15 Days In
We are 15 days into our fully plant based diet and it has been easier than I thought. Thus far here are my observations:
It is hard to overeat when eating a lot of plants in their natural form and it is fairly easy to keep fat consumption in the 25-30% range.
It took my digestive system a week or so to adapt to the high fiber diet. My fiber is running 35-40 grams a day. Current dietary fiber consumption in the US averages just 15 grams per day, half of the recommended amount. Fiber is key to controlling blood sugar, feeding the gut bacteria and much more.
It is hard to get enough protein without supplementation on a plant based diet. That being said, most peopledo not need a lot of protein and a plant based diet would meet the requirements. However, those looking to increase muscle mass through a strength training program might want to increase protein. There is a lot of research AND a lot of disagreement regarding protein needs for strength training, but if you are looking to increase protein on a plant based diet there are excellent all natural protein supplements. I always choose single ingredient and have enjoyed pea protein isolate and pumpkin seed protein.
A highly nutrient dense / high fiber diet is very satieting and seems to be controlling my hunger and cravings very well.
My energy level is excellent and my sleep has been excellent.
Whole food plant based eating does require planning but it does not have to be complex. I recently made burrito bowls with brown rice, pinto beans, sauteed mushrooms, onions and peppers with diced avocado and a squirt of lime. The entire bowl (which was a big portion) was only 380 calories.
15 days left, but I am fairly certain I will continue in some form along the path. The benefits seems hard to pass up.