I Went Plant-Based for a Week: What Really Happened (Energy, Digestion & Surprising Benefits)

Written by guest blog contributor, Caroline Williams, dietetic intern, Georgia State University

If you’ve ever wondered what switching to a plant-based diet actually feels like, you’re not alone. As I dug deeper into the research behind plant-powered eating, I decided the best way to truly understand it was to try it myself. So I committed to five days of plant-based meals—Monday through Friday—to see how my body and mind would respond.

Spoiler: The results were encouraging, energizing, and surprisingly easy to maintain.

Whether you’re thinking about going fully plant-based or simply want to include more plants in your daily routine, I hope my experience inspires you to explore this way of eating for yourself.

Why I Chose a Weeklong Plant-Based Challenge

Since weekdays give me a bit more structure, I planned my plant-based trial from Monday to Friday. I focused on simple swaps and small adjustments to my usual meals—nothing extreme, just thoughtful choices that aligned with a whole-food plant-based pattern.

I built my meals around fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts, and seeds, keeping processed foods to a minimum. Here’s what I learned along the way.

6 Lessons I Learned From Eating Plant-Based for a Week

1. Whole Foods Left Me Fuller and More Satisfied

By swapping processed snacks like crackers or chips for nuts, fruits, and seeds, I filled up on healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Not only was I more satisfied between meals, but I also felt more nourished overall.

2. Less Bloating and Fewer Headaches

This surprised me the most: I felt noticeably less bloated after meals and experienced fewer daily headaches. The combination of more fiber, hydration from whole foods, and less processed food made a big difference in how light and energized I felt.

3. I Easily Met My Daily Nutrient Goals

Eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds helped me naturally reach recommended servings without having to think too much about it. I felt more confident knowing I was fueling my body with nutrient-dense choices.

4. The Plant-Based Swaps Were Surprisingly Simple

Once I got the hang of it, swapping everyday foods was easier than expected.

For example:

• almond butter instead of cream cheese on my morning bagel

• chickpea-based Banza pasta instead of regular noodles

• beans, chickpeas, and leafy greens as the center of my plate instead of chicken or turkey

These changes didn’t just fit into my routine—they made my meals more interesting and colorful.

5. It Helped Stabilize My Blood Glucose Levels

As a type 1 diabetic, this was a major highlight. Focusing on whole, unprocessed foods gave me more consistent blood glucose control throughout the week. Fiber-rich foods like legumes, whole grains, and vegetables helped with steady energy and fewer fluctuations.

6. I Just Felt… Happier

There’s something uplifting about nourishing your body with foods that help you feel your best. By the end of the week, I felt more energized, more positive, and more connected to my meals.

What This Experiment Taught Me

While I may still include some animal products occasionally, these five days opened my eyes to how powerful plant-based eating can be for health, energy, and overall wellbeing. It showed me firsthand how simple swaps, whole foods, and thoughtful choices can significantly improve how I feel—physically and mentally.

As someone passionate about nutrition and the impact food has on wellbeing, these insights will not only shape my own habits but also inform how I support future clients and patients.

If you’ve been curious about trying plant-based eating, consider giving it a week—you might be surprised by how good you feel.

Hello! My name is Caroline Williams and I am a dietetic intern in Georgia State's coordinated program. I am studying to become a registered dietitian with hopes to one day work in pediatric weight management. Weight management and choosing more plant based foods go hand in hand, so I have become increasingly interested in a plant-based lifestyle!