In our latest Raw Generation Juice Club Webinar, Lisa Testa, M.S., Holistic Nutritionist, guided us through a nuanced discussion of plant-based versus meat-based diets. While Raw Generation is a plant-based company, Lisa shared a balanced view of both diet styles, breaking down the pros and cons. Whether you're a long-time plant-based eater or someone who incorporates meat, this webinar offered valuable insights into making healthier choices.
Here are the key takeaways:
1. The Benefits (and Pitfalls) of Plant-Based Diets
Lisa began by discussing the growing popularity of plant-based eating. While incorporating more fruits and vegetables is undeniably beneficial for your health, not all plant-based products are created equal. Many processed plant-based options, like almond milk or fake meats, contain chemicals, preservatives, and unhealthy oils.
“Real plant-based food means eating actual plants—not processed substitutes,” Lisa emphasized. She advised sticking to whole, real foods rather than over-processed plant-based alternatives.
For those opting for plant-based products, it's crucial to choose clean versions with minimal ingredients. Lisa highlighted brands like Elmhurst for almond milk, which only contains almonds and water, compared to more common brands that are loaded with unnecessary additives.
2. Is Meat the Enemy? Not Always!
Lisa also spoke about the benefits of incorporating high-quality animal products, noting that not all meats are harmful. The key is to choose grass-fed, organic, and pastured meats. When consumed in moderation, these meats can be nutrient-rich and part of a healthy diet.
“You can thrive on a balanced diet that includes some high-quality animal proteins, as long as you make thoughtful, informed choices,” Lisa noted. She encouraged participants to focus on grass-fed beef, wild-caught fish, and pastured eggs if they choose to eat animal products.
3. Avoid the Health Food Traps
Beware of seemingly healthy options like yogurt, egg whites, and skim milk. Lisa shared that these “diet foods” are often highly processed and stripped of nutrients.
For example, egg yolks—once vilified for cholesterol—are actually full of essential nutrients, while the whites alone lack the same benefits. Similarly, whole milk is often a better choice than skim, which can be full of fillers and chemicals.
4. Eating for Weight Loss and Hormone Balance
Lisa reiterated her proven strategy for weight loss: eat light to heavy throughout the day. This means starting with hydrating, light meals in the morning (like fruit, juice, or smoothies) and saving fats and proteins for dinner.
This method optimizes digestion and helps reduce bloating, supporting both weight loss and hormone balance.
5. Q&A Highlights
The webinar concluded with a lively Q&A session where Lisa answered various questions. One participant, Stacy, asked about craving heavier foods like nut butters and dairy, to which Lisa responded that these cravings are often the body’s way of signaling a need for healthy fats, especially during hormone shifts like perimenopause.
Lisa also addressed a question about the sugar content in Raw Generation juices, clarifying that the natural sugars in unpasteurized juices are entirely different from refined sugars and are packed with nutrients that aid in healing and energy.
