What to eat to feel Happier and Healthier

How closely are diet and health related? 

• A recent study from  from researches at Benedictine University in Illinois and Arizona State University found that vegetarians generally report better mood than omnivores (Link). 
• According to the US National Cancer Institute, people whose diets are rich in plant foods such as fruits and vegetables have a lower risk of getting many different types of cancer (Link).
• A study by National Geographic found that the longest living Americans are members of the 7th Day Adventist Church in California - a church which promotes vegetarianism (Link). 

For more benefits of a plant-based diet, Click Here.
For a list of long-term healthy vegans, Click Here!

But Where Do I Start?

The above studies indicate that our diets should be filled with fresh fruits and vegetables. But eating a diet consisting of mostly natural foods can feel overwhelming. A "diet overhaul" works for some people, but setting the bar too high can also lead to serious discouragement. To avoid this discouragement, I created the below "point system" to remind myself and others what an energizing meal looks like. Try aiming for at least 8 points for at least 2 of your 3 meals every day. However, don't get too down if one of your meals during a day is lower.

For a definition of processed food, Click Here!

10 Points = Most Energizing Meal!

1 Point	2 Points	3 Points	4 Points	5 Points
Plant Based: Meal includes one serving of non-organic meat.	Plant Based: Meal includes one serving of organic meat.	Plant Based: Meal is Completely Vegetarian and mostly vegan (no meat – but some eggs and dairy are allowed)	Plant Based: Completely Vegetarian (no meat), mostly vegan, and all eggs and dairy are organic and humanely attained.	Plant Based: Completely vegan meal (Click Here for a list of supplements that vegans might need to take).
1 Point	2 Points	3 Points	4 Points	5 Points
Unprocessed: Meal is at least 25% unprocessed. Includes a fair amount of salt, oil or processed sugar.	Unprocessed: Meal is at least 50% Unprocessed - includes a fair amount of salt, oil or processed sugar.	Unprocessed: Meal is at least 75% Unprocessed. May include a small amount of salt, oil or processed sugar.	Unprocessed: Meal is at least 90% unprocessed and at least 25% raw (uncooked) - May include a little salt, oil and processed sugar.	Unprocessed: Meal is 95% unprocessed and at least 75% raw (uncooked) - May include very little salt, oil and processed sugar.