I may have mentioned this once or twice already, but earlier this year I made the decision to stop eating meat. Fast forward serveral months, and I have transitioned into not eating dairy either. There are several things that happened when I first stopped eating meat, which have all been pretty amazing.
Heres my story. Becoming a vegetarian is something I considered doing for many years, but then Father Time reminded me that I am 35 and shit got real for me. I am a researcher, and I never really make decisions until I know all of the facts. But, for real, all the facts.
The change for me has been a positive one. I have noticed a lot of excellent benefits since joining #teamnomeat. I used to suffer from debilitating migraines which caused me to miss time from work. I am happy to report that I have not had a single migraine since making the transition. My energy is a lot higher, and my skin has never looked better. I attribute this to the research and planning that I did before deciding to go meatless. One of the main things I learned is that you must make sure your body gets the proper nutrients to stay healthy.
Whether you are a #meatlessmonday person, or a person that does not eat meat ever, there are vital nutrients that our bodies need when we decide to skip meat.
So fast forward to today; I am here writing ways that you can get your nutrients that do not have to be meat because I want you all to know that you will not perish when you stop eating meat. Before I hop into this, I must make a disclaimer. My decision to stop eating meat is a personal decision, and this post is not meant to condemn people who eat meat.
Debunking The Myths About Meat and Protein
Contrary to popular belief, the excess amount of protein found in meat does not make you leaner or stronger. It actually has the opposite effect; the excess protein can be stored as fat which can be a major cause of weight gain. The protein found in plant-based foods protects us from chronic disease.
So now that we are have covered all of our bases, let’s talk about foods to add to your diet when you stop eating meat.
Beans
Beans come with a lot of nutritional value. They are full of protein making them a good substitute for those who do not consume meat. Canned beans can be high in sodium, but you can cut down the level of sodium by rinsing them before you cook them. Beans also have a low glycemic index causing them to digest slower and keep the blood – glucose level stable. Additionally, due to their high fiber content, they help with irregularity. Most importantly, according to an analysis by the AHA, there is a correlation between consuming beans and a reduced risk of coronary heart disease. Black beans make a great addition to many recipes, my favorite way to use them is when I make Mexican food. Check out this delicious Black Bean Paste recipe, I add this to tacos, and I sometimes use it as a dip with corn tortillas.
Lentils
In addition to being cheap and delicious. Lentils are another excellent source of protein and other minerals such as selenium. Selenium is a mineral that is not found in many foods but happens to be found in lentils. When consumed as a food source; it has been seen to protect against cancer. There are several kinds of lentils. Brown lentils, are typically the cheapest and are best for soups. Green lentils are a bit firmer when cooked, and are best as toppers for salads. Red lentils have a mild taste and commonly used in Indian dishes.
Seeds
Sunflower seeds are an excellent source of Vitamin E. They have also been linked to lowering cholesterol due to their chemical structure. Additionally, they are an excellent source of magnesium which promotes healthy bones for those that consume limited meat and dairy. Sunflowers make a great topping to fruit salads, and they are also a great snack that can be added to foods like trail mix. Sprinkle them on top of oatmeal for a delicious addition to your breakfast. Pumpkin seeds are another seed that packs a nutritional punch because they are filled with zinc, which helps our bodies with cell growth, immunity, sleep, and our overall mood.
Peanut Butter
This one is my all-time favorite. Not only does peanut butter taste delicious, but it is also good for you. Peanut butter is my go-to snack after I workout, and even when I am looking for a quick bite. It is packed with muscle-friendly potassium and immunity boosting vitamin B6. It is also filled with monounsaturated fat which is the heart-healthy fat. I recommend sticking to the natural brands because they are lower in sodium and sugar. The kid in me still loves a good peanut butter and jelly sandwich, but I also eat it straight from the spoon after I workout. Download this delicious Peanut Butter Smoothie recipe.
1 cup ice cubes
1 large banana ( I like to slice the bananas and freeze them if they are frozen use ½ cup of ice)
1/8 cup of almond milk ( you can also use cashew milk)
2 scoops chocolate protein powder of choice (I prefer this brand
2 big scoops peanut butter (probably around 1/4 cup)I love peanut butter, so feel free to half this if you want less of a peanut butter taste
Directions:
Put all of the ingredients in the blender and blend until smooth. This is one of the most delicious PB smoothies I have ever had.
Avocado
Avocado is a favorite food these days. It is a versatile food that pairs well with almost anything. I like to eat avocados after workouts to help with muscle soreness (because I don’t like bananas). Avocados have more potassium than bananas, and as a bonus, high potassium intake is linked to reduced blood pressure. Like peanut butter, avocados are a high-fat food (the good kind). Additionally, they are packed with fiber to keep things moving the way they should. Avocados taste great in guacamole, avocado toast, and even my new favorite recipe avocado burritos.
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