There have been a lot of diets that have come in and out of vogue over the past couple decades or so. From high protein keto diets to fruitarianism we’ve seen them all with their claims to promote increased energy, weight loss, enhanced exercise performance etc but for the most part all fail to not only provide an increased sense of wellness but also to be sustainable long term. Thankfully an alkaline diet doesn’t compare to these fads and really shouldn’t be referred to as a diet at all but a lifestyle rather. Living an alkaline lifestyle might sound like its extremely involved and might require a total overhaul but it really doesn’t need to be that complex or scary. Here are a few things you might not know about living an alkaline lifestyle to help demystify any doubts about the lifelong benefits you’re sure to reap.
Why alkalising isn’t just a fad, it’s a lifestyle
The reason for this isn’t completely one dimensional but for the most part it has to do the major function of an alkaline diet which is aiding the body to maintain its natural pH balance. This affects everybody ALL OF THE TIME, as in every minute of every day. What does this mean for you, you might ask? Well to put it simply – the human body requires our blood to sit within a range of either acidity or alkalinity. This range is rated numerically on a scale of 1-14 – with 1 being most acidic and 14 the most alkaline. Our blood needs to sit nicely within 7.35-7.45 pH in order for our survival which is slightly alkaline. The alkaline diet basically enables our body to maintain this balance with ease by supplying foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals that promote this balance in high amounts whilst restricting foods that strip our body of these nutrients. Therefore this diet is advised as a long term change that you can maintain for the rest of your life.
Alkalising isn’t just for sick people
It isn’t uncommon for people to turn to a new diet as an answer to an illness or as a last minute detox to get that bod summer ready. As much as the alkaline diet can certainly be of some help in these departments, this definitely isn’t where it ends. The alkaline diet is designed to increase the wellness of the human body which means if you’ve got a body and you’re human (even though it might not feel like it after a big night out) this diet is for you. Therefore this diet is for everyone and anyone however people that do feel run down or are basically getting through their days on highly processed foods or acidic caffeinated beverages aka. Majority of the western population – may particularly benefit.
You can still eat meat
There is a common misconception that having an alkaline diet is synonymous with being a vegan or vegetarian. Of course this isn’t true at all and in fact eating good quality lean-meats 3-5 days per week is encouraged. The difference is that in the typical western diet these days, it is not uncommon to consume meat at every meal and we are actually over consuming our daily requirements for protein which can have negative implications for our pH balance. A good way to stay on track is to limit meat heavy meals to just one per day with some other light sources of protein such as a boiled egg, legumes and beans or a plant based protein shake such as our Plantiful Protein with other main meals or as a snack. This way you can be sure you’re fulfilling your daily protein requirements whilst increasing alkalising minerals intake at the same time.
You can still enjoy an eventful social life
Living more alkaline certainly doesn’t mean you can’t eat out with friends or enjoy a cheeky ice cream date every now and again. However what it does mean is that you may have a different view point on menu items when you start to eat for wellness rather than illness. For example if there was a pizza on the menu or a chicken and quinoa salad – you will certainly feel more inclined to choose the latter. These days you would be hard pressed to find a restaurant that has no healthy options (even McDonalds has a salad range – if you can call it a restaurant) and at the end of the day its about constantly aiming to make the best choices by your body in the circumstances, not being perfect. Having a thriving social life is certainly one the best parts of living an alkaline lifestyle as you start to gain energy and a higher sense of wellness you’ll want nothing more than to be out sharing this with others.
Alkalising doesn’t have to be expensive
Alkalising doesn’t mean purchasing all of your foods from an expensive health food store. It means making wise choices and perhaps allocating food preparation time a little more specifically. The basis of the alkaline diet is increasing your intake of whole fruits and vegetables, particularly greens with some less acidic protein sources such as legumes, organic lean meats, fish and nuts & seeds. All of these foods can be purchased at your local supermarket for convenience. Though if you would really like to go the whole kit and kaboodle you may wish to check out your local farmers market. Go later in the morning between 10-11am to get discounted fresh fruit and veg that is often a world cheaper than the supermarkets whilst supporting your local farmer in the process. By purchasing wholefoods you are not only feeding your body goodness but also your mind as it forces you to perhaps be a little more creative in the kitchen. This is where the “compromise” may be (if you don’t like cooking that is) as you may need to dedicate some time to actually put the ingredients together to create your wholesome meals. If you struggle to think of recipes though and needs a little extra inspiration, never fear as you can always check out our recipe blog where the recipes are simple, use wholefood ingredients and are most importantly delicious. Some of our favourite alkalising recipes include the Pina Colada Smoothie Bowl and this easy Kale, Carrot & Goji Salad.