Over 15 years ago, I made a decision to adopt a plant-based nutrition plan. I did this to not only experience a healthier lifestyle but also because I simply felt it wasn’t necessary to kill animals for me to live. In Japan people eat dogs, and I can’t imagine eating my fur baby. So the logic made sense to me. When I know better, I just do better.
The transition can be challenging. Taste buds will change. Also, food choices are important to make sure you have a balanced diet and are still consuming the nutrients your body needs. Since my transition, I have assisted many others with moving toward a more plant-based lifestyle if not by eliminating at least by cutting back on animal protein intake. Certainly, being a vegan or vegetarian is not for everyone but being flexible and adopting a more traditional eating pattern by consuming more fruits, vegetables, grains, beans, nuts, healthy oils, while consuming less animal protein is not only doable but has also been linked to lower risk of certain health risks such as obesity, diabetes, cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure etc.
Because of my athletic lifestyle, I am often asked how to do I get the proper amount of protein if not from animals to build muscle and strength. My eating habits and the ability to maintain muscle mass does not make me an anomaly. There are plenty of athletes including bodybuilders who maintain a plant-based diet. Also, some of the largest most muscular and beautiful animals are vegan e.g. horses, elephants, rhinos, deer etc.
Today I simply wanted to share a few great recipes that are high in protein from beans, grains, nuts etc.
Black Bean Tacos...I have made these on several occasions. I do however prefer cabbage instead of lettuce and I exclude the cheese.
Raw Pecan Tacos
Sweet Cherry & Feta Quinoa with Peach Vinaigrette
Had this for dinner last night alongside a fresh kale salad topped with orange champagne vinegar.
Chickpea tuna salad. This is one of my favorites because it's easy to make and absolutely delicious.
More recipes coming soon.
If you are interested in the Power of Plant Based eating feel free to contact me.