Even a very healthy plantbased diet – can be unhealthy if undertaken the wrong way. Here are a few common mistakes I see my clients make when switching to a plant-based diet – and how to make sure you don’t fall victim to them too:

Your plate is unbalanced.

Make sure you focus on consuming these four main food groups: vegetables, fruits, legumes and grains. The goal is to fill your plate with nutritious meals, not fill yourself with empty calories or processed foods.

You don’t eat enough calories.

When adopting a true plant-based diet, you will naturally be eating fewer calories, so it is important to be sure to eat enough food. But remember: It’s not just about the number of calories that matters – the quality of the calories you put in your body matters too.

Eliminating animal products requires an increased focus on the most nutrient-dense high fiber foods.

You obsess over protein.

Popular literature seems to raise unnecessary concern regarding getting enough protein. But it’s fairly easy to get all the macronutrients you need on a properly structured plant-based diet.

In fact, a serving of vegetables like tomatoes, peppers and onions is 25 percent protein. Quinoa contains 18 percent and beans as much as 27 percent protein. Dark leafy greens average 35 to 50 percent protein. Try tossing some chickpeas, sunflower seeds or edamame on your salad.

You don’t take advantage of the seasons.

When your plate changes shades with the seasons, it ensures a wide range of vitamins and minerals in your diet. Eating grapefruit in February will provide you with vitamin C and potassium, while roasting Brussels sprouts in the fall will provide vitamin A and folate.

Having a Healthy Relationship with food.

It can be very empowering to simply decide that you are moving toward a more whole food, plant-based way of eating and focus on all the delicious foods you can eat, rather than the foods you are omitting.

When there are no “forbidden” foods, it eliminates anxiety that can often lead to unhealthy choices.

Approaching any dietary changes with the mindset of abundance rather than deprivation is your best bet for maintaining a healthy diet and getting the nutrients you need to feel your best.

If you need plant-based nutritional guidance and are committed to improving your health, please book a complimentary call. Let’s chat. I am here to help make you successful. Click the button below to book a time on my calendar.

With love,
Sheri