A plant-based diet is one that does not include eating any animal products. This includes meat, fish, dairy and eggs. A whole foods plant based diet predominantly consists of whole plant foods such as legumes, pulses, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds. One may choose to adopt a plant-based diet for reasons including animal welfare (in which case they may call themselves vegan and avoid products such as leather and silk), the environment or health.

There are so many amazing benefits to eating a whole foods plant-based diet; a way of eating that would help to prevent some of the most pressing health issues facing our society today. Residents in areas in the world where people tend to live the longest, known as The Blue Zones, eat a predominantly plant-based diet.  As much as 95 percent of daily food intake coming from vegetables, fruits, grains, and legumes.

A vegan diet can provide many health benefits. Vegans have:

• 3/4–1/2 lower rates of high blood pressure
• 2/3 lower risk of type-2 diabetes
• 15–20% lower risk of cancer
• Significantly lower cholesterol levels *

*Source: Veganhealth.org

With so much conflicting information out there on diet and health, I aim to address common myths and beliefs about plant-based diets such as “Will I get enough protein?” or “Is this way of eating suitable during pregnancy?”

My blog has many nourishing and tasty plant-based recipes I’ve made over the years. For those trying to make the transition or simply eat more plant foods, my advice is to start incorporating some of these recipes into your weekly meals. Be gentle and kind to yourself as we are all on our own journey.