Just like 'hot' and 'warm' share similarities but are unique, vegan diets and whole food plant based diets share strong similarities but have significant differences. The world around diet has exploded with many people now realizing plant-based diets to be a healthier choice. You have probably heard of friends or family that have gone “vegan" or now stick to a “whole-food plant based diet." In this blog, we will be discussing the differences between a whole food plant based diet and vegan diet.
Differences between Vegan diet and Whole food plant based diet
A Vegan diet totally eliminates all forms of animal-derived food for reasons like health, environment and animal welfare. Some vegans go ahead to boycott other animal related products besides food like clothes, leather and so on while some others only restrict their veganism to the diet like meat, poultry, fish, dairy, eggs and honey.
The term "vegan" was coined by English animal rights activist Donald Watson in 1944, to describe the concept of totally eliminating animal products for ethical purposes.
In a whole plant based diet, the vast majority of food is derived from plants. Whole plant based diet centers on unrefined or minimally refined plant foods, excludes or totally minimizes meat, dairy products, and highly refined foods like oil, refined sugar and bleached flour. A person on a whole plant based diet eats mainly:
Nuts and seeds
Fruits
Whole grains
Legumes (like chickpeas and lentils)
The key difference between a vegan diet and a whole food plant based diet is that a vegan can eat a processed snacks like Oreos & Doritos but that does not fit into a whole food plant-based lifestyle since this diet avoids oils and processed foods as much as possible.
5 Health benefits of a whole plant based diet
Whole-food plant based diet is the healthiest type of diet you can follow. This diet provides your body with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytochemicals.
Rich in fiber: Whole food plant based foods make you feel fuller with lesser calories due to the presence of fibers. It also helps in digestion and gut health, maintains energy and supports steady blood sugar levels.
Reduces bad cholesterol: A whole food plant based diet enables weight loss as there is less saturated fat,and the diet is full of nutrients and antioxidants.
Rich in Protein: Plant sources of protein like tofu, tempeh, legumes, beans, nuts and seeds provide your body with the required intake of protein for proper functioning so you do not need animal products to get this protein.
Reduced stress: With the ever rising price of fish, beef and poultry, eating less or skipping it altogether takes away that financial burden. A whole plant based diet includes buying grains and dry beans in bulk, cooking by yourself at home and making your own nut milks which is highly cost efficient.
Decreased risk of lifestyle diseases: Those who eat a whole food plant based diet have been shown to face a lower risk of chronic lifestyle diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, arthritis, inflammation, cancer and constipation through weight loss, high levels of antioxidants and good nutrients.
Considering these differences between a vegan diet and a whole plant based diet as well as the benefits of a whole foods plant diet, it is now easier for you to decide on what is best for yourself.
Book a Free 50-minute consultation session with me today - nothing beats a one-on-one with someone who has been through the experience. The food you eat can either be the safest and most powerful form of medicine or the slowest form of poison. Once your mind believes you can achieve that great health and wellness, your body does the work faster.
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