Plant-Based Diets
While searching for a topic to discuss this week here at Flex Fitness a Flex family member gave us the idea to write about plant-based diets. The member made a statement that we want to dig into deeper, he said,
“think about where animals get their protein source from, why not just take out the middleman and go straight to the protein source, plants.”
Now, we needed to do our research… Does the member make a good point? Is a plant-based diet the way to go when it comes to our nutrition? What even is a plant-based diet? Let’s discuss!
What Is A Plant-Based Diet?
To learn more about plant-based diets we had to do our homework. While researching peer reviewed articles as well as, browsing the internet for some documentaries to watch. We came across the documentary, “The Game Changers,” a Netflix documentary that dives into all aspects of a plant-based diet.
“The Game Changers,” is an Oscar winning film. The film discusses the effects of a plant-based diet vs a regular carnivore diet when it comes to athlete’s health and performance. The film does a great job to share the successes of a plant-based diet with professional athletes as well as, sharing scientific studies to further argue their points.
Now, you might be asking yourself, “that’s great and all but what the hell is a plant-based diet?!” A plant-based diet is a diet that consists of only whole foods. Foods that are derived from plants, including vegetables, grains, nuts, seed, legumes and fruits, with few or no animal products.
The film goes into greater detail about plant-based diets, with a keynote speaker being Arnold Schwarzenegger. Schwarzenegger is a well renowned body builder, actor, governor and a recently turned vegan. Schwarzenegger wanted to bust the myths on all things plant based. The film in general and Schwarzenegger’s points wanted to inform viewers of the bigger picture. That picture being that animals are just the “middlemen” and that plants are the main source of energy.
Pros and Cons
Firstly, let’s discuss the pros the film discussed. The film claimed that a plant-based diet can,
- Optimize fuel
- Increase blood flow
- Improve muscle efficiency
- Reduce inflammation
- Muscle and strength gains
- Cardiovascular benefits and more.
In addition, we also found that switching to a more plant-based diet can improve your health heart, reduce risk of diabetes, reduce risk of cancer and lower your body mass index. However, like all things, many articles found online discussed the cons of the film, “The Game Changers” and we also found cons in general when it comes to a plant-based diet. Those cons being,
- Difficulty to ensure enough protein
- Possible nutrient deficiencies such as, calcium, iron and B12
- Meal planning/preparation and more.
Everything in Moderation?
Lastly, a couple things we suggest, go ahead and give the documentary a watch! If anything, valid points were taken from the film and we learnt some valuable facts. However, everything in moderation is key. You don’t necessarily need to turn into a full-blown vegan or live a plant-based lifestyle to be healthy. However, eating more plant-based could help your overall health and you may in the end enjoy it and find benefits in it for yourself.
We here at Flex Fitness hope that this blog informed you more on plant-based diets! Do you think a plant-based diet is something you could consider? What are your thoughts? Let us know! If you would like to join our facility simply fill out the form below!
Happy Holidays!
-Flex Fitness
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