We are hearing from a lot of our community members and friends that they are interested in going plant-based, or at least plant-based-ish. (At So good So You, we often say vegan-ish or plant-based-ish, meaning we embrace the idea that an all or mostly plant-based diet is the optimum diet for humans and the planet, but we are also human and not perfect, and we recognize everyone is on their own journey and doing their best.)
Knowing that adopting a plant-based diet is the most sustainable action a human can take, it’s something we encourage everyone to consider. The problem is, many of us don’t exactly know where to begin.
The transition can seem daunting and it’s difficult to know where to look for trusted resources and guidance. Good news is, our trusted friend and So Good So You community member Jake Hilden (@jake_hilden on Instagram), gathered a list of places to start in terms of what to watch, read, eat, and who to follow.
We started with his list and added a few of our personal faves. Thanks, Jake! We hope this inspires some of you to start making steps towards eating more plants!
WHAT TO WATCH
Food, Inc.
Filmmaker Robert Kenner uncovers the ugly truth of what is corporate farming today in the United States. Take a look into the environmentally harmful practices being used, and the abuse that is happening in the meat industry impacting both animals and workers. Watch now on Hulu or Amazon Prime Video.
The Game Changers
A 2018 documentary film that dives into the benefits of eating plant-based through the lens of several groups of elite athletes. Hear success stories from plant-based athletes in regards to injuries, recovery, nutrition, and more, all based on scientific studies. Available to stream now on Netflix.
Cowspiracy. The Sustainability Secret
This environmental documentary exposes the detrimental impact that large-scale factory farming is having on deforestation, water consumption, pollution, species extinction, ocean “dead zones”, and much much more. Watch now on Netflix.
What the Health
A follow-up film from the creators of the award-winning Cowspiracy documentary, What the Health shares insights on the government and corporate collusion and corruption when it comes to the nation’s health. Available for streaming on Hulu.
Forks Over Knives
This American advocacy film and documentary features two doctors who share their personal journeys of learning about dietary links between animal-based foods and chronic illness. Explore the relationship between a low-fat, whole-food, vegan diet and the avoidance or even reversal of several chronic diseases. Watch now on Amazon Prime or iTunes.
Earthlings
A 2005 American documentary, Earthlings highlights humankind’s utter reliance on animals for economic purposes. Narrated by Joaquin Phoenix, this hard-hitting documentary uses graphic footage that has the ability to transform one's understanding of the subject. Brace yourself, and we don’t recommend this for kids or the squeamish.
WHAT TO READ
How Not to Die
A SGSY fave, How Not to Die is what we consider a must-read. Dr. Michael Gregor and Gene Stone discuss the profound impact one’s diet and lifestyle have on their overall health, drawing fact-based correlations between top causes of death in America and what we put in our bodies.
The China Study
Named one of the most comprehensive studies of nutrition ever conducted, this book by T. Colin Campbell closely examines the link between animal-product consumption and chronic illness, in addition to so much more. Loosely based on the 20-year study, the China-Cornell-Oxford Project, Campbell’s writings are fact-based and thoroughly vetted.
Die for a New America
The new edition of John Robbin’s 1987 classic, Diet for a New America, this book examines the food we’re buying and consuming and the startling moral, economic, and emotional price we’re paying for it.
Fiber Fueled
Dr. Will Bulsiewicz shares his deep belief that gut health is the key to our health, balancing hormones, boosting metabolism, and taming inflammation. Forget the elimination diets, and give this research-based book a read.
Becoming Vegan
This essential guide on plant-based diets shares insights on the why behind eating plant-based, while also offering information on how to obtain all the protein and calcium you need without meat and dairy. With the help of this book, construct a balanced diet achievable for anyone as young as infants to as old as seniors.
WHAT TO EAT
Vegetables
Leafy greens including kale, broccoli, spinach, and collards are packed with brain-healthy nutrients such as vitamin K, beta carotene, folate and lutein.
Fruits
Think oranges, grapefruit, strawberries and raspberries. Fruits are an excellent source of vitamin C and antioxidants, major immune-boosting nutrients that help our bodies fight off disease. In addition, they are a good source of fiber making them a great snack to keep you fueled throughout your day.
Whole Grains
Pasta and whole grains such as rice and quinoa are pantry must-haves great for pairing with your favorite protein for added fiber, carbohydrates, and B vitamins.
Legumes
Sometimes compared to meat in terms of nutrients, beans and legumes are a kitchen must-have. Rich in dietary fiber, protein, B vitamins, and iron, beans make an affordable and nutrient-dense food option.
Healthy Fats
Eat nuts and seeds like walnuts, pistachios and pumpkin seeds to naturally boost health Omega fasts. Enjoy avocados and heart- and brain-healthy oils such as grapeseed, coconut, sesame, and canola.
Who to Follow
Nutritionist Simon J Hill shares evidence-based findings on eating plants for a healthy body, mind and planet. Bonus: he has his own podcast, the Plant Proof Podcast.
The Instagram account for NutritionFacts.org, a science-based website that shares free videos on the latest in evidence-based nutrition.
The author of Fiber Fueled (mentioned above), Dr. Bulsiewicz shares insights on all things plant-based as well as his own Plant Fed Gut Online Course.
Sammy Frith is the founder of v8.system and an advocate for defending our planet by choosing to consume plant-based foods. Check out his page for custom-built meal plans!
Focusing on reaching your ultimate performance by eliminating dairy, Switch4Good shares a multitude of great resources for starting a dairy-free diet.
At So Good So You, we do all things for the love of body and planet. All of our probiotic shots are plant-based, and made with the best organic ingredients in our sustainably-powered zero-waste manufacturing facility.
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