FAQ’s About Plant-Based Diets

What is a plant-based diet?

A plant-based diet or plant-forward diet means eating plant foods rather than animal-based foods. With the focus being on choosing fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and beans over other foods. You may or may not eliminate other foods from your diet, but it is primarily based on plants.

What is a whole-food, plant-based diet?

Often referred to as WFPB, this lifestyle modification chooses whole foods that are plant-based and minimally processed. Simple, whole, unrefined plant foods. Including whole grains, legumes, greens, vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, and spices.

What is a vegan diet?

A vegan diet does not contain any animal products. The Vegan Society states, “Veganism is a way of living which seeks to exclude, as far as is possible and practicable, all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose.” Vegan diets may contain more processed meat alternatives like Beyond Meat. Vegans may choose this type of diet to reduce harm and suffering to animals, for environmental benefits or for their own health.

What is the best choice?

For the environmental impact and animal welfare, a vegan diet is a positive choice. A whole food plant-based diet also avoids animal-based products, including meat, dairy, and eggs, but doesn’t include processed foods. A vegan diet may include processed plant-based foods, including oils, refined sugar, and imitation “meats.” Whole-food, plant-based diets are the best for your health but may require more planning and prepping. The best choice is yours based on your health concerns and philosophy.

What are the health benefits?

Harvard Health states that plant-based diets include more fibre, vitamins, minerals and micronutrients that help lower blood pressure and LDL (bad) cholesterol, reduce the risk of diabetes, and help maintain a healthy weight, which can lower your risk of heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s, and cancer while improving longevity.

What about processed vegan foods?

In a large study of more than 250,000 people followed for 11 years, research published in the Lancet shows no increased risk of developing heart disease or cancer when eating processed vegan foods when compared to sugar-sweetened beverages, alcohol or processed animal products. While avoiding ultra-processed foods is a good idea, including some plant-based products will not affect your health like animal-based products. The plant-based choices also have less of an environmental impact. Eating healthy most of the time is still preferable to eating processed foods, but processed plant foods still have the advantage over animal products.

Change your mind, change your health,

Shayla