The phrase “plant-based diet” is thrown around a lot more in recent years. It is popping up on a lot of products to share the base of its ingredients and also can be quite the buzzword in certain circles. Is a plant-based diet the new vegan diet? Do they mean the same thing? That is what we are here to share today. We are sharing what the plant-based diet is and if it is the same as a vegan diet.
What is a plant-based diet?
The simple difference between a vegan diet and a plant-based diet (at least where they originated from) comes down to ethics. Plant-based diets include well, you can probably guess is plants. The big misconception, however, is it doesn’t mean you have to necessarily cut out all other food groups. The idea is that a plant-based diet is one that puts plants forward on the plate. Foods like fresh produce, whole grains, fats, nuts, legumes, and seeds are the base of the plant-based. This diet does allow for animal proteins and animal products, unlike a vegan diet. Animal proteins can easily fit into the lifestyle, but typically they aren’t seen as the star of the show but more of a supporting role.
What are the benefits of a plant-based diet?
The biggest reason and jumpstart to eating healthy with plant-based are that it sets a healthy mindset. Plus, plant-based diets help you feel fuller and more satisfied because you’re eating more fiber and more volume through plant-based foods. By increasing the number of plants in your diet, you’re also introducing a lot of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytochemicals to your body.
A big misconception about vegan and vegetarian diets is the idea that you can’t get enough nutrients. This isn’t a concern when you’re consuming a healthy balance of protein, vegetables, fruits, and other fiber-rich, whole-food carbs, which is easier to do with a plant-based diet.
In conclusion, a vegan diet is more specific in its definition and a plant-based is more flexible. Each person can have their own version of a plant-based diet, as long as plants are at the forefront.
Shopping for a Plant-Based Diet
Produce
Apples
Artichoke
Asparagus
Avocado
Bananas
Bagged greens and salads
Beets
Bell pepper
Blackberries
Blueberries
Cabbage
Carrots
Cauliflower
Cucumber
Dried fruit (apples, apricots, banana slices, etc.)
Grapefruit
Grapes
Kiwifruit
Leafy greens (kale, spinach, romaine, etc.)
Mushrooms
Onions
Oranges
Pears
Pineapple
Potatoes
Tomatoes
Strawberries
Raspberries
Zucchini
Whole-Grain Products
Amaranth
Barley
Bulgur
Farro
Freekeh
Kamut
Millet
Oats
Quinoa
Rice (black, brown, red, and wild)
Spelt
Sprouted-grains
Teff
Legumes
Canned and dry beans
Peas
Chickpeas
Dry peas
Edamame
Hummus
Sabra Classic
Hope Original
Cava Organic Traditional
Lentils
Peanuts
Peanut butter
Nuts & Seeds
Almonds and almond butter
Brazil nuts
Cashews and cashew butter
Chia seeds
Flax seeds
Hazelnut
Hemp seeds
Pecans
Pine nuts
Pistachios
Sunflower seeds and sunflower seed butter
Tahini
Walnuts
And then don’t forget meat, fish, dairy and eggs.
To jumpstart some ideas – here are some avocado based dishes to start your journey with.
