What is a Plant-Based Diet?

A plant-based whole foods diet consists of foods that don’t contain any animal products (meat, dairy, honey), is natural, and artificial free. Most people partaking in this diet are doing so to improve their health, the environment, and / or protect the lives of animals.

Is it the same as veganism?


No.


Vegans are able to eat processed foods that don’t contain animal products (e.g. vegan potato chips or pizza). Having a plant-based diet means avoiding processed foods to benefit your health. Certain vegans also avoid other non-food products which are derived from animals (clothing, shoes, etc.).


What foods are available on a plant-based diet?


The diet consists of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and legumes. Going plant-based doesn't mean having to change your diet dramatically.


A typical day might consist of:


Breakfast: Oatmeal with blueberries and soy milk

Lunch: Chickpea salad with cranberries, nuts, cucumbers, and hummus

Dinner: Falafel wrap with tomatoes, spinach, and cucumber


A plant-based diet is the most sustainable diet on earth, which could have a tremendous effect on the environment, in addition to your health. Although the benefits of a plant-based diet are massive, one can take the necessary steps to improve their health and the planet by reducing their consumption of meat and dairy.

Written by Nicholas Orsini

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