Why powering with plants became a quintessential part of my routine.
“Transformation” is not a term that is mutually exclusive to technology. Often times, I use the word “transformation” to describe an overarching philosophy of positive change, such as in the ways companies are founded or evolve in their ways of doing business. Transformation can also be used to describe shifts within ourselves and our personal lives. Transformational shifts can occur when you make the choice to improve one part of the process that holistically impacts the full spectrum of your daily experience. For me, plant-based eating is one of these transformational shifts
In 2008, journalist and longevity expert Dan Buettner released the runaway success The Blue Zones book, a documentary-style book that investigated four “zones” across the globe with the highest volume of centenarians. This book was arguably a pivotal point in discussing not only longevity but also the quality of life. One of the identified factors in The Blue Zones was the pervasiveness of plant-based diets — which Buettner referred to as a “plant slant” — extolling the virtues of consuming four to six servings of vegetables daily. Research in and outside of this book continues to prove time and again that diets rich in a plethora of nutrient-dense plants are proven to be effective in lessening the risk of diet-related diseases, such as heart attack, cancer, stroke, chronic lower respiratory diseases, Alzheimer’s disease.
Plant-based eating has become a go-to for my culinary decision-making. This means focusing on planning meals around grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes. As described in The Blue Zones (and backed up by an infinite number of nutritional guides), beans, whole grains, and garden vegetables provide the cornerstone for longevity diets. These categories are chock full of fiber, antioxidants, cholesterol reducers, “clot blockers,” and essential minerals.
By choosing a more conscious approach to fueling, this is a transformation that starts from the inside-out. And the short-term benefits were immediate. In my experience, plant-based diet immediately helped lessen the demands of the day, by granting a clarity of mind and larger, more stabilized reserves of energy that supported me through a hectic travel schedule, rigors of executive responsibilities, and more fuel for running and workouts.
An easy fueling shortcut: are shakes. This is one of my favorite choices for getting essential vitamins and minerals from spinach and kale. This can be super basic or a moment for culinary creativity, ultimately either recipe route leads to greater feelings of energy restoration and vitality.
Consciously changing daily consumption habits can quickly transform how you are able to show up for your day. Plant-based eating also shifts how you show up for yourself and the rest of your life. Want more satisfying rest at night? Eat more plants. Want even greater cognitive prowess? Eat more plants. Want to improve your endurance sports training like running or swimming? Eat more plants. See the pattern here? Plant-based eating has become a quintessential part of my routine, and the transformation has true staying power.
