It seems like more and more people are interested in following vegetarian or vegan diets. Some are trying to reduce the use of animal products. I am not a vegetarian or vegan BUT I’ve noticed that I’m also trying to reduce my meat consume tremendously. A shift away from animal products is getting easier with more fortified and nutritious plant-based foods available. A person may try a vegetarian / vegan diet for health, animal welfare, or religious reasons. I personally want to reduce my meat intake tremendously. Even though, getting enough protein, vitamins (B12) and minerals (calcium, iron) can be harder for people who do not eat meat or animal products at all. I’ve decided to share some products which I have recently incorporated into my diet. Keep on reading for a list of plant-based foods for protein and healthier alternatives.

BuddhaBowls are still my favorite go to meal these days. They are easy to make, delicious and a great way to empty out your fridge with leftovers. There is no right or wrong in my opinion when it comes to buddha bowls – I like it simple and colorful. Mixing different vegetables, grains and proteins together with nuts and even seeds is a nourishing and satisfying meal. Buddha bowls are also perfect as a healthy office lunch the next day. I just made a vegetarian buddha bowl and thought you’d might be interested in such a simple recipe too.

Did you know that our bodies contain more calcium than any other mineral, in fact 1.5 to 2% of our total body weight? Bones and teeth contain more than 99% of the body’s calcium, the other 1% is in blood and soft tissues, where it plays many crucial roles. Unfortunately it is the most abandoned mineral in the human body.

When talking about nutrition, more specifically about nutrients that our body needs, many think of carbohydrates, proteins and fats. I guess almost no one would think of potassium. To be honest before I decided to get a certificate in Fitness Nutrition I had basically no idea what potassium is or why we need it. Sure I had heard about it before and I guess I remembered something from high school but that was it. Potassium is a pretty under appreciated and important mineral for our body with a number of benefits. Keep on reading if you want to understand more about potassium.