If I’m trying to cut refined sugar from my diet, what side-effects should I expect?
The common issues are lack of satiety, mild headaches, aches and pains, low energy levels, and in some people mild dizziness. To balance these out, add more fruits and vegetables and a good serving of protein to your diet.
Wholegrains that have low glycaemic index (creating slow or less glucose release in blood) can be added to diet moderately. Avoid resorting to fruit juices in the beginning, let it be whole fruits. Consume a cooked meal rather than eat bread and other such items, as you may unconsciously look for energy alternatives. Honey, molasses and syrups should not be taken in excess as this may defeat your purpose. Take up mild or moderate exercise, combined with good amount of fluids and more whole meals.
Are there any draw backs to trying to eat more plant-based protein over eating meat?
It depends on your ethnicity, cultural background and your eating habits from the beginning. If you are used to eating meat since childhood, there are chances that you may lack proteins, vitamins and minerals, at least until your body get used to it. Ayurveda considers meat heavy to digest. So people who are used to eating meat for their protein needs tend to have high digestive power and plant protein may become inadequate in quality and quantity. Again, this is something your body may get used to and will find a way to compensate. So certain circumstances, like recovery from diseases, certain age where body demands high nutrition, switching over should be done under supervision.
Complete switching over may also result in deficiency of vitamin B, vitamin D, iron zinc etc. Do it in a gradual mode. You may also consult your practitioner on any additional supplementation.
