When it comes to eating healthy and staying active, plant-based diets are becoming increasingly popular. But should plant-based lunch options be introduced at school? At least one California teen says yes, they should. Let’s explore what this type of diet can do for the body and why schools may want to offer this option to students.
The Basics of Plant-Based Eating
Plant-based eating means you eat mostly foods that come from plants. This includes fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, seeds, and legumes like beans and lentils. You can still include lean proteins like eggs or fish if you choose but the majority of what you eat will be plant-based. The key is to make sure you are getting enough nutrients from these sources so that your body is able to function properly.
Benefits of Plant-Based Eating
First and foremost, plant-based diets are linked with lower risks of heart disease and stroke as well as improved cholesterol levels. Studies have also found that people who adhere to a plant-based diet tend to have less inflammation in their bodies which can help reduce aches and pains associated with arthritis or other chronic illnesses. Additionally, many people find that they lose weight when they switch to a plant based diet because it eliminates processed foods which generally contain more calories than whole food options. Finally, switching to a plant based diet is also better for the environment since it reduces emissions from animal agriculture which contributes significantly to global warming.
Read the full article about this high school girl’s mission on our sister site, Irvine Weekly, here.