Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

By: Carah Jones 

Editorial Intern 

There is truth behind the old saying, “you are what you eat.” The food industry had to inevitably take a giant step backwards to find the ultimate solution to all of the arising health issues that have become prevalent in a world full of processed and fast food. The answer is rooted in the ground of our very home, planet Earth.

Food research has come full circle to find that the best possible way to nourish your body is by giving it the food that comes from nature. Amongst all the diet fads and eating guides that are available to consumers looking to lose weight or become healthier in general, plant based eating has skewed common ideology behind what it takes to reach these goals.

For so long, the public has been told that less calories are better than more, that milk and red meat are healthy attributions to a daily diet, and many other tales that lead consumers into unproductive cycles of battling health and weight issues.

The truth is, plant based foods are packed with the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients every human body needs to function properly, and by choosing plant based options more than not, weight loss will become one of those things you just might not have to worry about.

The term “plant-based” is a door to a world full of information, life, tastiness, and healing. If you are reading this and are thinking that I’m telling you to eat salads for every meal, I have great news for you.

Throughout my journey with food and learning what ingredients make the body and mind feel most nourished, I have relied on three nutritious plants that have become the staple for many of the meals I incorporate into everyday life.

Let’s start with avocados. Avocados have become one of the most popular fruits in the food industry during the past decade, and for good reason. The fact about avocados that I find most important for my diet is their abundance of monounsaturated fats. But fats are bad for you, shouldn’t you avoid fats at all costs? That is another bit of misinformation that consumers have been taught to rely on. Monounsaturated fats, the fat present in avocados, are different from saturated fats, which is mainly present in animal foods and dairy products. Monounsaturated fats actually improves blood cholesterol levels, and helps your body burn calories. Also, foods high in monounsaturated fats help you stay full longer throughout the day and gives your body the fuel it needs to complete a healthy workout.

Next, is the delicious red tomato. Being from the south, tomatoes have been a part of my diet for quite a while, and I have mastered adding them to different meals throughout the day. According to Newsweek’s special edition “Food as Medicine”, tomatoes are an excellent source of a mineral known as lycopene, which helps reduce risk of cardiovascular disease, making the tomato a great option for those needing to stay heart-healthy.

The last ingredient I want to shed light on is a bit of a hidden treasure, and once you try it, you will understand why.

High in fiber, an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, and super easy to sprinkle onto any entre or snack, chia seeds are my favorite go-to food accessory. The best part of these super nutritious seeds is their natural ability to suppress appetite. I have found that when I start my day off with a serving of chia seeds, my cravings reduce throughout the day, and that is always a plus to a superfood.

These three foods are just the start to a plethora of options that naturally nourish the mind and body.

I encourage readers to explore the world of plant-based health, but keep in mind that changing your diet should never be an overnight process. I love incorporating new plant ingredients into my diet, but will always be open to enjoying a hamburger at my favorite restaurant when I’m at dinner with family and friends.