Are you ready for 2012 to be the year that you take charge of your health and increase your vitality? If so, learn how by incorporating a plant based diet into your lifestyle and participate in the 30 Day Plant Based Eating Challenge at Y.O.G.A. for the Soul beginning Saturday, January 7, led by Chef Angel Denton Holistic Wellness Consultant and Coach of f Vio-Vitality Inside and Out.

So why a plant based diet?

Ben Franklin said, “ An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

According to the Agricultural Research Service of the United States Department of Agriculture,

“Vegetables, fruits and other plant foods are rich sources of antioxidant nutrients (like vitamins C and E, beta-carotene and other carotenoids) that may protect our cells from damage by cancer-causing agents, halting the earliest processes that lead to cancer. In addition, they contain thousands of phytochemicals (natural substances in plants) that appear to protect against cancer in a variety of ways. But cancer protection is just one of many potential health benefits of a plant-based diet. Eating an abundance of vegetables, fruits and other plant foods may protect against heart disease, stroke, diabetes, hypertension and birth defects. Soluble fiber from grains and legumes may help lower blood cholesterol. Antioxidants in plant foods may help prevent cataracts, and carotenoids specifically appear to prevent deterioration of the retina of the eye. A plant-based diet can also contribute significantly to reducing obesity, a risk factor for cancer and other diseases.” www.ars.usda.gov/News/docs.htm?docid=9246

Eating a plant based diet is one of the most beneficial things we can do for our health- it strengthens our immune system, improves digestion and is imperative in helping rid the body of toxins. Eating a diet a diet rich in plant based foods in their natural state, are the most nutrient dense sources and are the most healthy for us. Whole, plant based foods contain nutrients that synergistically work together to produce a much more powerful effect on our health. In addition to the many internal health benefits of a plant based diet, reduced weight, increased energy and healthier skin, hair and nails are also common results.

What to Expect from the Challenge:

Each week you will receive a variety of plant based recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, desserts and snacks, a suggested meal plan and grocery list for the week. I’ve put together recipes that are healthy, satiating, practical and of course deliciously tasty. I will also regularly email you how to tips, sources of plant based proteins and dairy alternatives, and additional resources that may be of help and encouragement to you during the Challenge. During this Challenge we will only focus on eating foods that are plant based and primarily in a whole foods, form. These foods are vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and fruit. We will eliminate all meat and all animal byproducts, such as but not limited to, dairy and eggs. We will primarily be preparing foods from their most natural, whole form and will be cutting out and eliminating all (overly) processed food, refined sugars and all zero nutrient foods. There will be some pre-made/pre-packed, items such as healthy, acceptable condiments nut butters, and noodles and I will specify those on your grocery list.

To join this challenge or sign up for the next one contact sandi@yogaforthesoul.org