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Could you run the length of the Appalachian Trail in 46 days? Scott Jurek did and said a plant based diet has contributed to his success.
Plant-based nutrition is better known now in our society. Already, I can see some misinformation creeping up on social media and news. I’ve done some research and want to demystify some of the false beliefs that are out there.
Here’s the top 3 myths I’ve found.
#1 Plant-Based Nutrition is Unnatural
Plant-based nutrition is in fact the original Paleo diet. We once believed that early humans consumed a large proportion of animal protein in their diet. It is from that belief that, in the 2000s, the Paleo diet (mainly composed of animal protein) became really popular in the world of nutrition and diet. Although, we now know that the nutrition of bipedal primates and Homo Sapiens was primarily composed of nuts, fruits, leaves, roots, seeds and water. In that case, the original Paleo Diet was in reality mostly plant-based eating.
#2 Plant-Based Nutrition is a Fancy Term for a Vegan Diet
In the world of nutrition, plant-based eating is having a large portion of one’s nutrition coming from vegetables, fruits, herbs, nuts, whole grains and also include legumes or other plants. A spectrum of plant-based nutrition options are available to you. Some are very strict (vegan diet), others are still adding animal products like dairy (vegetarian) and at the other end of the spectrum are those that still eat meat, poultry and fish on an occasional basis Pescatarian or Flexitarian, (This is where I land but prefer mostly plant-based). Plant-based eating can be for everyone, the main idea is to add more vegetables, fruits, nuts, whole grains, and legumes. Wicked simple!
#3 Plant-based Nutrition is not for Athletes
It was once believed that you needed to add animal protein in your meals to increase muscle mass. In fact, the strongest mammal is the gorilla (most are herbivores). A full size male gorilla has the ability to lift around 4409 lbs. That is 10 times its body weight. It would be like a 200lb. individual lifting 2000 lbs.
If other mammals can live a healthy and strong life on a plant-based nutrition, we probably can too. Some studies and athletes have demonstrated that it is possible to increase muscles and be fit with plant-based nutrition.
For example, one of the best runners of all time and American ultramarathoner, Scott Jurek is known to be a plant-based eater!
“One thing that’s misconstrued about a plant-based diet is that it’s all just fruit and nuts. People assume that you can’t get full off a plant-based diet, but it really comes down to the amount of food you eat, and getting enough healthy fats. I’m one of these people that likes to eat. That’s the beauty of a plant-based diet; unless you’re eating junk food, you get to eat a lot,” he said.
Whether you want to save the planet, become healthier or simply feel better, or just go on a leisurely 46-Day run, plant-based nutrition is a great option to be a better person.
My suggestion is to start simple. I wouldn’t suggest going to the restaurant at lunch and getting a Wedge Salad. First it a rip-off and second you’ll still be hungry and binge on something in your desk when you get back to the office.
Instead, bring some overnight oats to work and have them just before you head out for lunch?
Why, 1st Overnight Oats are easy to make, 2nd they’re healthy and portable and 3rd you’ll eat less at lunch and perhaps not even be hungry.
You could also have your wife help you prepare some salads in a jar. And if you still want your chicken or steak you can. That’s OK. Because you’re adding plant based to your diet increasing the health benefits of plant based. Using plant based to eat and get full.
I’ll bet if you had overnight oats in the office at 11 am, you would not even be hungry during lunch. Then if you had a salad in-a-jar at 3pm, you would not be inclined to eat as much during dinner.
My weightloss journey has been more about breaking habits and being in control of food.
I still follow my coffee only fasting routine several days a week intentionally. It puts me in control of my food intake so when I choose to fast for day or a large portion of a day I know I have the willpower to do so.
Who knows your new-found willpower may encourage you to walk or run the Appalachian Trail like Scott Jurek.
