Let’s talk about plant-based diets and why many people struggle to make them a lasting habit.

One of the diet and lifestyle habits we advocate at Shift It is a plant-based diet. Though there is much debate about the viability of this diet, there is plenty of research that proves its health benefits, and it’s definitely possible to obtain all the nutrients you need via this kind of diet.

Before we continue, notice that plant-based is more specific than vegan. Vegan implies any kind of food, so long as it doesn’t include animal products, while plant-based excludes chemicals, additives, processed food, and so on, as much as possible.

The benefit is not only do you get all the nutrients you need for a healthy diet, you avoid all the harmful extras that abound in modern food. Your body runs on a fuel that is raw, clean, and green.

That said, the challenges of making a vegan or plant-based diet stick are pretty similar, so you can think of them synonymously for most of these points.

We observe that the biggest obstacle to making it stick is that many people are in an environment that isn’t conducive to plant-based eating.

Let’s face it, most of the food available in shops is packed either with animal products or additives and chemicals. We might live in a country where plant-based options are scarce. Even if we do have plenty of options, the people around us will tend to follow quite a different dietary regime. 

Dairy, meat and junk-consuming friends and family are a big factor. When we go to their house, they find it difficult to accomodate us, and we’re resigned to picking chunks of meats out of our meal. When we eat out, we end up going to restaurants with one paltry plant-based dish on the menu. And if your partner and children aren’t on board, it can be very awkward to follow a plant-based diet. How can you possibly uphold a plant-based diet under these circumstances?

We don’t advocate you change friendships or family, but we do recommend you take the reins. Don’t let them set the rules when it comes to food. If you go to their house, cook a pot of healthy plant-based food and take it with you. If you eat out, be the one to choose the cafe or restaurant. If you let them set the rules, they’ll probably cater mainly for non-plant based diets and give you a substandard alternative.

Take charge by molding your environment to you, rather than being molded by your environment. Seek out plant-based restaurants or regular ones that offer good options. Invite your friends over. Do activities that take you out of your comfortable everyday environment: go to the beach, get out in nature, visit gardens – anything that brings you vitality and encourages better health.

And sometimes, you just need to say no. Even if it’s a family tradition to eat meat at Christmas time or to eat a dairy-filled dessert on someone’s birthday, be firm. Say no! Learn to handle any tension that it creates.