Alot of myths are readily associated when it comes to plant-based diets. Concerns about nutrition, supplement use, restrictions, and not enough variety all become part of the chatter around this lifestyle choice. And as is with any diet, making the change is quite the shift, one that can be empowered when you have all the information you need about the pros and cons of this new way of eating that you’re considering adopting.
In absolute terms, anyone who is transitioning to a plant-based diet needs to give their body at least some time to adapt to it. All these myths we associate with the diet usually surface during the learning curve. But once you get around it, many people go on to embrace a plant-based diet as a long-term way of living.
Fact: For you to feel satisfied on a plant-based diet, you need to add calories, enough fat, nutrition and bulk. It has to go in your gut for the micro-sensors present in them to feel it’s bulked up. A plant-based diet and whole foods (unprocessed) makes it rather easier to feel satiated, provided you are eating enough high-quality foods with enough fat and protein. The increased fibre intake takes care of the rest, including the feeling of satiety and regulated digestion.
Fact: Calcium is bio-available to your body. You must know that your body can adjust and absorb calcium far better from vegetables and seeds; in fact, sesame seeds have 10 times more calcium than dairy. Dal, chole, rajma, beans are other sources of calcium that are also readily available in the market.
Fact: Sources of iron in a plant-based diet are numerous. Animals actually get their iron from plant sources itself. The kind of iron which meat consumption leads to in our body is heme iron. It is in fact healthier for our body to get iron from plant sources, as too much meat consumption can lead to unhealthy iron deposits. Therefore, it’s an absolute myth that people become anaemic when they follow such diets.
Fact: You need to understand the concept behind why you’re losing weight when you’re on a plant-based diet. It is simply because you are not eating processed food anymore like refined sugar, burgers, junk calories, and so on. It’s generally because of the shift you’re making that you shed all those extra kilos. In fact, it’s rather healthy because it makes it easier for you to fight diabetes and cholesterol and reduce your sodium intake.