What is a plant based diet?
A plant based diet is a diet where a very high proportion of your food intake is derived from plants. Eating a plant based diet does not mean you are a vegetarian or a vegan. It does not mean you exclude dairy, meat or fish from your diet. It just means that you choose to eat more foods that are plant based.
A plant based diet is a diet which has low saturated fat intake and is high in fibre.
Some foods that a derived from plants are:
- All fruits
- Vegetables
- Nuts
- Seeds
- Beans
- Oils
- Legumes
- Whole grains
Is a plant based diet healthy?
Yes it is. It has the following benefits:
- Reduces the risk of a heart attack
- Less likely to develop certain cancers (colon, prostate and breast cancer)
- Reduces the risk of developing diabetes.
- More mental alertness.
- Less risk of depression.
- Helps with weight loss.
- Helps to regulate blood sugar levels.
- Boosts energy levels.
- Reduces inflammation in the body.
Are there other names for a plant based diet?
Yes there are. The name will depend upon which foods you add or remove to your plant based diet.
Lacto-ovo vegetarian – An individual on this diet will primarily eat plant based food but will add dairy and eggs to their diet. They do not eat meat or fish.
Pescatarian – An individual on this diet will primarily eat plant based food but will add eggs, dairy products and fish to their diet. They do not eat any meat.
Flexitarian – An individual on a flexitarian diet will primarily eat plane based food but will add eggs and dairy products to their diet. They will occasionally add meat and fish to their diet..
Some ideas on how to have a plant based diet?
- For dessert you can cut some fruit and make a fruit salad.
- For a snack you cut a vegetable and eat it with hummus or guacamole.
- You can snack on nuts and seeds during the day.
- Eat a whole grain cereal for breakfast with oat or almond milk.
- Reduce your meat or fish portion size and replace it with vegetables.
If you would like to share your experiences with a plant based diet please let us know on our forum and social media! Share some of your thoughts with others and start a conversation.
DISCLAIMER
Before you start any new diet, health programme, exercise routine, and ingest or topically use any oil, vitamin, mineral, product or compound, it is very important to consult your doctor, therapist or do a patch test to make sure you do not have any adverse reactions.
We do not offer any form of medical or psychological advice. The information in our wellbeing articles are offered for educational purposes only. Our wellbeing articles are not intended to diagnose, treat or prevent any disease. Thank you.
