Your broccoli has been holding out on you
Welcome to World Vegan Month, where plants are more than the garnish on your plate—they’re the main course. The science is clear: plant-based eating helps with everything from slimming down to sticking around a little longer. Here’s the latest on why your broccoli might just be the quiet hero of your diet.
Be a Lean, Green Eatin' Machine
If you're looking to lose a few pounds, the researchers at Qilu Hospital suggest that plants, especially raw ones, could be your ticket. You read that right, raw veggies lead to weight loss – shocking, we know.
Key Findings: Raw veggies help keep weight down and your heart happier. Vegans lost the most weight, but even those who still enjoyed a little dairy and eggs saw benefits. So, yes, you can keep your Sunday omelet—your pancreas won't hold an intervention just yet.
Bonus Side Effect: Adding more veggies gives you more fiber and less saturated fat, so your insides will probably thank you.
Takeaway: You don't have to eat like a rabbit, but swapping in some greens won't kill you (actually, it might do the opposite). Consider it a peace treaty with your body. (Full Story)
Plant Fats vs. Animal Fats: Outlive Your Enemies
Over 20 years, a study of 400,000 adults revealed that plant fats—like the ones in nuts and olive oil—are the real deal. People who leaned on plant fats had a 9% lower risk of checking out early, while animal fat enthusiasts... well, let's just say they were 16% more eager to meet their maker. Your arteries have spoken, and they're not accepting bacon-based bribes.
Plant Fats, The Overachievers: Grains and veggie oils led to better longevity. They're also tied to improved cholesterol, meaning your arteries might actually unclench a bit. These are the straight-A students of the fat world, and they're not afraid to show off their report card.
Animal Fats, Not So Much: Red meat and egg yolks? Not your heart's best friend, despite what your taste buds say.
Takeaway: If you want a long run, maybe trade butter for olive oil. Will it make you live forever? No. But it might get you a little closer to retirement before your heart gives up and files for early pension. (Full Story)
If I Could Turn Back Time: Reversing the Biological Clock
In a new study, Stanford researchers put identical twins on different diets—one went vegan, the other didn't—in what might be the most expensive way to prove vegetables are good for you. After eight weeks, the vegan twins came out "younger" on the biological age scale. Finally, a fountain of youth that doesn't require questionable injections or selling your soul to a witch.
What We Know: The vegan twins saw their biological clocks rewind a little and lost a few more pounds than their omnivorous siblings.
The Fine Print: While veganism is showing some promising anti-aging perks, remember that without a few supplements, things like B12 and calcium might start slipping. So, a well-planned plate is key.
Takeaway: Eight weeks on plants might not make you look 20 again, but it could make you feel a bit fresher. Make sure you're hitting your macronutrients by chatting with a nutritionist, doc, or one of our personal trainers so you can age in reverse gracefully. (Full Story)
Eat Your Veggies, Win at Life
World Vegan Month or not, the research is clear: more plants = good news for your health. A diet rich in raw veggies and plant fats might just be one of the best choices you can make for longevity. So, if you’re flirting with the idea of going green, it’s not a bad choice. Add plants in a way that works for you. Our featured member this week is one of many vegan athletes proving that strength is built from the soil up.
Admiring your crisper,
Your West Coast Fitness Family
PS: Support Portland Plant Based Restaurants, Win Prizes! (And get cheap specials!)
Support Portland's Plant-Based Scene (and maybe win enough gift cards to become your friend group's favorite dinner host).
Throughout November, 33 local spots—from the Mock Gobbler masters at Boxcar Pizza to the mycelium magicians at Jade Rabbit—are dishing out exclusive vegan specials and donating to local nonprofits.
Snag a dining passport from any participating spot, collect eight stamps (yes, eating counts as collecting), and you could win $25 gift cards to ALL 33 businesses. Or grab one of the runner-up prizes: $50 gift cards to selected restaurants. Because nothing says "I care about the planet" quite like eating your way through Portland's finest plant-based offerings while accidentally becoming a food critic.
