Plant-Based Eating
Let me PLANT this idea into your head: if it comes from the Earth, it’s probably good for you. Exceptions: cocaine, Donald Trump, sugarcane.
When we choose whole, unprocessed, plant-based foods – our bodies will thank us for sparing us from potentially harmful, disease-causing chemicals and the unfortunately common evils of processed foods like added sugars, salts, artificial flavors, fillers, preservatives and fats.
I always advise ALL clients to choose “earth” foods like fruits, vegetables, beans, legumes, nuts, seeds, whole grains [not processed grains like enriched white flours], seed oils, herbs, spices, water, and teas. I don’t advocate vegan living from a scientific perspective, because I don’t think it’s right for everyone, but there’s no arguing that it’s better for the environment, humane, and generally more health.
However, there are some people for whom giving up fish, poultry, meat, dairy, and eggs is not safe or possible. The decision depends highly on a client’s medical condition(s), finances, nutrition status, social situation, budget, and willingness to change. If a client is willing and able to go vegan, I’m happy to navigate the vegan world with them.
Veganism is tricky. It’s REALLY hard to do it right. By that, I mean in a nutritiously sound, safe, and wholesome way which ensures proper vitamin/mineral/micronutrient/macronutrient intake. Only a registered dietitian (or a medical doctor) is qualified to counsel someone specifically about food as it relates to disease, and seeking the counsel of anyone else for a vegan diet is downright dangerous. Things like iron, Vitamin B12, zinc, and calcium are easy for vegans to miss and can result in nefarious health consequences. Contrary to what you may assume, it’s actually pretty easy to get enough protein (0.8 g/kg body weight) from a vegan diet, though it takes clever planning to ensure COMPLETE proteins result from meals (meaning, all essential amino acids [those humans can’t manufacture ourselves]).
Essence Nutrition can tackle ANY nutrition situation. If a client is willing and able to go vegan, I’m happy to navigate the wide, fibrous world of veganism with him/her. The potential result? You may end up WAY healthier (if you practice veganism with the help of Essence, obv) by choosing huge varieties of fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, grains, nut “cheeses”, beans, and legumes. People often lose weight, though that is certainly not the intent of veganism. You may wind up with shinier hair, nails, a more radiant face, more energy, better sleep, and become REALLY creative in the kitchen. Chickens may even smile at you as you walk past, since they know you’re sparing their cousins from the slaughterhouse.
I like to thing of Vegan food as a cuisine – just like Thai, Sushi, Mexican, or Italian. Some nights, I’m in the mood for pizza. Some nights, I’m in the mood for mushroom ceviche from Cold Pressed Raw. Expertly-prepared vegan food tastes amazing, and even non-vegans can supplement their diet with it.
Essentially Yours,
Monica