
Plant Based Diet – Should I Do It?
A plant-based diet is one that focuses on eating whole, unprocessed plant foods such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and seeds. It is a way of eating that has been gaining popularity in recent years due to its many health benefits. But is it right for everyone? In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of a plant-based diet and answer the question: should I do it?
What is a Plant-Based Diet?
A plant-based diet is a way of eating that focuses on consuming whole, unprocessed plant foods such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and seeds. It is a diet that is rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, and other important nutrients. It is also low in saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium.
Benefits of a Plant-Based Diet
There are many benefits to following a plant-based diet. Studies have shown that it can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. It can also help with weight loss and improve overall health. Additionally, it is an environmentally friendly way of eating as it reduces the amount of animal products consumed, which can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Drawbacks of a Plant-Based Diet
Although there are many benefits to following a plant-based diet, there are also some drawbacks. For example, it can be difficult to get enough protein on a plant-based diet, as animal products are the main source of complete proteins. Additionally, it can be difficult to get enough vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin B12, which is only found in animal products.
Should I Do It?
Whether or not a plant-based diet is right for you depends on your individual needs and goals. If you are looking to improve your overall health and reduce your risk of chronic diseases, then a plant-based diet may be a good option. However, if you are looking to build muscle or increase your protein intake, then a plant-based diet may not be the best choice. It is important to speak with a healthcare professional before making any major dietary changes.
FAQs
What is a plant-based diet?
A plant-based diet is a way of eating that focuses on consuming whole, unprocessed plant foods such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and seeds.
What are the benefits of a plant-based diet?
The benefits of a plant-based diet include reducing the risk of chronic diseases, aiding in weight loss, and being environmentally friendly.
What are the drawbacks of a plant-based diet?
The drawbacks of a plant-based diet include difficulty getting enough protein and vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin B12.
Should I do a plant-based diet?
Whether or not a plant-based diet is right for you depends on your individual needs and goals. It is important to speak with a healthcare professional before making any major dietary changes.
Low carb here for past 8-9 years ,low or no processed foods .Works best for me in maintaining weight and health .
Recently I watched the YouTube video "Eating Our Way to Extinction". It really got my attention. I am moving toward a whole food plant based diet. My weight has gone down a bit and my stomach is becoming flatter. It is a change and worth the effort.
As the doc says, we are responsible for our health.
You both are so, Cool, it was Awesome listening to You, both, sincerely, Diana Lipski, I am a 11 years Vegan Lady and I love this Loving, Lifestyle ❤️
First year medical student here and loving the videos! You two offer a clear introduction to so many topics!
Ask your family doctor? LOL! Doctors know almost nothing about nutrition!
Love you guys , I went vegan at 61 after being told my body was not digesting animal protein. I then took a vegan nutrition course to be sure I was doing it right. After watching some documentary’s my husband joined me and have been vegan for 6 years now and wish I had done it sooner.
For me, it was a high calcium score (a sign of plaque in arteries and heart attack risk) that started me doing research. I discovered the heart disease reversal diets that were essentially vegan diets. Cleaned out the pantry, gave away what I could, and started eating differently: whole foods, plant based, lower sugar, with no added oils or other fats. I was also surprised how quickly I started to lose weight and ended up at my college weight 30 or so pounds lighter. My cardiologist also recommended that I increase my dose of atorvastatin and I did so. Both my wife and I have LDLs in the 40s or low 50s, and our cardiologists are now believers in the plant-based diet. Note: it is harder to eat on trips or in restaurants but many restaurants, cruise companies, and tour firms are learning how to accommodate those of us who eat this way.
Thank you for sharing.
Thanks for the great info, can you recommend any books to get me started on a pb regime? Thanks
You have really motivated me, I love vegetables and will definitely try to redirect my diet to once a week, meat . Love fish as well. Thank you for covering so many wonderful topics. Looking forward to getting my TKR done (both knees eventually) so that I can walking again, pain level is so high now, but I am considered Morbidly Obese. {Hate that term).
New subscriber here.
Hi Docs! Hey, I cook with EVOO, I use a little with a non stick spray to fry my homemade bean patties and dandelion salad. Is this ok? Or what oils do you use, I can't tolerate heavey fats, I had the whipple ,no gallbladder, and it's painful to eat high fat foods, cheese especially. Thx!
I appreciate you two I am leaning towards going plant based.. I will start with a large super green salad 3x per week. I walk 4-5x a week. I've had to push back on the sugar ITS SO HARD but I can do it! Will check in in about 3 weeks
You guys are great. You are in Canada correct? Why are you celebrating thanksgiving?
Great video! I'm 58 and have moved to 90% plant based. My blood pressure was creeping up and I had put on a few pounds. Those are both coming down now. I've also been exercising more (walking, cycling) which has helped as well. I do need to get in and have my cholesterol checked though. Thanks guys!
Well done!
Did you say atherosclerosis can be reversed?
but i like fish
2nd comment here- I’ve been plant based for about a year. What I noticed first after changing is that my joints feel wonderful. I think it was cutting out dairy. It was not hard to switch- lots of good recipes to use.
Same experience as Dr Zalzal. Reduced my animal protein intake and dropped my cholesterol by 50 points.
I am cutting back on animal proteins for ethical reasons. I have yet to go zero animal protein.
Is fish like salmon included???
Went vegan and my digestive system regulated and my husband’s severe migraines went away too. I am trying to to go back to plant based mainly because I do consume a mixture of plant based and some processed vegan food.
Great video thank you❤❤ But why not talk about the animal part of this equation? More people should hear what animals go through from trusted docs they trust. But thank you so much! Very helpful.
Great to see doctors talking about diet. I don't know why most don't, I think it is so important. I guess I'm in the flexitarian category because although I want to be completely vegan and I do my best, I find it hard to cut out all meat and animal byproducts. My body seems to crave it. Love the info and the humor. Thanks!
I was sent to the ER bc my blood pressure was so high.. dr said go on a needed healthier lifestyle changes. diet and exercise… went plant base and after just 1 week my blood pressure came down to the 110-120/ 80’s 😊. And I can breathe through my nose, I haven’t been able to for years.. had so inflammation in my body from my chest area Dr said to nose feet etc…
So excited after seeing this video as I decided to go down this road too. I've had high cholesterol for over 10 yrs. I keep trying to take statins but I get the worse leg pains that it's just too much. This past summer I saw Dr. Heffernan (cardio) as well as a Lipid Specialist out of Hamilton General. My C scan is 289 but stress test /ec was great!! Again, I tried taking a low dose, same result. My cholesterol is courtesy of my (deceased) mother. I've always been physically active and even though a nutritionist said my diet was very good, I decided to up my game and go vegan or vegetarian with 2 exceptions. Having trouble finding cream substitute for my coffee : ( and I buy grass fed eggs and chicken breasts which I've only been able to find at Whole Foods. I only have chicken about twice a month. Haven't eaten pork or beef in years, because of how the animals are treated. One still needs to read labels on plant based products or at least get an understanding of what the ingredients are because it's still a processed food. I also watch sugar/fat and anything that could be inflammatory. Overall I do feel better and I'm hoping my blood work will reflect it. Love these videos!!
I went plant based 1 year and a half ago. My health improved but I am still fat.
No antibiotics in Canadian meat!
💋💋💋🥰🥰🥰😘😘😘I just came across this "old video " from you I followed you only this year. I must tell again that YOU are the BEST docs on this planet 🌍 for sure. And smart, good looking ,humorous pyjamas men in hospitals. 🤫🤓. sorry 😅😂❤
Okay I hear what you are NOT eating? Please tell me what people eat in a "plant based diet"….do we have to buy all those yuppie frozen packets at whole foods….I keep wondering what is really in those….really I can't fill up on just veggies especially since older and having issues getting enough protein…(can't eat raw veggie only cooked and I am not a fan of the popular grains ie QUINNOA etc…DO EAT whole grain bread….this is not as easy as you make it sound….sorry on this topic I can't really understand or accept …I am supposed to bring my cholestrol down btw (TIA).as for first time in my life it was a little elevated last year….????
It’s great. Only thing that sucks is the farts are crazy smelly and they hang around for a bit as well.
You two are very special! Thanks!
I am mostly pescatarian except special holidays.
Whole food plant-based diet for me!
I do eat mostly plants and have done so all my life, but I also eat a small amount of meat ( a typical evening meal would have about 3-4 bites of either beef, chicken, or fish cooked slightly…except for pot roast…I make a fabulous pot roast). My LDL is typically low, triglycerides low, but HDL is higher than the recommended. I don’t eat sweets or desserts high in sugar and fat. I do eat lots of fruit. I exercise and my weight is appropriate for my height. Several doctors have tried to convince me to take drugs for high cholesterol, but I switched doctors until I found a doctor that suggested I go have an ultrasound of my carotids as a way of seeing if there is a possible build up of plaque. So far so good…it’s nice to have a doctor that is willing to listen to a patient’s concerns and try to find an acceptable alternative. One other thing…cows eat grass, so aren’t they really plant based when we eat them? You two are a delight…it’s nice to have my morning coffee with you🤗
What would a person eat on a plant based diet to make sure they got enough iron?
I would like to move towards plant based diet,but I don’t know how to get started. Then there is my husband, who really needs it but wouldn’t be agreeable. So then I would be cooking double meals….though I’m not sure why I feel the need to cook for him, I just always have.
I've been on a plant based diet for 7 years now. Lost 15 lbs. in the first three weeks and have stayed there. It hasn't been hard but, you do have to cheat some socially. Stick to whole grains and avoid meat and dairy. Who knew eating bread, pasta and potatoes could make you healthier ?