Why Plant-Based?
Firstly, is there a difference between plant-based and vegan?
When it comes to dietary patterns, ‘plant-based’ refers to what you DO eat; predominantly or exclusively whole plant foods. ‘Vegan’ refers to what you DON’T eat; any food derived from animals. Due to the wide variety of vegan options now available, a vegan diet doesn’t always mean a health-promoting diet.
I take a whole foods approach to a vegan diet
This includes whole grains, beans, legumes, fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, herbs and spices. Even if you aren’t vegan, increasing intake of your whole plant foods will have benefits to your health.
It is important to recognise that the term ‘vegan’ goes beyond what you choose to eat. The Vegan Society states:
“Veganism is a philosophy and way of living which seeks to exclude – as far as is possible and practicable – all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose; and by extension, promotes the development and use of animal-free alternatives for the benefit of animals, humans and the environment. In dietary terms it denotes the practice of dispensing with all products derived wholly or partly from animals.”
There are many fantastic reasons why a whole foods vegan diet can be a wonderful way to eat, so let’s delve into the reasons I am so passionate about plants!
Health
Choosing a whole foods plant-based diet reduces your risk of developing many common and debilitating chronic diseases including heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, obesity, gut conditions, many cancers, and can even improve your mental health.
The British Dietetic Association states that a well-planned vegan diet is suitable for people of all ages, and acknowledge its many health benefits.
With vegan ‘junk’ foods on the rise, I help my clients to focus on food choices that will maximise the benefits of vegan eating.
Environment
Animal agriculture is a major cause and driver of climate change, land use, water depletion, river, lake and sea pollution, eutrophication, forest destruction, habitat loss and species extinction.
Livestock farming produces more greenhouse gas emissions than all global transport combined.
Choosing plant-based foods over animal foods will greatly reduce your impact on our beautiful natural world. Read more about it here.
Compassion
Unfortunately, we are not taught the reality of how and where our foods come from.
Animal agriculture, including the dairy and egg industries in the UK and worldwide, involve the physical and emotional suffering of billions of animals every day. Due to confined and dirty conditions, many require antibiotics to stop them getting too sick for us to consume. All animals are slaughtered before they have reached a fraction of their natural lifespan.
It is crucial that we are well-informed on the real processes behind our everyday food, so we know exactly what we are paying for when we make our food choices.
Justice
As Earth’s population increases, so too does the risk for starvation, water scarcity and environmental disasters in vulnerable areas of the world.
Feeding the world equalling and sustainably is becoming an increasingly pressing issue. A vegan diet requires less land, fewer resources and produces less waste, helping to support a more sustainable food system for everyone.
There is also a hidden human cost to animal food production, with the mental health of slaughterhouse workers under extreme pressure due to consistent exposure to extreme violence.
Taste
A vegan diet can be a delicious, nutritious and exciting way to nourish your body every day.
Adopting a plant-based diet provides an opportunity to learn about nutrition, discover new cooking skills, and express creativity in your meals. With so many fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, seeds, pulses, beans, spices and herbs to choose from, you’ll be amazed at the rainbow of meals you can craft.
And whatever your current favourite meal is, don’t worry, you can ‘veganise’ it!