The plant-based diet – what does that mean exactly? Is it like being a vegan or a vegetarian? Do you live off nuts and seeds?

I’m a licensed nutritionist who follows a whole food, plant-based diet, so I’m better positioned than most to help demystify some common misconceptions and perhaps encourage you to lead a more plant-based lifestyle too.

What do you eat?

A plant-based diet focuses on (surprise) plants and whole foods that are unrefined and minimally processed and as close to their original form as nature intended.

Whole grains (oats, millet, barley, rye, amaranth, quinoa), fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, tubers (sweet potatoes, carrots, radishes, beets and potatoes) and legumes (beans, lentils and chick peas) are the staples. Full of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytochemicals, they provide all nutrients your body needs.

Following a plant-based lifestyle doesn’t necessarily mean you must completely avoid animal products like a vegan or vegetarian. It is not an all-or-nothing. There’s room for some animal proteins in the plant- based lifestyle, yet they serve as more of a supporting role to your veggies and whole grains.

Vegan versus plant-based

A true vegan doesn’t consume any products that involve the exploitation of animals -including meat, eggs, milk, dairy, and honey. For many, the primary reason for leading a vegan lifestyle is related to ethics and animal welfare. However, a vegan diet is not always as nutritious or virtuous as a diet based on unprocessed plant-based whole foods. Think “fake” sausages and greasy fries.

People worry whether a plant-based lifestyle is balanced and nutritionally sound. I reassure them that it most certainly is! But you need to be knowledgeable about the foods that you’re eating. A healthy, plant-based diet requires planning and discipline.

Where do I get my protein?

Protein is essential for growth, repair and much more. But problems arise when people get a disproportionate amount of their protein from animals. And whatever your personal views about eating meat, there is no denying that meat consumption is causing major environmental, health and humanitarian problems. If we truly care about our planet and our health we need to start embracing sustainable alternatives. That’s where plants come in.

“Am I getting enough high quality protein?” It’s a common concern for people considering a plant-based way of life. And while protein needs differ depending on your age and physical activity, satisfying all your protein needs from a plant-based diet is simple and achievable. Beans, nuts, seeds, and whole grains are all plant-based sources of protein that are also filled with vitamins, minerals, and fibre.

The health benefits

One of the best reasons to follow a plant-based diet is for the health benefits. It can help you lose weight loss and keep it off because it’s based on fibre-rich foods that have a high water content, which keeps you fuller longer. It also helps balance your blood sugar levels. This means a lower risk of insulin resistance and diabetes.

Your digestion benefits too, as a fibre-rich plant-based diet helps prevent constipation and promotes regularity. It also provides nourishment for the healthy bacteria that live in your gut, strengthening your immune system and improving mood.

Better skin

There are more external benefits too. Plant-based foods are loaded with healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals, which enhance skin clarity and promote that healthy glow. Their powerful antioxidants assist in stimulating collagen production, smoothing lines, and reducing wrinkles.

Go plant-based for Earth Day 2107!

Transitioning away from processed and animal based foods to a more plant-based way of life is a great way to help optimise your body function and promote overall health. Better digestion improve, glowing skin and soaring energy due to the nutrient-dense characteristics of the foods you’re eating, you’ll be doing something wonderful for the planet too!