Plant Based Perfect

What is the definition of plant based?

Is the literal definition the same as the dictionary definition? 

What does a plant-based diet mean for those who eat this way?

Simply put, a plant-based diet contains mostly products that don’t come from any animal sources. This means these plant-based diet foods come from plants instead, such as beans, grains, vegetables, and fruits. 

However, for a diet to be plant-based, it doesn’t necessarily have to include only plants. By dictionary definition alone, this type of diet can include some fish, eggs, or dairy, depending on the individual in question.

In practice, however, and in a more literal sense, this type of diet should not involve any animal products at all (unless your doctor tells you otherwise). The best way to enjoy a plant-based diet is to go completely plant-based, even if it takes you a little while to get there.

Below, we’ll break down a little bit more information about this type of diet and help you understand what it is, what it isn’t, and why it’s a good choice.

What is a plant-based diet?

In this section, we’ll answer some of the more common questions about plant-based eating and help you learn everything you’ve ever wanted to know about this basics of this type of diet. Form here, you may be interested in diving deeper and learning even more about the specifics. You might even want to try a plant-based meal plan for a week or two, or learn how to prepare some healthy plant-based recipes to incorporate into your regular meal plans instead. Learning about the basics is a great place to get started regardless of where you go from here.

Isn’t this the same thing as being vegetarian or vegan?

Not really! Vegetarians and vegans are plant-based, but plant-based dieting isn’t necessarily vegetarian or vegan. Since vegetarians still eat eggs and dairy, they do not follow a plant-based diet in the strictest of terms. On the other hand, vegans tend to be even more strict than plant-based individuals. One of the biggest differences is that vegans do not eat honey, but plant-based individuals do.

However, vegans also do not worry as much about cutting out processed foods as plant-based dieters do. All in all, there are several differences between these three types of diets, although they share many similarities as well. 

What are some plant-based diet foods? 

There are many different types of plant-based diet foods you will enjoy if you choose to try a plant-based lifestyle. These plant-based foods should always come from plants, should be as close to their natural state as possible, and should not be processed. Do not eat anything packaged or full of chemical additives on a plant-based diet.

Legumes, grains, tofu, tempeh, seitan, nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables are all good, high-quality plant-based diet foods. You’d be surprised just how much you can do with this wide variety of healthy ingredients in your cooking!

What is the difference between a plant-based diet and a plant-based lifestyle?

A plant-based diet is all about what you eat. This type of diet focuses on ensuring you eat healthy plant-based diet foods that come from plants and do not eat any animal products. It also includes eating only natural sources and choosing ingredients that are as raw as possible. It requires that you do not eat processed food.

A plant-based lifestyle, on the other hand, is about incorporating this concept into other parts of your life. Doing this means you will choose products that aren’t animal-based as often as possible. However, it also means choosing those that are good for the environment, and avoiding chemicals (such as those in plastics) as often as you can.

What other areas of your life can be plant-based besides just eating plant-based diet foods?

You can easily make changes throughout your home to be more plant-based. For example, start in the bathroom or kitchen, where many items you purchase may contain animal or chemical ingredients. Go with plant-based soaps and cleaners, and make eco-friendly choices where you can in these rooms.

From here, branch out to your wardrobe and home furnishings. Do not choose fabrics made of animals, but also don’t choose fabrics treated with chemicals. Go with all-natural fibers as often as you can, and buy from eco-friendly companies when possible too.

Why do people want to go plant-based outside of just their diets?

The most common reason for going plant-based outside of a diet is because of the environment. Our environment is in serious need of help, and making these types of changes in your home is a great way to do your part to make a difference. You can also teach your children about how to care for the environment by showing these good choices in your home, as well.

Some people choose to go plant-based in their whole lives because of animal rights, too. Those who are concerned with animal welfare often work to make a difference by avoiding animal products.

When did this lifestyle become popular, and why?

This lifestyle has been popular for decades, although it began to see a rise in popularity in the 80s and 90s. At this time, more and more people were learning about the health benefits of going plant-based and didn’t think it was necessarily just a trend. This was also a time when veganism was on the rise, and those who wanted to give plant-based eating a try were more likely to do so.

The number of people who become plant-based every year continues to grow as this diet incorporates healthier options and shows better results over time.

Are doctors really on board with plant-based diet foods and plant-based dieting?

Absolutely! More and more doctors are beginning to understand just how useful eating plant-based diet foods can really be for maintaining health and preventing disease. This type of diet is particularly useful for preventing diabetes and heart disease or reducing the risk in many individuals.

In the past, doctors may not have agreed with their patients eating plant-based diet foods. Now, however, more and more doctors encourage and prescribe it, especially for those with risk factors that may contribute to common diseases as they get older. Even some mental health professionals encourage patients to try eating plant-based diet foods for depression and anxiety, too.

Plant-Based Diet Foods Are Here To Stay

As you can see, there’s a lot to learn when you’re thinking of trying a diet consisting of plant-based diet foods. Whether you’re going this route for your health, for weight loss, for the environment, or for some other reason altogether, you can’t go wrong giving plant-based eating a try. And who knows? You may find that you’re interested in branching out further and bringing plant-based concepts into your life from other angles, too.

Keep in mind that there are always some limited situations in which eating plant-based diet foods may not be right for you. Only your doctor will be able to tell you for sure whether or not this type of diet may be a healthy option for your needs. Some diseases may be made worse by eating only plant-based diet foods, and if you have trouble with protein, you may need to speak to a nutritionist about how to get enough of this crucial nutrient in your diet when you go plant-based, too.