Food today can be complicated! With so many ingredients and added artificial flavourings, the food you love can become far removed from their natural state. That’s why whole foods are so great! They are honest, healthy, simple and really good for you! This blog will explain what whole foods are, and why you should add them to your vegan diet.
Whole foods simply means foods that are unprocessed. This means they haven’t been processed, altered or treated in any way – much like our nākd. bars. Instead, whole foods are completely natural, often ready to eat straight from the ground. Think foods like fruit, seeds or vegetables that are ready to pick and eat just as nature intended, without any artificial additives or flavourings.
Whole foods haven’t been tampered with which means they have their natural goodness preserved. This makes them rich in vitamins, minerals, fibre and other essential nutrients that the body needs to be healthy. They also tend to be low in sugar because they haven’t had any sugars added to them which can be good for those looking to regulate their blood sugar levels.
Whole foods aren’t only good for you, but good for the planet. Eating natural foods that have been sustainably grown and harvested has a much smaller environmental impact than processed foods which are often made in factories and transported. Therefore, trying a whole foods diet will not only make you feel good but let’s you do some good too!
A whole foods diet consists of fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds and legumes. Therefore, it’s a great diet for vegans. However, unprocessed meats such as beef or chicken are also considered whole foods because they haven’t been processed in any way except for cooking.
The main idea behind this type of diet is that you should eat more whole foods than processed ones because they’re better for your body in so many ways. As a result, the whole foods diet is great for those looking to eat healthier because you are limiting the amount of unhealthy, overly processed foods you’re eating.
1.Grains – Naturally high in fibre which can boost digestion and leave you feeling fuller for longer. Some whole food grains include, whole grain rice, barley, buckwheat, quinoa and more, which are high in minerals like iron and magnesium that the body needs to thrive.
2. Beans and legumes – There are a wide variety of whole food beans and legumes which can form the basis of your vegan diet. These include chickpeas, lentils, pinto beans, kidney beans and soybeans, which can all be cooked as part of a hearty meal. They are great sources of protein, fibre and low in saturated fat.
3. Nuts and seeds – You can enjoy a wide variety of these superfoods as part of a whole foods diet. These include almonds, poppy seeds, macadamia nuts, pistachios and chia seeds to name but a few, which are a great source of healthy fats for the perfect vegan snack.
4. Fruits and vegetables – You can eat every type of fruit and vegetable on a whole foods diet so you don’t have to give up any of your favourite healthy treats! However, be careful how you prepare them as this can impact their nutritional value. For example, a whole potato has more vitamins than chips, and the skin is particularly nutritious, making a jacket potato a great lunch to have on a whole foods diet.
5. Plant based milk – Good news for vegans as plant based milks are considered part of a whole foods diet. This is because they are made using natural ingredients like almonds or oats. However, you need to ensure you are using the unsweetened varieties to avoid any added sugar.
There we have it! Everything you need to know about whole foods. These incredible foods are so simple, yet so good for you, and can be easily incorporated into any plant based diet! So what are you waiting for? Pick up some of these whole food ingredients today and enjoy all the deliciousness that nature has to offer. Of course, if raw foods are your thing, then don’t forget to buy one of our nākd. raw bars for the ultimate vegan snack!
For more useful blogs on nutrition read our guides to Dairy Free Snacks, Vegan Picnic Ideas, and Kids Snack Ideas. Enjoy!
