What the Health is a 2017 Netflix documentary that has heavily influenced my health and eating habits. Recently, I watched the film and have been eating a strict vegan, plant-based diet. The transition has been challenging at times, but here’s why I’m sticking to my new eating plan and tips for your diet transition.
Known as “The Health Film that Health Organizations Don’t Want You to See,” What the Health examines health organizations and the meat and dairy industries. Kip Andersen, the filmmaker, interviews health care professionals and pharmaceutical organizations to discover the connection between the connection between the meat and dairy industries.
Heart disease and cancer are the two leading causes of death in America, and diabetes is at an all-time high. Andersen explores why health nonprofits are keeping quiet despite these major health concerns. He believes that serious health problems are a consequence of consuming meat and dairy products and that a conspiracy exists to cover this up. And you will be shocked to learn how major health companies and big business are hurting us all!
During the documentary, Andersen and his fellow filmmakers promote eating a plant-based diet. The documentary encouraged me to eat healthier so I decided to eat a strict plant-based vegan diet. While this new eating habit can be challenging at times, it is not always difficult and has made me feel better about what I’m putting in my body. Here are a few tips that helped me transition into a plant-based diet!
Ease the Transition — It can be very challenging to completely kick meat and other non-vegan foods out of your diet (and it can also cause adverse side effects!). I recommend eating more plant-based meals than you do now. You can add more plant foods into the meals you are already eating but shift the balance of more plant-based foods and fewer animal foods. This will help your body safely transition away from animal-based foods.
Find Alternatives to Your Favorite — If you love eating cheese pizza, then find a vegan alternative! There are many recipes online that offer plant-based recipes for animal-based foods! I also recommend eliminating the animal foods you don’t eat often first. You won’t miss these foods so let them go first.
Meet Other Vegan Friends — Finding a friend that is also a vegan will definitely help your transition and will hold you accountable for your new diet. Plus — most likely they will be excited to share their favorite recipes, restaurants, and meals.
Shop at Vegan-Friendly Stores — The vegan diet is gaining popularity so more and more stores are offering vegan and plant-based food options. Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, and Target are great grocery stores that sell vegan-friendly foods.
Eating a vegan, plant-based diet does have challenges but I promise you it will be worth it!
Lisa Landman is a fitness and health guru. Learn more about her professional work or check out her Twitter!
Originally published at lisalandman.com on August 1, 2018.
