 Why Should We Include More Plant-Based Foods in Our Diets
As we become more aware of the impact our diets have on the environment, our health, and the welfare of animals, more and more people are turning to starting to include more plants in their diets- YES!! And by plants, I DON’T just mean vegetables. A plant based diet includes foods like
At the heart of this shift is the realization that we can improve our health while also better protecting the planet by simply including more plant-based foods in our meals. So why should YOU start including more plant based foods in your diet? Better for our health Research shows that diets based on plant-based foods are better for our health than those based on animal products. Plant-based diets tend to be lower in saturated fats, cholesterol, and calories, and higher in fiber, antioxidants, and essential nutrients like vitamins C and E, carotenoids, and potassium. This can reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Additionally, plant based foods are easily digested which leads to better gut health. Worried about protein? There are plenty of plant-based foods packed with protein like chick-peas, almonds and lentils. Plant-based protein powders are also easily accessible in the market. In summary, plant-based foods promote better overall health. And when we FEEL better, we LIVE better. Better for the environment Industrial animal agriculture is one of the biggest contributors to climate change, deforestation, and water pollution. By including more plant-based foods in our diets, we can reduce the environmental impact of our food choices. Plant-based foods require less land, water, and other resources to produce, and generates fewer greenhouse gas emissions and waste products than animal products. Better for animals Unfortunately in the US, the vast majority of animal agriculture involves factory farming in really deplorable conditions. Not only is this bad for the animals, it's bad for the land as well! By choosing plant-based foods, especially those from local and organic farms, we can spare animals from the suffering of factory farming, transport, and inhumane slaughter practices. This isn't to say we eliminate ALL animal based products from our diet (I love my salmon!). But the companies you choose to support can make a difference. Check out resources like Regenerative Mama that list resources for meat, dairy, and home goods that have been regeneratively/beyond organic farmed. Whether it's for our health, the environment, or animals, plant-based diets offer a host of benefits that are hard to ignore. So next time you sit down to eat, think about how you can incorporate more plant-based foods into your meal and enjoy the benefits of a more mindful and sustainable diet!
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 Photos above from the Master I and II BASI Legacy Program in at BASI last month. I’m so thankful to to Rael, BASI founder, for sharing the gift of his life’s work with us and for all the faculty that generously guided us through an incredible 6 days! I’m bringing everything I learned back to our clients and I’m SUPER excited.
I often get asked, why BASI Pilates? Pilates was created by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century and has since gained worldwide popularity for its holistic approach to fitness and wellness. BASI Pilates is one of the many methods that have emerged from the original Pilates system, and The Pilates Center Fort Worth is proud to be a host studio for their Comprehensive Teacher Training Program. In this blog post, I’ll talk a little about the history and approach of BASI Pilates and explain how it is different from other Pilates approaches. Origin of BASI Pilates BASI Pilates was founded by Rael Isacowitz in 1989. Isacowitz was a professional dancer and gymnast who was introduced to the Pilates system while rehabilitating a dance injury. He immediately became immersed in the Pilates method and soon began to develop his own approach by incorporating his background in gymnastics and dance. Rael’s approach was based on a deep understanding of anatomy, kinesiology, and biomechanics. He believed that every person is unique and has different needs, and that the Pilates method should be adapted to meet those needs. This led him to develop a comprehensive teacher training program that emphasized the principles of the Pilates method, while also providing instructors with the skills and knowledge to modify exercises for different body types and fitness levels. BASI Pilates has since become one of the most respected Pilates methods in the world, with a presence in over 35 countries. Its reputation is built on its commitment to excellence in education, its focus on body mechanics and functional movements, and its dedication to helping people achieve their fitness goals through safe, effective, and mindful movement. The Approach of BASI Pilates BASI Pilates is a comprehensive approach to Pilates that focuses on the principles of concentration, control, centering, precision, breath, and flow. It emphasizes the development of core strength, flexibility, and balance, while also improving posture, alignment, and body awareness. One of the key differences between BASI Pilates and other methods is its commitment to individualized instruction. BASI Pilates teachers are trained to assess each client’s needs and abilities, and to adapt the exercises accordingly. They are also skilled in modifying the exercises to accommodate injuries or health conditions, making Pilates accessible to a wide range of people. With BASI Pilates, there is a strong emphasis on functional movements. This means that the exercises performed in Pilates are specifically chosen to help clients improve their movements in daily life, such as bending, lifting, and carrying. By focusing on movements that are practical and applicable to everyday activities, BASI Pilates can help clients prevent injury and improve their overall quality of life. The goal is to create stronger, more efficient movement patterns that will transfer to everyday living and help clients to maintain their independence as they age. BASI Pilates instructors are trained to analyze movement patterns and design customized exercises that address the individual needs of each client, making it a highly effective and personalized approach to fitness. So what are you waiting for? Book a private or group class with us today- and experience the absolute joy of BASI Pilates for yourself! |
Heather GradkeI'm a BASI Certified Pilates Instructor by day, somewhat competent housewife by night. I used to have hobbies but then CHILDRENS. I am married to the love of my life and somewhat charismatic Rustin Gradke. I have 4 kids that are wonderful sometimes but mostly they just eat a lot. I'm a lover of God and movement and the occasional bowl of queso. Archives
August 2024
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