If you’re looking for variety, there are over 20,000 edibles plants but most people only eat about 9. In a world filled with fad diets and conflicting nutrition advice, one thing remains clear: the importance of a varied diet rich in plants. Whether you’re a dedicated vegan, a flexitarian, or simply someone looking to improve their overall health, incorporating a diverse range of plant-based foods into your meals is key to thriving.
So, why is it so crucial to eat a variety of foods each day, and why should we focus on different food combinations? Let’s delve into the reasons behind the importance of embracing diversity on our plates.
- Nutritional Balance: Each plant-based food brings its own unique array of nutrients to the table. By consuming a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds, you ensure that your body receives a broad spectrum of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytonutrients. This diversity supports overall health and helps prevent nutrient deficiencies.
- Gut Health: Your gut is home to trillions of bacteria that play a crucial role in digestion, immune function, and even mood regulation. A varied diet promotes a diverse microbiome, which is associated with better gut health. Different plant foods contain different types of fibre, which nourish the beneficial bacteria in your gut and promote a healthy digestive system.
- Reduced Risk of Chronic Disease: Research consistently shows that a plant-based diet is associated with a lower risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. Eating a variety of plant foods provides a wide range of protective compounds that can help reduce inflammation, lower cholesterol levels, and support overall cardiovascular health.
- Enhanced Flavour and Enjoyment: Eating the same foods day in and day out can lead to flavour fatigue and boredom. Incorporating a variety of flavours, textures, and colours into your meals not only makes eating more enjoyable but also stimulates your senses and encourages mindful eating.
- Environmental Sustainability: Embracing a plant-based diet is not only beneficial for your health but also for the planet. Plant foods generally have a lower environmental footprint compared to animal products. By diversifying your diet with a variety of plant-based foods, you can help reduce the strain on natural resources and contribute to a more sustainable food system.

When it comes to food combinations, mixing and matching different plant-based ingredients can create meals that are not only delicious but also nutritionally balanced. For example, combining beans with whole grains creates a complete protein source, while pairing vitamin C-rich fruits with iron-rich leafy greens enhances iron absorption.
In conclusion, a varied plant-based diet is essential for optimal health and well-being. By embracing diversity on your plate and experimenting with different food combinations, you can nourish your body, support your health, and delight your taste buds. So, let’s celebrate the abundance of plant foods available to us and savour the vibrant flavours of nature’s bounty.
This morning’s breakfast kitchen creation took just a couple of minutes to assemble. I made the granola yesterday for the ‘peach crumble smoothie bowl’, so check that video out too.
I’m here to encourage you to eat more plants with every meal and to make little changes which add up to improved wellness and a healthier lifestyle. Don’t forget to subscribe on YouTube for the vibe! It keeps me motivated to make more videos.
Thanks for stopping by, have a beautiful day.
