The choice to switch to veganism can be based on any of a number of different things. That said, no matter the driving principles behind the decision, a plant-based diet changes you in both your body and mind.
Choosing not to eat animal based foods doesn’t just have an impact on your personal values, religion or even the environment. Plant-based diet changes impact your physical body as well as your mental health.
Consider the following ways that you can experience mental and physical plant-based diet changes within the first couple of weeks of making the switch:
• Improved overall digestion
When you switch to a plant-based diet, you inevitably eat a great deal more fiber than you likely were when you were eating animal-based foods. Fruits, veggies, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and pulses all contain a wealth of the substance. Fiber is exceptionally important to digestion, heart health and blood glucose levels. When part of your plate contains meat, poultry, fish, dairy, eggs, or other animal-based foods, there is a portion of your meal that is low in fiber. When your entire plate contains a plant-based meal, you’ll have much more fiber in front of you.
• Higher energy levels
The digestive system has an easier job breaking down many plant-based foods than those that come from animals. After all, have you ever found yourself feeling sluggish after a huge plant-based meal? Likely not, or at least not as much as you would after a massive piece of meat. Moreover, many plants have nutrients informs and combinations that are easier to absorb. Since all plants have fiber and carbs, it means that they offer a quick and stable form of energy.
• More balanced blood sugar levels
The fiber rich protein found in plants often offers us an opportunity for much more stable and balanced blood sugar levels. Animal based foods can contain an insulin growth factor called IGF1, which leads to higher blood sugar. This can lead to spikes and crashes in blood sugar levels, cravings, and that “hangry” moody shaky feeling if you don’t eat meals in time. Plant proteins don’t produce that same effect. In fact, they can help you to feel fuller longer and reduce the risk of crashing blood sugar levels.
• Reduced muscle pain
Foods that come from animals are typically high in inflammatory properties. This means that meat can promote inflammation. Since inflammation is one of the main reasons that the body feels pain, such as in the case of arthritis, injuries and infections. That said, inflammation can also lead to conditions such as leaky gut syndrome, heart disease, diabetes and some kinds of cancer.
