Plant-Based Diet

Posted on November 30, 2015

by April S

It seems like there are so many different types of diets or eating plans that it can be a bit overwhelming at times. Plant-based diets have become increasingly popular in recent years.

What is a Plant-Based Diet?

Well, after doing a little research it turns out there are many different types of plant-based diets. U.S. News provides an easy to understand definition for the plant-based approach to eating:

“Plant-based diets are good for the environment, your heart, your weight and your overall health. U.S. News defines plant-based as an approach that emphasizes minimally processed foods from plants, with modest amounts of fish, lean meat and low-fat dairy, and red meat only sparingly.” ~ U.S. News

Forks Over Knives provides another great example of what a whole-food, plant-based diet is all about.

“A whole-food, plant-based diet is centered on whole, unrefined, or minimally refined plants. It’s a diet based on fruits, vegetables, tubers, whole grains, and legumes; and it excludes or minimizes meat (including chicken and fish), dairy products, and eggs, as well as highly refined foods like bleached flour, refined sugar, and oil.” – Forks over Knives

While it’s easy to understand the basic principles and concepts behind some of the more popular diets these days — it doesn’t always answer the question — what will a particular person eat or not eat? If you’re preparing a meal for guests and are still in doubt — it’s probably best to simply ask.  After all, most people love to exchange recipes and bring dishes to pass for large gatherings. However, if you’re interested in learning more about the plant-based diet — check out the cookbooks listed below.

Plant-Based Cookbooks

Plant-powered families : over 100 kid-tested, whole-foods vegan recipes / Dreena Burton
The PlantPure Nation cookbook : the official companion cookbook to the breakthrough film...with over 150 plant-based recipes / Kim Campbell ; foreword by T. Colin Campbell ; photographs by Brian Olson
Love fed : purely decadent, simply raw, plant-based desserts / by Christina Ross
Plant Power : Transform Your Kitchen, Plate, and Life with More Than 150 Fresh and Flavorful Vegan Recipes by Nava Atlas
The forks over knives plan : how to transition to the life-saving, whole-food, plant-based diet / Alona Pulde, M.D. and Matt Lederman, M.D. ; with Marah Stets
The happy herbivore guide to plant-based living / Lindsay S. Nixon
The China study all-star collection : whole food, plant-based recipes from your favorite vegan chefs / edited by LeAnne Campbell, PhD ; introduction by T. Colin Campbell, coauthor of The China study
Powerful Plant-Based Superfoods : The Best Way to Eat for Maximum Health, Energy, and Weight Loss by Lauri Boone

Looking for more information on plant-based diets?

Use these great online resources

What is a Plant-Based Diet? (The Difference Between “Plant-Based” and “Vegan”) – Happy Herbivore

How to Eat a Healthy Whole Foods, Plant-Based Diet on $50 Per Week – One Green Planet

Forks Over Knives app offers step-by-step directions for 180 plant-based recipes


Disclaimer: This blog provides information for educational purposes only. Always consult a physician before starting any diet or exercise plan.

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