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Natasha lost 65 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Natasha lost 65 pounds. She is so happy to share the progress she’s made over the last 8 months. PCOS, insecurities or depression could not stop her. She changed her eating habits, joined a gym and her hard work has really paid off. Check out her story.

natasha before and after

Hello, my lovely queens! I just wanted to take the time to share my weight loss journey thus far, as I am so proud of the progress I’ve made in the last 8 months.

My motivation to lose weight kicked in at the beginning of this year. I weighed almost 300 pounds and was extremely insecure and depressed. I got tired of feeling this way and decided it was up to me to make a change. There are still days that I want to give up, but what keeps me motivated is seeing how far I’ve come. I never want to go back to that dark place again. I also was dealing with PCOS as well. Once I found out PCOS could affect my ability to have children, that affected my decision that it was time to change as well.

I changed my eating habits by cutting out junk food completely. I’d already stopped drinking soda years ago, so that wasn’t an issue. I don’t eat any fried foods either. I started to incorporate more baked foods, seafood and veggies into my meals. I meal prep three days at a time and use a food scale to weigh out my portions. I also drink a protein shake every morning.

I workout 4 days a week. My workouts consist of cardio and strength training. I signed up for a private gym called Fitness Together in my area. All the employees there are certified personal trainers.

My starting weight was 280 pounds. My current weight is 215 pounds. I stand tall at 5’3″ (LOL). I started my journey in February 2016. I’ve loss 65 pounds in 8 months and I’m not done yet! Weight loss surgery is not a factor in my transformation. All natural.

My advice to others would be to keep going. It won’t be easy but I promise it will be so worth it. There will be setbacks and days when you want to just give up. Keep going!

Instagram: @Tasha_Ink_Snob

Tammy lost 79 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Tammy lost 79 pounds. She wanted to get off blood pressure medication and live a long and healthy life. Her journey shows just how important healthy eating habits really are when it comes to weight release. Check out her story.

tammy

What was your motivation? What inspired you when you wanted to give up?
My motivation was to be taken off of high blood pressure pills. Also, I wanted to live a long and healthy life for my children. I would like to live as long as I can and hopefully to meet my grandchildren in the future. Being unhealthy is the quickest way for me not to fulfill my dream of being around for my family.

How did you change your eating habits?
I stopped eating the unhealthy foods that I had eaten all of my life. I totally overhauled the way I ate, leaving behind the grease and calorie filled diet I was accustomed to all of my life. All pastas and all fried things had to go. I stopped eating gravy, candy, chips, cookies, sauces/condiments (such as mayo), salad dressings, ketchup, mustard, A-1 sauce and any other kinds of sauces. I also stopped drinking any type of soda, which was significant because I use to drink a 6 pack of Sprite daily.

I started to eat things that I never ate before, such as spinach, kale, broccoli, cauliflower and carrots. Veggies became a part of my meals, 3 times a day. I began to drink more water everyday and I ate lot of chicken. Broiled, boiled, baked, grilled, and rotisserie’d chicken. I don’t eat much red meat, but when I do it has to be baked or grilled. I steam veggies everyday, add spinach to my breakfast food (such as grits and rice) and try different ways to add in more veggies.

What did your workout routines look like?
I tried walking for a few days but did not stick to it. In the end, I did not really workout during my journey. I just changed the things I was eating.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
269 pounds was my starting weight. The most I’ve ever weighed is 290 pounds. My current weight is 190 pounds. My height is 5’10″.

How long did your transformation take?
I started my journey in June 2015. I noticed the weight loss results in November 2015. Weight loss surgery was not part of my journey.

What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
You have to decide what is important to you and make the first step towards those goals. Take one day at a time and be very determined on your journey. When I share with people about how I lost the weight, they frown and look rather puzzled. They say, “Honey I can’t do that. That’s changing the way I eat.” I tell them that changing your eating habits is exactly what you have to do. I am proof that although exercise is important, what we feed our bodies is just as significant.

I also would remind anyone trying to lose weight to stay mindful of why they want to change their lives. Those reasons can be powerful motivation. They can help create tremendous self-esteem and lots of positivity.

tammy before and after

Delicia lost 92 pounds

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Weight Loss Story: Delicia lost 92 pounds, going from a size 22 to a size 12. She wanted to avoid the health risks associated with being overweight, such as high blood pressure and diabetes. In about a year and a half, she has figured out what works for her. Check out how she took action.

delicia

My journey started in April 2015 when I was diagnosed with high blood pressure. My weight at the time was 282 pounds. Doctor warned me about how overweight I was and all the associated health risks, including diabetes.

I began to walk 15 minutes a day. I couldn’t do more than that amount of time. I started to eliminate all sodas, bread, and sweets. I also started on the 10 Day Green Smoothie Cleanse by JJ Smith and lost my first 35 pounds. That was the motivation that I needed. I worked up to walking 30 minutes a day, but I was still too ashamed to go in gym.

After six months on smoothies, I started eating veggies and fruit and having meat only on weekends. I also joined the gym. In 6 months I was down to 232 pounds. I kept pushing and trying new ideas to trick my metabolism and what I was doing worked. Having lost 60 pounds, I joined the gym and worked out five (sometimes six) times a day.

Now, I weigh 190 pounds and my goal weight is 180 pounds. The journey has not been easy but the results have been rewarding. I was wearing a size 22 and now I wear a size 12. I feel so much better and now. I want to encourage young women who struggle with weight loss and insecurities. I have lost a total of 92 pounds in a year and 5 months.

Ondeyia lost 52 pounds

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Weight Loss Story: Ondeyia lost 52 pounds. Her weight loss struggle came to a head with a diagnosis of pre-diabetes. With healthy eating habits and lots of exercise, she’s not dieting. She’s building a new lifestyle. Check out her story.

ondeyia before and after

My weight has been a constant struggle throughout my life.  In the past, I tried Medical Weight Loss, Weight Watchers and Herbalife. All of these things work. However, if you don’t have it in your mind that exercising and eating right is a lifestyle, you will continue to battle with obesity. In July 2015, when I found out I was pre-diabetic, that was a life changer for me.

I begin to use Herbalife to get me started. I cut out fatty and fried foods from my diet. I also cut out cheese and dairy items and minimized carbohydrates. I continue to overlook sweets or any beverage with sugar as a primary ingredient. Now, I eat only baked chicken, fish, turkey, veggies, fruit and whole grain foods.

I started off doing cardio on the treadmill, 20 to 30 minutes every 3 days. For the last 3 months, I’ve been weight training and doing a calisthenics workout with my personal trainer. I work out 3 or more times per week.

I started out on July 15, 2015 weighing 230 pounds and wearing a size 16/18. I now weigh 178 pounds and wear a size 10. Height: 5’6″.

I want to encourage anyone who’s trying to lose pounds and let them know it’s 100% mindset. This is my new lifestyle, not a diet! I would tell people to stay motivated by the journey and not just the outcome. You can’t always see it (the weight loss) for yourself. Weight fluctuates for many reasons. It is better to fall in love with the process and let everything else take care of itself.

Instagram: @Ondeyia

Can Detoxing Be Bad for You?

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detoxing bad for you

When people talk about detoxifying (or “detoxing”) most of the time what they are wanting to do is clear the body of accumulated poisons and food waste by one of many available methods. These methods usually entail severely reducing food intake and cutting out chemicals and additives such as alcohol, caffeine, sugar, and salt. Many plans support eating whole organic fruits and vegetables, or supporting the cleansing process with herbs, supplements, exercise, hydrotherapy, and rest.

There are some good detox and cleansing plans out there, but you have to do your research. Some detox plans can include things like laxatives or extended fasting that may be harmful to the body and lead to issues, such as dehydration and nutritional deficiencies. What do you need to know before your start a potentially harmful detox plan?

Does Detoxing Even Work?

“Detox and cleanse diets are bad for a number of reasons: They waste your time and, depending on the duration and the level of restriction, they may do more harm to your health than good. One of the problems with ‘detoxes’ is that they are very vague—What toxins are being removed? From where? And how? These questions are rarely answered, because most detox plans lack any real scientific basis. In fact, I recently challenged a room of 90+ fitness professionals to show me any evidence in humans (not mice or in test tubes) that lemon detoxifies your liver, and no one could come up with anything.” – Shape Magazine

“‘I’ve also never seen an explanation for what ‘cleanse’ or ‘detox’ diets are cleansing or detoxifying your body of,” Dubost adds. ‘I think the vagueness there may be part of the appeal.’

Put another way, if you’re eating a healthy diet packed with fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein—the kind of sustainable diet that will help keep your weight down and lower your risk for many diseases—your body has no use for any radical detoxification measures. And if your diet is poor, pounding juice for a week isn’t going to do you any good.

‘You’ll drop some water weight on these cleanses because you won’t be consuming very many calories,” Dubost says. ‘But that weight will come back when you start eating again.’ The kind of severe calorie restriction associated with cleanse diets can also lead to muscle breakdown and feelings of extreme fatigue, as well as headaches, irritability, cramping and diarrhea.'” – Time Magazine

The reality is… The detox plan or cleanse you are considering may not have any real, lasting benefit. On the flip side, you may find a detox program that saves your life and dramatically improves your health.

What should you do in the face of conflicting information: Do your research and don’t just believe the claims that are being made. As with any dramatic shift in eating or exercising habits, it is advisable to speak with your doctor or a nutritionist before beginning a detox or cleanse plan.

Here are some of the reasons why detoxing could be harmful to your health.

Toxins Released in Your System

A detox plan may tell you that toxins that are making you fat or sick will be released, making you feel much better and healthier. What if that process could make you even sicker?

Your liver filters toxins out of your blood, including pharmaceuticals, heavy metals, ammonia and chemicals… If you are eating a holistic, whole-food diet at the same time your liver is dumping toxins into your GI tract, then food fibers will tend to capture those toxins and trap them, ultimately transporting them out of your body through bowel movements. But if you aren’t eating any fiber — for example, you’re on a “juice fast” or a “juice cleanse” — then you have a potentially huge problem: You have no fibers to trap the toxins your liver is dumping into your small intestines! So those toxins get reabsorbed right back through your intestinal walls and into your blood. – Natural News

Fasting Too Long

Even healthy adults need to approach detoxing with care. Fasting for too long can result in loss of muscle and lowered metabolism. Fasting causes the body to go into “conservation mode.” This can be helpful in short bursts to kick a cold or initiate a shift to healthier eating habits, but over time this can reduce immunity and lower quality of life. It is vital to maintain adequate nutrient intake, including lean protein, vitamins and minerals, omega-3 fatty acids, and fiber.

People with Eating Disorders

Detox diets can be dangerous for people with eating disorders or addictive personalities. Sometimes detoxing provides a temporary “high” from the reduction of food intake or having an enema. This “high” can be addicting to people prone to such imbalances. The use of laxatives in some detox plans can be very appealing to bulimics who have over used laxatives for weight loss in the past.

Potentially Harmful Herbs – Do Your Research

Some of the herbs and supplements used in a detox can be dangerous for some people. Commercial preparations sometimes cause adverse side-effects, and even some herbal laxatives can lead to dehydration, mineral imbalances, and digestive disorders in certain people. Diet and detox teas are a very common detox method that can have negative results.

Blood Sugar

Dramatically changing eating habits or fasting from particular food groups can cause spikes in blood sugar levels. This can contribute to kidney imbalances, insulin issues, stress and weight gain. It is important to maintain even blood sugar levels by proper eating and drinking schedules. If you are a diabetic or have issues with blood sugar regulation, do not start a detox or cleansing plan without getting the ok from your doctor.

Stress

If someone has a stressful lifestyle, detoxing can actually worsen his or her health conditions by increasing adrenal burnout and putting the body in “famine mode.” This can affect stress hormones, lead to weight gain and heart disease. It is important to be able to rest and go easy at home and work during a detox. Sleep is key.

Detoxing needs to be understood as a part of a long-term healthy lifestyle plan, not a quick fix. The reality is that because most detox plans are very extreme, the results they produce are short lived. People go right back to old habits after the detox ends. Eating healthier food and drinking water are two ways you can support the natural detoxing functions of the body. For most healthy adults, a detoxification plan based on lifestyle and healthy eating can be formulated that will support health and well being.

More info:

Jaboria lost 41 pounds

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Update May 2017: Jaboria lost 85 pounds. She will celebrate the one year anniversary of her commitment to health and fitness in June.

“June 6, 2017 will make 1 year I totally committed myself to this life altering movement. It has been and still is a long, hard journey but with God ALL things are possible. To that person who’s struggling, DON’T STOP! Even when u fall into temptation, start again. Just don’t stop, don’t give up! It’s not easy but it’s definitely worth it!”

jaboria before and after

Update Dec 2016 – Jaboria has released 61 pounds. “I’ve lost 20 more pounds and counting since October!” Check out her new before and after photos.

jaboria before and after

Weight Loss Story: Jaboria lost 41 pounds. This proud mom of 3 was inspired by her sons, by other people’s success stories and a desire to have more energy. She sought professional help and began walking with weights for exercise. Check out her transformation journey.

jaboria before and after

My motivation included a number of things. I did not like the way that I looked and the way that clothes fit. I felt tired and sleepy all the time, and I knew I had to make a change. Looking at other people’s success stories and looking at my very active, athletic three sons inspired me to change. I wanted to be able to run and play with them without getting tired quickly.

I decided to see a weight loss doctor who put me on a 1500 calorie meal plan that I could handle. I also started drinking Atkins shakes for breakfast and lunch with healthy snacks between meals, like Fiber One 90 calorie snacks (which helped me with my sweet cravings). I drink water about 95% of the time now.

I workout at least 4-5 times a week. I started off by walking 1 mile with 2 pound weights. That has gradually increased to me being able to run 2 miles and walking with 5 pound weights. On weekends, because I am not so busy, I do a mixture of running and walking for at least 5 miles. I also do light toning using exercises I find on the internet.

My starting weight was 270 pounds and the last time I checked I weighed 229 pounds. I started my journey in June 2016, so it’s taken approximately 4 months to lose that amount of weight. however, I am not finished. My goal weight is 165 pounds and I’d like to get there by May 2017. I did not have weight loss surgery although I thought heavily about it.

My advice for others would be to first find your own motivation and let that fuel you. Don’t try to use someone else’s motivation. Find what works for you as far as healthy eating. If exercising is your problem, start off doing some form of exercise for 5-10 minutes or for as long as you can. As long you are doing something, that’s what counts. You can increase the time frame that you workout each day.

Instagram: @jwjwjw333

jaboria

Deidre went from a size 12 to a size 6

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Weight Loss Story: Deidre went from a size 12 to a size 6. She prayed for guidance and found the help she needed. Now, she is eating clean, training mean and inspiring others to do the same. Check out what she shared with us about how she did it.

deidre weight loss

BWLW, Thank you for being a light on the topic of weight loss. It helps to know we are transforming, Body Mind and Soul!

I had the pleasure of praying for help the of 2015.  Then, in January 2016, the Lord sent me an angel…  Terry Starks, The Diet Doctor! Terry is the truth! I started his program in February and the weight fell off my body like magic! Who would have ever thought that weight loss was 85% diet and 15% working out! I’m Eating Clean and Training Mean!

I listen to DMX, Missy Elliott, Busta Rhymes, 2Pac and Biggy Smalls while I exercise. When I feel like giving up, music is one of my motivations. The other motivations I have are my amazing husband and 2 amazing sons. They depend on me and follow my new lifestyle!

I have been a vegetarian for 18 years. However, as of February 2016 I began consuming fish; salmon cod and whiting. (baked, using Ms. Dash only for seasoning) Terry has me doing 30 minutes of cardio before breakfast and 30 minutes of cardio each night. I mix up my workouts, using the treadmill, step master and elliptical machine. I lift weights as well.

My starting weight was 175 pounds in February 2016. I wore a size 12. Now, I’m wearing a size 6. My height is 5’5″.

My advice for others is reward yourself after you feel that you earned it! I still eat gummy sour worms but I will go a month without them. Then, the next month, I enjoy 1 piece at a time, inch by inch.

I still have a long way to go. My desire is to influence, impact and empower the world in which we live in. Lord, use my story so that you get the Glory!

Skye lost 81 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Skye lost 81 pounds. Her transformation is about being there for her family for years to come and breaking free of feelings of depression and hopelessness. This proud mom of 5 partnered with her son on this journey and they’ve lost over 130 lbs combined. Check out her transformation story.

skye weight loss

I was motivated to lose weight because I have 5 babies who needed their mom to be around. I was also seriously depressed, feeling hopeless and feeling lost. I thought that I was so far gone that I was going to need weight loss surgery. Instead, I decided to give it a shot on my own.

I partnered up with my oldest son and we started using Chris Powell’s carb cycling plan. We also joined the gym and started working out. Mainly, we did cardio at first and then we got into weight training. We started going every other day. Then, working out became such a huge part of our life that we currently go 6 days a week.

I cut out a lot of processed junk and started eating real, whole foods. Fresh fruit, fresh vegetables, lean meats, eggs, cheese, whole grains, etc. I still have cheat meals once in awhile, but honestly after adapting to a healthy diet, anything less than healthy generally upsets my stomach.

My starting weight was 122.7 kg (270 lbs). I weighed in today at 86.0 kg (189 lbs). I am 5 ft 4 inches tall. It’s taken me a year and a half to lose the pounds.

I will continue to strive and work hard to be the best version of myself, mind, body, soul. The best piece of advice I can give someone is to keep going. Life throws a lot of curve balls and it’s easy to underestimate how capable you are. You’re allowed to mess up. You’re allowed to be human. But you HAVE to get back up and keep going no matter what. Thats all that success is… never giving up.

I feel so blessed to have been on this journey with my son. He’s lost 50 lbs and I couldnt be prouder of him! This definitely has been a family affair. My kids love doing boot camps and being active, as they’ve struggled with their weight as well. I just think it’s incredibly important to give kids the tools needed to live a happy, healthy life.

Instagram: @formerfattymcfattersons

Lisa lost 71 pounds

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Weight Loss Story: Lisa lost 71 pounds over the course of a year. She wanted to prove that she could lose the weight without surgery. Walking and low carb meals were part of her success, but having determination was the key. Check out what she shared with us.

lisa weight loss

I just wanted to share my testimony. I would like to show women that with discipline and perseverance you can make it!

I was told that I couldn’t have weight loss surgery because I wasn’t big enough and because they were so mean to me at the doctor’s office. That mean spiritedness became fuel for my fire to show. I wanted to prove that I could do it without surgery, so I went from 236 pounds to 165 pounds in a year. (height: 5’6″ tall)  I’m still working on my goal of reaching 150 pounds. If I can do it, anyone can do the same with discipline. (I started at 236 pounds, but the before pic is at 228 pounds)

After finding the Black Women Losing Weight page, I went on an Atkins journey. I walked on my treadmill and did the Atkins diet, which consists of eating mainly meat and vegetables. Bye bye, Carbs. I eat small meals without carbs. I also drank the chocolate protein shakes. For breakfast, I usually have cream cheese eggs and bacon. Lunch could be a tuna salad with avocado and chicken and asparagus for dinner. I drink water with sugar free juice packets for flavor. Currently, I walk 3 times a week.

My advice for others: Understand that it doesn’t happen overnight. You might have setbacks, but with discipline weight loss can be achieved. It gets easier once you get a routine going.

lisa weight loss

10 Awesome Benefits of Eating a Plant Based Diet

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benefits plant based dietSwitching to a more plant based diet could improve your health. Luscious green leaves, voluptuous veggie and fabulous fruit help to prevent disease and increase your natural vitality. Find out how nature’s delicious goodies could even slow down the aging process, helping you look and feel fantastic.

You Really Are What you Eat

Your body is made from the food you consume so it makes sense that your diet directly impacts your wellbeing, right? Scientists are rapidly revealing that plants have a direct and significant impact on the DNA in every cell of the body. Plant-based compounds regulate and control our body at the most fundamental level via our DNA, this is the new sciences of nutrigenomics and nutrigenetics.

Evidence-based research clearly shows that eating more plants is the best choice you can make for your health. Here’s the low-down on 10 ways that consuming plants will provide you with benefits certified by Mother Nature herself.

Benefit #1: Prevent Heart Disease

It’s a sad fact that our diets contribute to the most common, yet preventable, diseases afflicting humankind. Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide and various studies have shown a link between the consumption of meat and an increased risk of heart disease.

A vegetarian diet is typically lower in cholesterol and higher in nutrients to support a healthy heart and lower blood pressure. The American Heart Association says “many studies have shown that vegetarians seem to have a lower risk of obesity, coronary heart disease (which causes heart attacks), high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus and some forms of cancer. “

Benefit #2: Reduce Cancer Risk

The power of fruits and vegetables as chemo-preventive agents (protecting you from cancer) has only relatively recently been quantified and is becoming recognized as a vital strategy in lowering cancer risk. For example:

Young women who eat four or more servings per week of raw or lightly cooked cabbage — such as coleslaw or steamed sauerkraut — may significantly reduce their risk of breast cancer later in life, according to results of a study led by Dorothy R. Pathak, Ph.D., of the University of New Mexico. [Source]

Plant foods act as a natural defense against cancer since they provide cancer-fighting antioxidants and phytochemicals. Consuming a wide and colorful variety of vegetables and fruits is key to providing the body with the spectrum of nutrients needed to support the immune system and prevent disease.

Benefit #3: Avoid Diabetes

There is an epidemic of diabetes in America, and in fact the world. The incidence has quadrupled in the last 30 years and the pharmaceutical industry rakes in vast profits from the condition (which is essentially a form of slow food poisoning from a diet high in processed foods).

Processed foods typically contain less nutrients and more toxins, making incidence of disease more likely, specifically meat has also been associated with Diabetes. Harvard researchers found that the risk of developing diabetes was increased by a huge 19% from daily consumption of a relatively small amount of red meat12. The journal of Nutrition Reviews stated that “individuals following vegetarian diets are about half as likely to develop diabetes, compared with non-vegetarians”

Benefit #4: Lose Weight

For most people, switching from a meat based diet to a plant based one will naturally support healthy weight loss. The increased macronutrients in a plant-based diet means you need to consume less food to get the same nutrition in comparison to meat eaters. Your digestive system will be grateful for the increased fibre and your gut bacteria can extract more nutrients. A recent analysis published in the Journal for General Internal Medicine found that “individuals assigned to the vegetarian diet groups lost significantly more weight than those assigned to the non-vegetarian diet groups” (more info)

Benefit #5. Better Skin

Your skin forms a vital defensive layer of your immune system and also plays a significant role in detoxing the body. When the body is toxic, for example if you smoke, that toxicity shows up in grey and tired looking skin. We typically perceive the signs of aging in the skin first as it loses elasticity and strength causing wrinkles.

Supporting the body with a high and regular dose of anti-oxidants not only nourishes the skin but also prevents the toxic build-up which makes it age more rapidly. So if you want to keep your skin looking and feeling young and fresh then pile the antioxidant rich fresh fruits and veg onto your plate. Remember to eat a rainbow to get a wide selection of nutrients and anti-oxidants. (more info)

Benefit #6: Improve Mood

Recent research indicates that a vegetarian diet is associated with improved mood. Substances found in meat, such as arachidonic acid, lower mood. So, when you reduce or eliminate meat from the diet mood is improved. While more research is needed in this area several studies have shown that vegetarians are happier and report less negative emotions than meat eaters.

Benefit #7: Cognitive Protection

Alzheimer’s Disease is one of the many neurodegenerative diseases associated with longer lifespan and sadly our modern diet. Fortunately researchers have found that dietary changes can protect your brain from cognitive decline keeping you mental abilities sharp into your senior years. The MIND diet promotes brain healthy foods such as leafy vegetables (spinach and kale), red peppers, squash, carrots, broccoli, nuts, berries, beans, lentils and soybeans. You’ll find a lot of information online these days suggesting that red meats, butter, margarine, cheese, pastries and sweets is also key to protecting your mind. However, you’ll also find information advocating eliminating grains for brain health. Do your own research.

Benefit #8: Libido Enhancement and Hormonal Balance

The hormonal changes experienced at the time of menopause can result in a variety of unwanted symptoms including a drop in libido. Eating plant-based phytoestrogens, which mimic the body’s own hormones, can reduce menopausal symptoms. Women who suffer from menstrual symptoms, specifically mood imbalances, may also find that these natural plant hormones (found in higher doses in ginseng, black cohosh, liquorice root and some soy products) help smooth out pre-menstrual moods and increase natural sexy feelings.

Benefit #9: Longer Healthier Life

Cutting out or cutting back meat is associated with more disease free years and longer life expectancy. The American Society for Clinical Nutrition concluded that “a lifestyle pattern that includes a very low meat intake is associated with greater longevity.”

Animal products take longer for the body to digest. Meat has also been linked to inflammation and the clogging up of narrow blood vessels. The modern intensive farming methods make matters worse by pumping animals with antibiotics and other pharmaceuticals.

Benefit # 10: Conscious Choices

Making a conscious choice about how to nourish your body has a dramatic impact on personal wellbeing. Vegetarians and vegans are used to more carefully reading labels, asking questions and generally caring about what they consume in their diet and as conscious shoppers.  This level of personal scrutiny results in a typically lower consumption of toxic processed food and more careful consideration of nutrient requirements.

The End Result

The evidence is clear that eating a vegetarian diet rich in plant-based nutrients promotes physical, mental and even emotional wellbeing. Vegetarian diets also have a significantly lower impact on the planets resources and environment. Happier, healthier and environmentally friendly – plant based eating can be considered the dietary elixir of life. You don’t have to go vegetarian or vegan, but you can add more fruits and veggies into your daily meals and snacks.

*References

  • http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs310/en/
  • http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19166134
  • http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3048091/#b16-cmr-3-001
  • http://www.nutritionjrnl.com/article/S0899-9007%2814%2900423-7/fulltext
  • http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3408989/
  • http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20822969/
  • http://www.nature.com/aps/journal/v30/n5/full/aps200950a.html
  • http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2013/08/03/cabbage.aspx
  • http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22333737
  • http://www.biomedcentral.com/content/pdf/1475-2891-9-26.pdf
  • http://www.who.int/features/factfiles/diabetes/en/
  • http://harvardmagazine.com/2012/01/a-diabetes-link-to-meat
  • http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19386029
  • http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23320491
  • http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/behindtheheadlines/news/2015-08-06-new-brain-diet-slows-mental-decline/
  • http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/78/3/526S.full
  • http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/9-health-benefits-of-a-vegetarian-diet/