Last Updated on July 24, 2023 by Shane Corbitt
There are many rewarding benefits that can be reaped when you’re on a plant-based diet. However, you’ll only start seeing and feeling these benefits after 3 to 5 weeks. It takes time for the body to adapt and wean itself off the foods it’s addicted to.
When following a plant-based diet, while it is simple in nature, there are 4 important points that you must be aware of. Many people overlook these points because they’re so focused on the foods they eat that they neglect everything else.
Below you’ll find 4 points that you should take note of. Write them on a piece of paper and stick in on your refrigerator door so that you’re constantly reminded of them.
1. Stay hydrated
The plant-based diet aids in detoxification. When you’re on this diet, you body will start losing fat and the toxins stored in these fat cells will be released into your body. Staying hydrated and drinking enough water will ensure that your body is able to flush out these toxins much more effectively.
When it comes to water consumption, you need to spread it out throughout the day. Drinking 2 liters in the morning and 2 at night is not going to cut it. You’ll need to drink a glass of water at regular intervals. However, avoid drinking water prior to meals because you’ll be diluting your stomach acids.
2. Ease into diet gently
When it comes to making positive changes, many people are very gung-ho about it and try to make changes overnight. They want to see fast results, so they decide to be ‘hardcore’ about it.
Usually, the body has a mind of its own. You’ll notice that you have very strong food cravings and also experience mood swings and other symptoms if you make a sudden change. It can be a struggle and this is where most people quit.
Doing things too fast also means that you’ve not taken the time to truly understand what you’re doing. When you do things systematically with an understanding of what you’re doing, you’ll understand the value and importance of your goal.
It’s best to ease into the diet gently. Slowly aim to reduce your consumption of meat, processed foods and other junk food. In this way, you’ll give your body time to adapt and get used to the new diet. Slow and steady wins the race.
3. Intuitive eating
Always ask yourself how you feel before eating. Are you eating because you’re hungry, or are you just bored? When you crave for foods rich in sugar and fat, you should ask yourself if your decision will help you or hurt you.
Just taking a step back to analyze your decisions will help you greatly in making the right ones. Eat slowly and always stop when you feel 75 percent full. It takes a while for the brain to register that the stomach is full.
You may wish to start a food journal and write down how the different foods make you feel afterwards. Even on a plant-based diet, not every fruit or vegetable may agree with you. By knowing how the foods make your body feel, you’ll be able to eat what makes you feel good and steer clear of what doesn’t.
4. Supplements
It can be difficult to get all the vitamins and minerals you need while on a plant-based diet. Your meal planning will really need to be on point. If you’re busy, you may slip up now and then. So, having vitamins and supplements to help you make up for any shortfall or deficiencies will be really helpful.
Remember these 4 tips and apply them to your daily life when you’re on a plant-based diet. Once you develop the habit, this is a sustainable diet that can be a part of your lifestyle for a long time to come.
