In brief, a plant-based diet is any diet that focuses around foods derived from plant sources. So, we’re talking fruit, vegetables, grains, pulses, legumes, nuts and meat substitutes such as soy products.
However, a plant-based diet can mean different things to different people. People have different interpretations of what ‘plant-based’ eating looks like, for some it’ll include small amounts of animal products such as meat and fish, while focusing mainly on vegetarian foods – this can also be referred to as a semi-vegetarian or flexitarian diet.
If you opt for a diet that cuts out meat but still includes fish, then this is referred to as pescatarian a diet. If you don’t eat meat or fish but still eat dairy and eggs then you are referred to as vegetarian. Those who cut out any animal derived products, including dairy, eggs, honey and gelatin are referred to as vegan.
For me, I choose a plant-based pescatarian diet, as this is said to help reduce inflammation and improve general wellbeing and be a little better for the planet too. As I have been diagnosed with MS, I am following the Overcoming MS diet plan.
Is a plant-based diet healthy?
Regardless of the diet you choose, it is worth noting that ‘plant-based’ does not automatically mean ‘healthy’. Likewise, a vegan diet does not mean that the foods available are healthy. It is important to pay attention to the quality of foods that you are eating, particularly when it comes to processed and packaged foods. Technically, products such as refined sugar, white flour and certain vegetable fats can all be labelled ‘plant-based’ as they are vegetarian, but this does not mean that they should make up the bulk of a healthy diet.
Plant-based diets including vegan diets can be healthy, as long as they are balanced and you are getting the nutrition that your body needs. A balanced, plant-based diet that focuses on fruit, vegetables, legumes, nuts and seeds may provide health benefits (and don’t have to be boring)
Benefits include a lower body mass index, lower cholesterol levels and a reduced incidence of chronic diseases including type 2 diabetes, heart disease.
Needless to say the health benefits of any diet are dependent on the quality and nutritional adequacy. Replacing refined carbohydrates with wholegrains, avoiding refined sugar, sweetened drinks and prioritising good quality plant-based protein and fats, is key.
If you are thinking of significantly changing your diet, it’s best to start slowly, maybe introduce one or two plant-based meals a week to start with. There are so many amazing plant-based recipe books available that can help to inspire your recipes and are also packed with informations about the best ingredients to try. Starting slowly will allow your body to adapt to new foods and to the changes in the proportion of certain nutrients, such as fibre. It also allows you to experiment with new recipes and build up some storecupboard ingredients over time.
