How Eating a Plant-Based Diet Has Changed My Perception of Food

posted on March 19, 2018 | by Chloe Gibson

There’s really no right or wrong diet, but as I’ve gotten older and can handle the late night burger runs and cheesy meals less and less, I was inspired to try doing something a little different—different to me at least. You see, I’m from Nebraska, which is smack dab in the middle of the U.S. and filled with cattle ranchers and farmers. Needless to say, I was raised eating a lot of beef and dairy. Growing up, it never occurred to me that though those meals tasted amazing, they really just made me feel bloated and sluggish afterwards.

Fast-forward a few years, and now I’m embracing a more plant-based lifestyle. I honestly never thought I’d be saying (or writing) those words, but here I am. I’m not vegan, and consider myself more of a flexitarian, but plants are what make up most of my diet these days. Now that I’ve been doing this for about six months, these are the ways this experience has shifted my perspective of food.

Food is fuel

I think I always knew this was food’s true purpose, but I was too busy over-indulging to give it any serious thought. Don’t get me wrong, I still love a good piece of cake and some french fries every now and then, but there are so many nutrient-dense foods out there that make you feel good and still taste good, too. When I’m eating more plant-based foods, I definitely feel a noticeable difference in my energy and gut health overall.

Food doesn’t have to make you feel bloated and gross

It seems like some of my previous favorite foods, especially those heavy in dairy, make me feel the absolute worst. I used to write that off as a side effect for getting to eat the food I enjoy. Now, though, I know which foods make me feel that way and if I do choose to eat them, I’m making the conscious choice to feel terrible afterwards. That said, I now choose to eat those kinds of foods much less because who wants to feel like crap after every meal? Plus, my eyes have been opened to a whole new arena of food that tastes amazing and doesn’t wreak havoc on my gut afterwards.

Food is a weight loss tool, but not everything

What I’ve learned about food in the last six months has just been one piece of a larger wellness journey I’ve been on, but one of the biggest takeaways so far, is that food is just a small piece of weight loss and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Having this knowledge has given me the opportunity to take my power back and not let my food choices have so much control over me. Instead, I’m enjoying food again, which feels amazing.

There’s so much to learn

I’ve always had a love for food, cooking and learning new techniques in the kitchen. My dad owned a restaurant for 20 years, so to say it’s in my blood is an understatement. It’s been a really amazing experience to learn about new foods and discover how to use them in the kitchen.

At the end of the day, I think the key to a balanced diet is variety and trying new things, which is what me eating more plant-based is all about.

Have you ever tried eating plant based? Would you want to see any recipes? Have any favorites of your own?

8 Comments

dana Says

This was such an insightful post! I really have horrible eating habits that I’m trying to change as I get older!

The Champagne Edit

Sophia Reed Says

I am not all the way plant based, but I am trying to be healthier in my eating and have more plant based foods. I have noticed the change in the way that I feel and my overall healthy. It has made me want to be more aware of what I put in my body.

Amanda Schockling Says

Last year, I made a New Year’s resolution to eat pescatarian (no meat, but fish is okay). I decided to do this both for the health benefits, but mostly for the environmental ones. I want the food I consume to not deplete resources on the earth more than necessary. I ended up enjoying the lifestyle choices and tastes and flavors of an all-plant diet (and some fish) so much so that I’ve continued to avoid meat altogether! It’s really not as hard as people think. It’s also less expensive than you would think. Buying fresh food is so much cheaper than any packaged food, both monetary-wise and health-wise. I enjoy where my plant-based diet takes me: to the farmers market, to the co-op, and to my own backyard to plant my own herbs and veggies! Thanks for sharing your experience with this change.

Veronica Says

I’ve been eating completely plant-based since January and feel great! I used to always feel bloated or uncomfortable after eating the food I most loved. I feel much healthier now, and find it exciting to try new fruits and veggies.

Rajani Says

Great post! I’m already a vegetarian but my diet consists of a lot of pizza, burgers, French fries, etc. I’m trying to incorporate healthier, plant based meals into my diet and would love to see your favorite recipes. When I google recipes and see so many, I get overwhelmed and don’t end up doing anything

Emma Says

Autumn has come, and with it – an abundance of vegetables and fruits. Right now they are the most juicy, tasty and healthy. And the benefit lies in the presence of vitamins, bioflavonoids, and fiber in them. I advise you to always check your food delivery here https://neabigread.org/

Ada Says

These foods usually have fewer calories or unhealthy calories, so these foods can help you avoid gaining weight. When I was exercising, farm food, workouts and supplements https://www.amazon.in/Prorganiq-L-Carnitine-Fat-Burning-Supplement-Bodybuilders/dp/B0BBXSS36X were in my diet

Emma Says

In simple terms, plant what you eat and what your family loves. There is no need to dig in the ground all day long, because then such a hobby will not bring you any pleasure. You will be tired and depressed. Here https://gardeniaorganic.com/is-vegetable-gardening-good-for-beginners/ you can find a lot of valuable information that will greatly simplify the task. That is why it is worth soberly assessing your capabilities and allocating a small area of land for flowers or other plants.

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