Plant Based Diet
Even if they’re not full-on vegan or vegetarian, people are moving away from a meat-centric diet towards a more plant-centric one. “This trend has been popularized by the film What the Health, and many people are becoming more aware of the health benefits of a more plant-based diet, such as better weight management, lower cholesterol/lipid levels, better digestion, and less environmental impact,” says Mascha Davis MPH, RD. Here are 11 baby steps to ease into a plant-based diet.
When it comes to healthy diet plans, everyone has different needs, which is why personalized nutrition is beginning to catch on. This type of eating involves looking at individuals’ genetics, as well as testing how they respond to different foods, to determine what foods are best to eat for a specific person. “People are asking for a personalized, unique plan based on their biology and labs rather than a one-size-fits-all approach,” says Davis. “It’s definitely the future, and it will help us to create more targeted interventions that are more effective.”
Many dietitians are teaching their clients about intuitive eating, which means being able to make meal and snack decisions without scheduling meals or food rules. “It’s about listening to your feelings and instincts to gauge how much and when you eat,” says Natalie Rizzo, MS, RD. “In theory, this practice is supposed to make us more in tune with our bodies and help us choose healthier foods. If done properly, it would do away with emotional eating or eating out of boredom and stress.” When it comes to healthy diet plans, intuitive eating can be a great replacement for strict regimens, especially since most diets don’t work.
In people’s quests for how to eat healthily, they’re starting with quality ingredients. “Not only are consumers concerned about what is in their food, but they want to know where the food came from,” says Rizzo. “There’s been a large emphasis on local and sustainably-sourced foods because of their positive impacts on the environment. Local food doesn’t travel as far to get to you, which reduces vehicle emissions and delivers a healthier piece of food. Plus, the sooner the food is eaten after it’s picked, the more nutrients it has.”