fiber intake
- Lower risk of heart disease
- Lower risk of prostate, breast, and other cancers
- Lower risk of developing chronic diseases (diabetes, heart disease, etc)
- Look younger
- Feel younger and good
- Beautiful skin
Your health is your wealth!
Image credit: Wikimedia
Mitch Mitchell says
If it wasn’t for the fact that it came out of the ground, thus touched dirt and had bugs crawling all over it, and the fact that I think most of it is yucky, I might consider it. Lol I understand the healthy part, but I wish healthy tasted better.
Evelyn Parham says
Hi Mitch,
They do taste good. You just have to add your special herbs and spices. I can make a mean pot of greens that will make you think there’s some smoked pork in that pot. 🙂
Take care,
Evelyn
Mitch Mitchell says
You know, every woman I’ve ever met who makes greens has said that same thing to me, and that’s over a lot of years. Still don’t like them. lol
Evelyn Parham says
LOL..
Michelle says
Hello Evelyn,
Really good post. I enjoy reading your blog. You encouraged me eat more vegetables. I want to put you as a link on my blog. May I do that?
Evelyn says
Hi Michelle,
Thank you and I am glad that you enjoy reading my blog. It is always good to eat more vegetables. Feel free to do that, you don’t have to ask. 🙂 I know you are keeping a food journal/diary and I wish you the best. I’ll be checking to see how things are going. 🙂
Dave Dixon says
Those are great reasons to avoid refined foods. Raw/vegan is one way to achieve this, but there are others.
.-= Dave Dixon´s last blog ..Review of the SousVide Supreme =-.
Evelyn says
Hi Dave,
Thanks for your in-put! You mention that there are other ways, could you share those ways? I have readers who are not vegetarian, but just want to eat a healthier diet, drop a few pounds. Maybe what you have to share could be beneficial to others. 🙂
MsFullroller says
Wow, Evelyn your comment on eating protein later in the day is the first I’ve heard. Thanks for the info! Congrats on your new website launch!!
Evelyn says
Hey Msfullroller, thanks for stopping by and for your support! 😉
Ms. Freeman says
I just decided a few days ago to start a vegetarian diet until June. I’m trying to get back in shape for a cruise and find I do well during the day, but later in the evening I have a craving for a meaty bite.
Evelyn says
Hi Ms. Freeman!
It is great that you are giving veg a try. You should drop some pounds and feel great in the process. Your craving for a meaty bite in the evenings is normal because the evening is the best time for us to eat protein. During the day our bodies needs the carbohydrates/simple sugars so we have energy, the evenings protein to build (protein..building blocks) our bodies.
In the evenings try eating a bean dish over rice, or finding a meat substitute..a source where you can get your protein. Morning Star, Boca, and Amy’s…just naming a few companies that offer substitutes, that you may consider checking out.
Take care!
Fruitfulvine2 says
I feel the same way when people give all these excuses as to why they can’t do raw. I’m smiling on the outside but screaming on the inside that this is the best thing for them. Excellent list.
Evelyn says
Hi Fruitful! Yeah..if only they could read my mind. Thank you for passing through!