Many of the leading causes of death can be cured or prevented by switching from a traditional American animal-based/processed food diet to a whole foods plant-based diet. Diseases such as heart disease, some cancers, diabetes, Parkinson's and high blood pressure are the result of a high fat, high calorie, high sodium diet in addition to a sedentary lifestyle.
A whole foods plant-based diet can improve your health by lowering your cholesterol. Cholesterol is only found in foods of animal origin; those same foods also contain saturated fat and are higher in calories. Saturated fat and cholesterol can increase your unhealthy or "bad" cholesterol called LDL. Saturated fat can lead to plaque formation in your arteries and coronary artery disease. Fruits, vegetables and whole grains contain no cholesterol, are low in saturated fat and lower in calories. Fruits, vegetables and whole grains also contain fiber, vitamins and minerals, and phytochemicals which protect your arteries. Foods that are high in fiber also help make you feel full with fewer calories, which means that you can eat more food while consuming fewer calories aiding in weight loss.
Foods that are included in a whole foods plant-based diet are whole grains such as steel cut oats, whole grain pasta, quinoa, fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds, nut and seed butters, lentils, beans, tofu and all kinds of spices and seasonings (try to avoid salt).
Low Carb, Low Sodium Stir Fry
Serving 6
- 1 Cup, Green Peas
- 2 tbsp(s), Almond Butter
- 2 tbsp(s), Low Sodium Soy Sauce
- 1 tsp, Miso Paste
- 1 tsp, Rice Wine Vinegar
- 0.50 Pepper (0.5 oz), Jalapeno Peppers, Raw
- 3 tsp, Ginger root – Raw
- 1 Cup Cooked, Black Beans, No Sodium
- 4 Cups Raw, Non-starchy Veg
- 2 Cups Cooked, Brown Rice
Nutrition Facts
Serving 6.0
Amount Per Serving
Calories 155
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 4 g 6%
Saturated Fat 0 g 1%
Monounsaturated Fat 0 g
Polyunsaturated Fat 0 g
Trans Fat 0 g
Cholesterol 0 mg 0%
Sodium 195 mg 8%
Potassium 233 mg 7%
Total Carbohydrate 25 g 8%
Dietary Fiber 7 g 26%
Sugars 1 g
Protein 7 g 15%
Vitamin A 4%
Vitamin C 5%
Calcium 5%
Iron 4%
*The Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calories diet, so your values may change depending on your calorie needs. The values here may not be 100% accurate because the recipes have not been professionally evaluated nor have they been evaluated by the U.S. FDA.
Stir while cooking until softened. Add non starchy vegetables and cook 5-8 minutes. Add starchy vegetable, beans, rice and sauce. Cook until heated through.
If you'd like to learn how to can incorporate a plant-based diet into your life, or if you simply want to improve your eating habits, contact Chester County Hospital's nutrition services for more information by calling 610-738-2835.
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