There is no clear definition of a what constitutes a whole-foods, plant-based diet (WFPB diet). The WFPB diet is not necessarily a set diet , it’s more of a lifestyle.
This is because plant-based diets can vary greatly depending on the extent to which a person includes animal products in their diet.
Nonetheless, the basic principles of a whole-foods, plant-based diet are as follows:
- Emphasises whole, minimally processed foods.
- Limits or avoids animal products.
- Focuses on plants, including vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, seeds and nuts, which should make up the majority of what you eat.
- Excludes refined foods, like added sugars, white flour and processed oils.
- Pays special attention to food quality, with many proponents of the WFPB diet promoting locally sourced, organic food whenever possible.
For these reasons, this diet is often confused with vegan or vegetarian diets. Yet although similar in some ways, these diets are not the same.
People who follow vegan diets abstain from consuming any animal products, including dairy, meat, poultry, seafood, eggs and honey. Vegetarians exclude all meat and poultry from their diets, but some vegetarians eat eggs, seafood or dairy.
The WFPB diet, on the other hand, is more flexible. Followers eat mostly plants, but animal products are not off limits.
What are the benefits of a WFPB diet?
- It helps to lower inflammation
- It’s good for gut health
- It supports your immune system
- It helps you to maintain a healthy weight
- It lowers your risk of heart related condition and diabetes. It is linked to a reduced risk of cancer
- You will increase your energy levels
- Better brain health
- Lowers risk of osteoporosis
- Lowers your risk of kidney disease
There are so many benefits to eating a plant based diet, I hope this gives you a little insight and you can research this further.