What the Heck is a Plant Based Diet?

About four years ago (right before having my oldest son Shelby), I started on the journey to eat a more plant based diet. Many recipes I use and food bloggers I follow are vegan, but there are important distinctions to be made between veganism and plant based eating.

While a vegan completely eliminates all animal products in their diet and lifestyle (clothing, footwear, furniture, etc.), a plant based diet simply attempts to reduce animal consumption and increase the consumption of whole foods including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.

What does this look like for me? My family has completely eliminated meat at this point, but we still eat fish about once a week and some cheese in certain recipes (this has been the tough one). We use almond or soy milk for smoothies and when baking. There is NO shortage of flavour or variety in our meal plan and food still brings a lot of joy!

A common question I get regarding my diet is whether or not I have enough energy eating this way. Many people are concerned about the protein intake being high enough when following a plant based diet. It does take planning and effort to ensure that your body is getting an appropriate amount of protein, but you will be surprised at how much protein is available in plant sources. I have increased energy and much less bloating from eating this way. My boys have only ever eaten plant based and they are extremely healthy as well. They have hit all of their developmental milestones and are thriving.

I'd love to share more about my journey as well as tips and tricks to eating a more plant based diet in future posts if there is interest. Leave a comment below :)