Plant-Based and Vegan Eating can both be an effective approach to improving health and longevity by incorporating more nutrient-dense foods in your diet, however every situation is as unique as you are.
While the primary goal of plant-based eating is to make plant-based foods the central part of your meals, the “why” may determine your approach.
Plant-Based
A plant-based eating approach emphasizes fruits, vegetables, tubers, legumes, grains, seeds, and nuts; while limiting animal-based foods, like meat, seafood, eggs, and dairy. Plant-based eaters typically minimize animal products and foods that are highly processed, opting to eat more whole, fresh foods. This doesn’t necessarily mean you’re vegan and never eat meat, dairy, or eggs. Rather, it indicates that you’re choosing more of your foods from plant sources.
Many choose a plant-based eating approach for the multitude of health benefits. Diets rich in plant foods such as nuts, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and certain oils have been shown to significantly lower risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer, and obesity. Transitioning to a plant-based approach can also help you increase your energy levels, quality of life, and longevity.
Individuals might also choose a plant-based approach for ethical, environmental, or spiritual reasons. Studies show plant-based eating practices that use whole foods more than packaged products have a smaller environmental impact than most other eating approaches.
Vegan
A vegan approach omits all animal products and by-products. For example, meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy, honey, leather, fur, silk, and wool and is typically driven by compassion for animals. Many vegans avoid cosmetics and soaps derived from animal products as well as foods processed using animal products, such as refined white sugar and some wines.
Additionally, many vegans do not use products tested on animals. Ethical commitment, and moral conviction are often the main motivations for vegans. Many vegans are also concerned by practices involved in factory farming and animal testing as well as the intensive use of land and other resources for animal farming, among other environmental concerns. Spiritual and religious beliefs, and the pursuit of optimal health also often come into play for many vegans.
Properly planned, nutrient-dense vegan diets have been found to satisfy nutritional needs and promote numerous health benefits, including a reduced risk of heart disease, colon and lung cancer, osteoporosis, diabetes, kidney disease, hypertension, and obesity.
In conclusion, while there are similarities between a plant-based and a vegan eating approach, the biggest difference is whether or not you include animal products and by-products in your diet, and your “why”. If you transitioned strictly for the animals, then you may be vegan; however, if you transitioned strictly for health then you may be plant-based.
If you are interested in taking control of your health by transitioning to a plant-forward diet, contact me directly at [email protected] to schedule a free 50-minute discovery call.
