Why Eat More Plants? 53 Reasons That Will Inspire You to Go Plant-Based
- Nichole Dandrea-Russert
- Jan 1, 2019
- 4 min read
Updated: Nov 4
Happy New Year! Each January, many of us set intentions to live a little lighter, feel more energized, and make choices that align with our values. My personal goals include writing more, spending quality time with family and friends, improving time management, and continuing to fuel my body with plants so my mind stays clear and my energy high.
And the science keeps reinforcing it—eating more plants supports your health, the environment, animals, and future generations.
Here are 53 inspiring reasons to add more plants to your plate this year (and every year). 🌿 Can you think of more? Share them in the comments!
🌿 Health Benefits of Eating More Plants
Plant-based eating is one of the most powerful ways to nourish your body from the inside out. Research shows that a diet rich in whole plant foods can help prevent and even reverse chronic disease while supporting overall vitality.
Plant-based for health
Decrease risk or reverse type 2 diabetes.
Decrease risk or reverse heart disease.
Lower blood pressure.
Lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and total cholesterol.
Decrease risk of certain types of cancer (breast, prostate, lung, colon).
Minimize autoimmune symptoms and disorders like chronic fatigue and multiple sclerosis.
Minimize symptoms associated with arthritis.
Optimize digestion.
Increase longevity.
Decrease risk of Alzheimer's.
Improve recovery time for endurance sports.
Improve focus, memory and cognition.
Improve sleep.
Increase vitality.
Lose weight.
Get glowing skin.
Fight depression and anxiety.
Improve eye health.
Promote long-term brain health and clarity.
🌎 Environmental Benefits of a Plant-Based Diet
Eating more plants is one of the most effective ways to reduce your carbon footprint, protect natural resources, and preserve ecosystems for generations to come.
Plant-based for the environment:
21. Conserve water with every plant-based meal.
22. Lessen water pollution and protect marine life (goodbye, ocean dead zones).
23. Shrink your carbon footprint—studies show plant-based diets dramatically lower greenhouse gas emissions.
24. Reduce methane gases (yes, cow “emissions” are real and impactful).
25. Protect drinking water by reducing animal agriculture’s contamination of water systems.
26. Save the rainforests—millions of acres are cleared for animal agriculture every year.
27. Reduce antibiotic use and contamination in soil and waterways.
28. Help prevent species extinction, including orangutans, elephants, and tigers, by reducing deforestation for livestock feed.
🐮 Compassionate Reasons: For the Animals
Animals are sentient beings who feel, reason, and form emotional connections—just like us. Choosing plant-based meals means choosing kindness and reducing suffering.
Plant-based for the animals:
29. Honor that animals, including fish, experience emotion, connection, and pain.
30. Avoid supporting factory farms—99% of meat and poultry in stores comes from them.
31. Understand that dairy production requires continuous breeding and separation of mother and calf.
32. Recognize there’s no truly “humane” meat, as shared by many former farmers.
33. Know that laying thousands of eggs a year is not normal or natural for chickens.
34. “Cage-free” or “hormone-free” labels don’t mean cruelty-free. Always look deeper.
💪 Nutritional Advantages of a Plant-Based Diet
Plants don’t just help you avoid what harms your body—they give you everything it needs to thrive. From fiber and antioxidants to clean, efficient sources of protein, plants deliver optimal nutrition for health and longevity.
Plant-based for health (again!):
35. Avoid hormones found in meat and dairy.
36. Avoid nitrosamines, cancer-causing compounds formed when cooking meat.
37. Avoid heme iron, a type of iron from animal products linked to increased disease risk.
38. Avoid antibiotic residues found in animal foods.
39. Avoid saturated and trans fats that contribute to heart disease.
40. Avoid harmful bacteria commonly found in animal products.
41. Get plenty of fiber—plants are the only source, and most Americans fall short.
42. Benefit from antioxidants and phytonutrients (like flavonoids and lycopene) that fight inflammation and disease.
💚 Social and Global Impact: For People and Communities
Eating more plants is also about equity, compassion, and protecting the health of all people—including those who work in or live near industrial farming systems.
Plant-based for people:
43. Help feed a growing global population—plant foods require fewer resources to produce.
44. Support less violence—factory farm workers have some of the highest rates of trauma and suicide.
45. Protect worker health by reducing exposure to respiratory illnesses, injuries, and psychological stress.
46. Safeguard communities living near factory farms from air and water pollution.
🎉 Fun and Practical Reasons to Go Plant-Based
Plant-based living isn’t just good for you—it’s colorful, creative, and full of joy!
Plant-based for fun:
47. Save money—whole plant foods are often cheaper than meat-based meals.
48. Fill your kitchen with colorful fruits and veggies that double as décor.
49. Enjoy flipping through stunning plant-based cookbooks that double as art.
50. Feel confident explaining why you eat plant-based—it’s good for health, animals, and the planet!
51. Stand out—only about 6% of Americans identify as vegan (and that number’s growing).
52. Be a role model for your kids, friends, and family.
53. Protect the planet for future generations by preserving wildlife, water, and forests.
The Bottom Line: 53 Reasons (and Counting!) to Eat More Plants
Every bite you take has the power to nourish your body, uplift your mood, and protect the planet we all share. Eating more plants isn’t about perfection—it’s about connection: to your health, the earth, and every living being.
Whether you’re adding one plant-based meal a week or fully embracing a vegan lifestyle, each choice makes a meaningful impact. You’ll feel better, think clearer, save resources, and contribute to a kinder, more sustainable world.
Ready to take the next step?
🌱 Join the Purely Planted community for simple swaps, recipes, and weekly inspiration to help you eat (and live) more plantfully.
