Tags: Health Kath Buendia Keto Lifestyle Keto Vegan Diet KetoLivingPH KetoVeganPH KetoVegetarianPH Meal Delivery Meal Subscription in the Philippines Meghann Hernandez Plant Based Food Plant-based diet The Keto Vegan Movement The New Vegan Vegan Lifestyle Vegans of Manila Weight Loss wellness
For some time now, I’ve been curious to know how vegan food taste like and how different they are from the vegetable dishes served at home and those offered by food outlets. Pardon my ignorance. You see, growing up, I used to steer clear of all greens on the table—save for a few that I either genuinely loved or could easily swallow with big gulps of water. In dinosaur terms, I was not one you could classify as herbivore. But, I was not a big fan of red meat either. Chicken and fish were my constants, along with my choice of carbs or sides.
Looking at social media posts and online news, I realized how plant-based food and veganism are gradually revolutionizing the way people live and eat. Thanks to the comprehensive 101 given to me by a Davao-based vegan restaurateur and zero-waste advocate, I gained a better appreciation of the tenets and benefits of plant-based eating.
While I knew it would take a lot of time and convincing for my entire family to fully consider or commit to a meat-free diet, I figured it wouldn’t hurt for me, at least, to test the waters. This idea grew on me as I began to feel a slowdown in metabolism and became more concerned about staying healthy and strong for my family.
Day One or One Day
I had a choice: It was either Day One or One Day. Determined to drop the excess baggage from year 2020, I decided to jump in the gun before I could grab another bag of chips or consume one too many empty calories. I just couldn’t wait to reboot my body and get rid of all the junk and toxins I accumulated over months of stress eating and serial snacking.
I signed up for KetoVegan.PH’s 3-week challenge so I could ease into clean eating without the pressure of instantly coming up with a meal plan. Also, I’ve longed to get back on the ketogenic program ever since I stopped breastfeeding my youngest last year, which was why the Keto-Vegan combo really appealed to me. Moreover, it offers the cleanest form of keto diet, using only non-processed and organic ingredients—sans the meat, seafood, poultry and dairy.
KetoVegan.PH is the latest brand created by one of the pioneering keto meal delivery services in the Philippines. Click here for more information about Ketogenic diet and meal subscriptions.
Worldly Flavors
Contrary to a common misconception, plant-based eating isn’t just all salads. With KetoVegan.PH, I discovered a variety of delicious recipes inspired by classic and popular dishes from around the world. It was like going on a culinary journey from East to West, taking a big bite out of signature specials from different countries every day.
The basic meal package I got included breakfast, lunch, dinner, a detox drink and dessert—a total of 1,300 kcal daily consumption. Considering rice and sides were not part of the menu, I initially thought the serving size was not enough. But, I was wrong. I always felt satiated and full after every meal. I went through the days not feeling deprived or woozy. By end of the first week, I was sure I’ll survive the diet without cheating.
I particularly love cauliflower, broccoli, asparagus, tofu, and mushrooms. Imagine my excitement whenever I saw them in the food lineup, cooked in different ways and flavors—Filipino, Thai, Mexican, Mediterranean, Indian, Brazilian, Italian, Spanish and more. I also enjoyed KetoVegan.PH’s sandwiches and wraps, noodles (zoodles), smoothies and breads. Would you believe they served chocolate pudding, doughnut, panna cotta, ice cream, and cinnamon roll for dessert? I always looked forward to the sweet endings, without the guilt.
Anyone who is familiar with ketogenic diet knows that you have to meet the recommended macronutrient ratio to get your body into fat-burning state (ketosis). I didn’t need to guess how much fat, protein and carbohydrates I was consuming, because all the macros and ingredients were included in the label for transparency and easy reference.
Beyond Weight Loss
I only checked my weight once a week and, by the end of the third week, I’m happy to share that I lost a total of 3.5 kg. Throughout the program, I felt a burst of energy that allowed me to accomplish more tasks every day. Never once did I go hangry or cranky. I felt stronger and fit enough to (slowly) go back to my old cardio routines at home. My focus and memory also improved a lot.
The nutrient-dense and fiber-rich food I consumed definitely helped clean out all the junk in my body. I always felt a lot lighter after going to the bathroom. I don’t feel bloated anymore and my clothes fit better.
In terms of other non-scale wins, I’d say the keto vegan diet did wonders in reducing my appetite. It also convinced me that eating vegetables and plant-based food is the complete opposite of boring and bland. I am more attuned with my body and I can recognize true hunger signals as opposed to cravings caused by emotions. Even after the program, I am still able to restrict sugar and carb intake to a minimum and practice portion control.
Personal Choice
So, is the Keto Vegan diet worth a try? I guess it depends on your intention, goals, and health condition. For me, it was a good jumpstart towards mindful eating. Sure, I sometimes still crave the food I was accustomed to all my life, but I am more mindful of my choices and limits. I also learned to read product labels. Gone are the days when I would just choose the “lesser evil”. Now, I opt for food that offer greater health benefits.
If you’re interested to know more about plant-based or vegan meals, inquire or send a message to @ketovegan.ph on Instagram or Facebook. Make sure to also consult your doctor before starting any kind of diet.
