Since the release of the pro-vegan documentary What The Health, I’ve noticed a serious uptick in the number of clients that I have coming in with the intention of trying out plant-based diets.

As much as I don’t completely agree with the scare tactics the documentary used, I do believe strongly in the evidence that shows that most of us would benefit from putting more faith in plant-based foods.

I also FULLY appreciate that going 100% plant-based is not necessarily an intriguing or appealing option for most people, and that is completely fine.

I believe the most important message that needs to be spread is NOT that everyone should be vegan, but rather that each and every one of us would be doing our health a great service by taking small steps towards eating more plants and less animals.

I also believe firmly that one of the easiest, most practical and effective ways to achieve this is to strive to eat a strictly plant-based breakfast each and everyday (or at least, 6/7 days of the week!).

I know what you’re thinking, no eggs, bacon and yogurt for breakfast?!

But is it REALLY that unrealistic to strive for a completely plant-based breakfast? I think not.

You have so many awesome choices to choose from.

Here are some great examples

Whole grain bread spread with your favourite nut butter or avocado

A bowl of your favourite fruit with nuts or seeds (my personal favourite)

A bowl of whole grain cereal or steel cut oats made with soy milk ( or a nut-based milk)

And if you’re really missing eggs……. try TOFU SCRAMBLE!

What About Protein?!

Yes, some of the of breakfast options above may have slightly less protein than conventional animal-based alternatives ( although they have way more fibre, and guess what most of us need MORE fibre, but NOT more protein).

Yes, protein is important, but one of the biggest misconceptions out there is that you NEED to have protein at every single meal.

Let’s be honest here, there is an incredibly good chance your going to have a good portion of protein at lunch and dinner, and maybe even at your snack.

Almost all of us get enough protein, but many of us don’t get enough of the nutrients found in foods in the plant-based foods I suggested such as magnesium, potassium and fibre.

Final Thoughts

I am not saying you can never have milk or eggs, I am just encouraging you to make a commitment to choosing plant-based foods at breakfast most of the time.

I believe it’s a valuable exercise and that it really means something to be able to say you can go at least one meal per day without relying on foods of animal-origin.

Not to mention the fact that I anticipate, for most people, it will have a net-positive impact on the nutritional adequacy of your diet.

Leaning towards trying it? I challenge you to give it a shot for 30 days straight and see where that takes you.

Don’t worry, you can thank me later for the great idea.

Until next time,

Andy De Santis RD MPH