Plant-based nutrition is the guiding principle behind Planted Life. Our eBook, I Eat Plants, is a guide to plant-based nutrition and lifestyle in which you only consume foods that come from plants (not animals), in as close to their natural state as possible. Natural whole plant food leaves you feeling energised, powerful and nourished.
In an intelligent and successful plant-based diet, you consume adequate carbohydrates, protein and fat – not to mention iron, calcium, magnesium, zine and all the essential vitamins and minerals.
At Planted Life, we understand the cycle and power of food and the strong connection between what you eat and how you feel. We use our knowledge of plant energy to achieve all our personal and fitness goals. Our mission is to guide you to achieve yours too.
Carbohydrates
Why do we need carbohydrates?
We only need a small amount but they are essential. They are needed for the central nervous system, the kidneys the brain and our muscles as well as being important for intestinal health and waste.
But it’s the choice of carbs you consume that makes all the difference. cut out the processed carbs – white bread, white pasta, white rice, fried foods, cakes etc and don’t overload your body with too many unrefined carbs – wholegrain, potatoes, carrots etc. Instead, eat these minimally processed wad wholefood sources of carbohydrates in small amounts.
Although your body prefers carbs as its main source of energy, for endurance athletes its beneficial to get energy sourced from fat and proteins too. Fats and proteins are eventually broken down into carbohydrates to be used as energy, but not before your body makes good use of them in different ways.
Protein
Why do we need protein?
Firstly, let’s kill the wide misunderstanding that all protein does from animal sources. Many plants are packed with protein in a more bioavailable format (easier for your body to digest an utilise) than meats and animal products. A diet rich in a wide variety of plants will provide all the protein necessary for a healthy human body.
Protein is vital for growth, making and repairing tissue and hormones, preserving lean muscle mass and for recovery.
Plant-based proteins include nuts (Brazil, almonds, walnuts, pecans, macadamias, pine nuts and hazelnuts) and seeds (linseeds, pepitas, sesame, hemp, chia and sunflower), tofu, tempeh, edamame, legumes and vegetables – in particular broccoli, spinach and our favourite, Brussels sprouts.
Fats
Why do we need fats?
Like carbohydrates and protein, fats supply energy to our bodies. Fat is the most concentrated source of energy. It assists with growth and development, helps us absorb certain vitamins, and provides flavour and stability to foods.
It’s important to consume the right dietary fat to help promote long-term health and wellbeing, so sorry – fried foods and donuts are off the daily menu.
Eat good fats from plant sources such as walnuts, flaxseed, sunflower, olive oil, macadamia oil, avocados and another nuts and seeds. A special mention goes to coconut oil – although it’s classed as a saturated fat, this oil proves that not all fats are equal (and not all saturated fats are bad).
Fats are you friend. Just make sure your friend is healthy, unrefined and organic (where possible).
Meeting your nutrient needs
Do you plan to fail, or fail to plan?
A Planted Life [style] diet provides everything you need nutritionally. But its up to you to ensure you receive that ‘everything’ and that does require some planning.
Plan your meals like you were building a house; start with the foundations, add the walls and then top it off with a roof – your meals are about high-quality, nutrient dense foods such as wholegrains, beans, legumes, fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds.
