Plant-Based Diet Benefits: Why I Made the Switch and Why You Might Too

My Plant-Based Journey

Let me be honest—this topic can spark debate. Nearly two years ago, I started moving away from non-vegetarian food. Sure, I used to enjoy it, but over time, the satisfaction I got from plant-based meals outweighed any cravings. Still, the most common question I hear is: “But why?”

If you grew up in a plant-based household, the answer is simple. But switching later in life? Curiosity—and judgment—comes fast. Friends question your choices. Social invitations get tricky. I even had a friend tell me she’d only date someone who “eats everything.” Ouch.

Switching to a plant-based diet doesn’t just change your meals—it can change your social life. For mental satisfaction, I even watched the documentary Seaspiracy, so I know exactly what I’m avoiding.

And I’m not alone. Globally, more people are embracing plant-based diets. Wellness trends, documentaries, social media awareness, and easy access to plant-based products have fueled this change.

Next, let’s talk about plant-based diet benefits, the challenges, and how to navigate this lifestyle. Next time someone asks “But why?”, you can just send them here.

Why It’s Worth It

Switching to a plant-based diet isn’t just about following a trend—it’s about feeling better, thinking consciously, and making small choices that add up. Before diving into the details, let me share why it’s worth considering.

Better Health

I won’t bore you with endless lists of medical studies—but the simple truth is that many people who eat mostly plant-based feel more energetic, digest their food better, and find it easier to manage their weight. Imagine giving your body lighter, fibrous meals instead of heavy meat dishes—it just works smoother, like a well-oiled machine.

Planet-Friendly

The food you eat leaves a footprint, whether you like it or not. Factory-farmed meat requires a ton of land, water, and crops, which contributes to deforestation and more greenhouse gases. For context, producing a kilo of beef consumes a massive amount of water, while the same amount of lentils barely scratches that. Choosing more plant-based meals is an easy way to shrink your carbon footprint and do a little good for the planet—without even trying too hard.

Kind Choices

It’s hard to ignore the ethical side. Many animals in factory farms live in cramped, stressful conditions before they even reach our plates. For a lot of people, plant-based diets are about aligning meals with their values—respecting life and making choices that feel compassionate. Honestly, it’s one of the most motivating reasons I keep going.

Simple Wins

A plant-based diet is naturally fibrous and easier on your digestive system. From personal experience and talking to others, I can tell you: energy levels get a boost, mood feels lighter, and your overall well-being improves faster than you might expect.

The Struggle

Of course, no journey is without its bumps. Switching to a plant-based lifestyle can come with social challenges, cravings, and practical hurdles—but knowing the struggles ahead makes it easier to navigate them successfully.

Friends & Family

When your diet doesn’t match everyone else’s, social life can get tricky. Family dinners, parties, or casual meals out? Plant-based options can be limited—or non-existent. The best approach is honest communication. Let people know your preferences, bring a dish to share, and maybe even introduce them to meals that are surprisingly tasty.

Staying Balanced

Worried about nutrients? Don’t be. Beans, lentils, tofu, chickpeas, and quinoa have your protein needs covered. Add in leafy greens for iron and calcium, and you’re good to go. Planning meals or chatting with a dietitian can help, but even simple swaps get you a long way.

Craving Control

Missing your old favorites? Totally normal. Start gradually—mix plant-based meals with occasional animal products if needed. Give yourself time to adjust and remember why you started. The cravings pass as your body and mind adapt.

Cooking & Access

Not everywhere has easy access to plant-based foods, and eating the same thing repeatedly gets boring fast. Learning a few new recipes, watching YouTube tutorials, or following blogs can make cooking fun instead of frustrating.

Debunking Myths

• Protein deficiency? Beans, lentils, tofu, quinoa, and chickpeas have you covered.

• Too expensive or inconvenient? Staples like rice, vegetables, and beans are affordable and widely available.

• Bland or boring? Creative cooking transforms plant-based ingredients into delicious, satisfying meals.

• Only for vegans? Anyone can include more plant-based meals, even without fully committing to veganism.

A Wake-Up Moment

A couple of years ago, I got a chance to teach a student pursuing an Associate Degree of Arts at a Canadian college. The subject? Geography of Food. I thought it would be easy—after all, I know a bit about world geography. But as we dove into the curriculum, I realized I barely knew anything about the food side of things.

For instance, did you know there are over 5,000 varieties of potatoes? Or that even organic produce can still contain certain amounts of pesticides and chemicals to boost growth? I was fascinated… and a little shaken.

Then came a chapter on factory farming, and that’s when my perspective truly shifted. I learnt how animals are raised in huge industrial farms: the crowded conditions, the antibiotics given to maximize growth, and the sheer scale of operations. One story in particular left me speechless.

There was a massive factory farm in the U.S., supplying meat across North America. Thousands of employees handled every part of the operation—cleaning, packaging, running the assembly lines. One day, a worker accidentally slipped into a giant meat grinder. The accident was tragic, but the company continued operations, processing the meat alongside everything else to avoid wasting tons of product. That moment hit me hard. It wasn’t just numbers or abstract facts anymore—it was real, grim, and unforgettable.

After reading and reflecting on this, I became a flexitarian. I didn’t stop eating meat immediately, but I started incorporating more plant-based meals while still occasionally allowing animal products. That story made me question not just what I was eating, but why, and how my choices impacted the world.

It was a wake-up call that changed my approach to food, ethics, and conscious eating—and I’ve never looked back.

Wrapping it Up

Adopting a plant-based diet isn’t about perfection—it’s about making conscious choices. The plant-based diet benefits—health, ethical alignment, environmental impact—are compelling reasons to explore this lifestyle.

Start small, experiment with meals, and let curiosity guide you. Whether you fully commit or simply add more plant-based meals to your week, what matters is thoughtful, informed eating.

Here’s to better health, kinder choices, and a planet-friendly plate. 🌱