There is still more to learn about the impact of plant-based foods in our bodies, but one thing we know for sure is that food is medicine.

Choosing the right types of foods for a better body and superior health does not have to be tough. Whole foods are generally better, and the less processed, the more perfect.

Eating whole fruits and vegetables rich in nutrients gives the body exactly what it needs to grow, repair, and balance itself while helping anyone who follows this lifestyle lead a sustainable life that benefits nearby and faraway communities.

What is a plant-based lifestyle?

A plant-based lifestyle is primarily concerned with consuming many fruits, vegetables, grains, and nuts. Unlike a vegan diet, where the main focus is to avoid ALL animal and animal derived products, the plant-based lifestyle focuses more on adding more veggies and fruits to your plate without the moral issue of consuming animal products.

The basic principles of a plant-based diet are as follows:

• Rich in whole, organic foods
• Limited in animal products (which may be avoided entirely)
• Bulked by fruits, vegetables, nuts, grains, legumes, seeds, nuts
• Excluding refined sugars and processed oils
• Attentive to food quality and methods of production and distribution (prioritizing local farms and other nearby systems that fuel local harvests)

Unlike a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle, being plant-based offers more flexibility, which can be highly comforting for people who have different views on the consumption of animal products, who do not feel creative in the kitchen or do not have the discipline to plan out every single meal in advance.

In addition to flexibility, a plant-based lifestyle can increase energy levels and vitality, enabling people to get more out of their days, whether by having more energy to exercise, work, speak and interact all day long.

PLANT-BASED FOODS WE OFFER AT JUICYGREENS

Fruits: All of our cold pressed juices, smoothies and cold blended bowls have a portion of frozen or fresh fruit

Vegetables: All of our warm bowls contain a green base from Kale, spinach, lettuce, or microgreens. For toppings we have fresh tomatoes, pickle onions, carrots, cabbage, avocados, cucumbers, mushrooms, corn, brussel sprouts, and beets

Starchy vegetables: Our seasonal warm bowls and arepas have sweet plantains and sweet potatoes

Whole grains: Our kitchen pantry is well stocked with of organic brown rice, gluten free rolled oats, multi-color quinoa,

Healthy fats: We have a pretty good obsession with healthy fats. Our delicious avocado spread goes into our savory arepas and toasts.

Legumes: Our black beans stew has the perfect consistency and spices that make you want more. You also make our hummus in small batches with chickpeas. During fall and winter, you can get cozy with a bowl of Colombian style lentil soup.

Seeds, nuts, and nut butters: Almonds, cashews, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, chia seeds, hemp seeds, natural peanut butter, tahini and almond butter are all use not only for toppings but to make delicious salad/warm bowl dressings

Unsweetened plant-based milks: almond milk, coconut milk, oat milk are use for our smoothies, cold-blended bowls and espresso drinks.

Spices, herbs, and seasonings: basil, oregano, turmeric, curry, black pepper, sea salt, cumin, onions powder, achote are some of the spices used to add flavor to our world inspired dishes.

Condiments: nutritional yeast, amino, vinegar, lemon juice, orange juice help bring more flavor to our food.

Food to minimize

These foods can help increase protein and caloric intake. If and when used, they should preferably be organic and locally sourced.

Eggs: Pasture-raised when possible.

Poultry: Free-range, organic when possible.

Beef and pork: Pastured or grass-fed when possible.

Seafood: Wild-caught from sustainable fisheries when possible.

Dairy: Organic dairy products from pasture-raised animals whenever possible.

Foods to avoid

These foods have little nutritional value and are high in sodium, saturated fats, and sugars.

Fast foods: chicken nuggets, french fries, hamburgers, etc.

Added sugar: table sugar, sodas, cookies, candy, sweet teas, etc.

Refined grains: white rice, white pasta, white bread, etc.

Convenience foods: chips, crackers

Processed vegan-friendly foods: tofurkey, vegan butters, vegan cheeses

Processed animal products: bacon, sausage

The following should be minimized in all plant-based diets.

• Pork
• Beef
• Poultry
• Turkey
• Seafood
• Game meats

Items we love at Juicy Greens:

• Arepas
• Cold-pressed Juices
• Seasonal menu changes with the season

In conclusion, highly processed foods should be avoided, and animal products should be minimized. Plant-based is better.