Although plant-based diets have become popular nowadays, there are still some misconceptions surrounding this lifestyle trend.
For instance, I used to think that being a vegan in Nigeria would be hard, costly, and maybe inaccessible as the Nigerian diet heavily promotes the consumption of animal products, but this is false. Research has shown that various plant species abound in this tropical country; hence, going vegan would be a breeze.
Another misconception regarding veganism I had, and I’ve found others have, is that the foods were both boring to look at and consume. This is another false narrative. The native foods cooked among the various tribes in the country are mostly plant-based, rich in vegetables, and legumes.
Think of the ingredients used to make Afang soup, Egusi soup, Vegetable soup, and the like—all of which are very nice to look at—and you’ll discover that it’s quite easy and healthy to switch to a plant-based diet.
With animal-based protein options steadily growing out of reach for the average Nigerian, almost everyone has begun looking into cheaper alternatives that will yield the same nutrients/results that the animal options normally provide, and a plant-based diet offers a variety of options.
Benefits
Unsurprisingly, consuming food grown from the soil has proven very beneficial to the body. Some of its benefits are:
1. It is much more filling:
Have you ever had to snack on nuts, fruits, and vegetables? How did you feel after? Soil-grown foods such as beans are an excellent source of starch, which we all know is very filling.
2. It is cost-effective:
Ditch the mindset that switching to a plant-based lifestyle is expensive because it’s not. Opt to buy your foodstuffs from the local market as opposed to getting them from a supermarket unless absolutely necessary, as certain ingredients used to prepare plant-based meals such as nutritional yeast, cumin, parsley, and oyster mushrooms are usually only found there.
3. It is a much nutritious option:
There are vital nutrients that can only be gotten from plants, including vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytochemicals that help nourish the cells in the body and balance the immune system to keep it running in optimal condition.
4. Improved heart and digestive health:
Ever heard the saying, “Let food be thy medicine, and medicine thy food?” It especially rings true when you lead a healthy life, reducing the consumption of processed foods and eating only that which is good for the body. According to studies, a plant-based diet can lower the risk of ischemic heart disease, improve cardiovascular health, and offer other benefits compared to individuals with an omnivore diet.
5. Weight management:
Due to it being lower in calories and high in fiber, it is easier to lose weight when your diet is majorly or wholly plant-based. Remember when I said that you feel much fuller after consuming foods grown from the soil? This is a helpful trick for anyone looking to shed weight and keep it off.
Takeaways:
- When transitioning to a plant-based diet, it is better to do it gradually as it is a big lifestyle change.
- It helps to keep an open mind to trying out new recipes.
- Find a community of like-minded people. Explore your neighborhood, internet forums, or even WhatsApp channels. There you can connect with people and get seasoned tips from those who have transitioned for a while.
