Whole Food Plant Based Eating - What is it, and is it different than eating vegan?
Is there a difference between vegan and whole food plant-based (often referred to as WFPB) diets? Yes, while they both eliminate animal products, WFPB diets take it a step further and eliminate all processed foods. The goal is to eat a variety of fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains and legumes every day.
People have seen great success with health issues switching to this way of eating. Many people have reversed Type 2 diabetes, lowered blood pressure and cholesterol, and seen other disease symptoms disappear. While some people try and move toward this way of eating slowly and start to work in more fresh foods and less processed foods gradually, others jump right in. This diet also eliminates sugar, salt and oils, and relies on fruit for sweeteners. This can be the hardest part of the diet and it takes a while for your taste buds to adjust, but they do eventually. Some people even go through withdrawal when they cut out sugar, but if you stick with it, the cravings will go away!
What do the meals this look like?
Breakfast:
Oatmeal with Fresh or frozen Fruit and chopped nuts
Lunch:
Large salad with crunchy veggies, nuts and beans
Homemade hummus with cut up veggies or spread on a baked sweet potato
Bean and corn chili
Dinner:
Baked enchiladas
Buddha Bowl with brown rice, veggies, edamame, mango and creamy cashew dressing
There are some great doctors who promote this way of eating and provide fact-based information and delicious recipes!
Also, if you haven’t already, watch the documentary Forks Over Knives (now streaming for free).