Some people are reluctant to fully embrace a plant-based diet as they are afraid they won’t get enough nutrition, particularly iron and protein.
When considering trying a predominantly plant-based diet, one of the first steps to take is demystifying all of the misconceptions you may hold. Here are 3 myths that dispel these theories and help you make a more informed and educated decision when it comes to your health.
Myth #1: I won’t get enough protein
"How do you get your protein?" is one of the most commonly asked questions. What some people don’t know is that some of the best sources of plant-based protein include peas, brown rice and chickpeas. Protein powder can also be added to any smoothie and if you don’t eat whey protein, there are an array of plant-based protein powders on the shelves.
Myth #2: A plant-based diet doesn’t provide enough vitamins and minerals
Fruits, vegetables and grains will typically provide the vitamins, minerals and antioxidants your body needs to function. If you choose not to omit eggs, you will get an added number of vitamins and minerals. If you are eating a 100% plant-based diet however, you may want to consider supplementing with Vitamin B, Vitamin D and Iron. If this is the case, you may want to talk to your health care professional about dosages and brands that would be the best fit for you. Vitamin B maintains healthy nerve blood cells, it also helps to prevent fatigue. Vitamin D is important for building your immune system and for healthy bones, iron is important as a preventative to anaemia. Quinoa and spinach are two plant-based sources of iron.
Myth #3: It’s boring
A plant-based diet doesn't need to be boring. As plant-based diets are gaining more hype, restaurants and food companies are also jumping on board. As a result, your options are becoming bigger and better. Investing in kitchen gadgets such as a food processor or spiralizer is another way to add variety to your meals.
Originally published on Aug 27, 2018
