plant:life nutrition
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WHY MORE PLANTS?
Why do I advocate for a healthy plant-based diet? And will I expect you to 'go vegan'?
I am an imperfect person. I work with imperfect people. I will work with you wherever you are ‘at’. I want to help you flourish, and the strongest evidence shows that transitioning towards eating more whole plant foods will enable you to do this. Wherever you are on your journey towards better health, I hope to inspire you by sharing the evidence with you in a simple and understandable way.
The research is clear: poor diets are responsible for more deaths globally than any other risk factor, including tobacco smoking. The biggest dietary factors that contribute to death and the daily burden of living with disease are high intake of sodium (which we largely get from processed foods), low intakes of whole grains, and low intake of fruits. Next on the list is low intakes of nuts and seeds, and low intake of vegetables. We know that many of our most common chronic diseases can be prevented, treated and even reversed by adopting a plant-based diet.
But there is confusion. What is a plant-based diet? Is their a difference between a whole-food plant-based diet (WFPB) and a vegan diet?
Vegan diets are defined by what they exclude, whilst whole food plant-based diets are defined by what they include:
Vegan diets exclude any animal-derived foods, including meat, fish, eggs, dairy and honey. So vegan diets can include ‘less healthy’ plant foods, such as refined carbohydrates and ultra processed foods (think oreos, donuts, and fries).
WFPB diets predominantly include ‘healthier’ whole plant foods; that is, wholegrains, fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts and seeds. Those on WFPB diets tend to avoid or minimise animal products and highly processed foods.
Researchers are now looking at these more subtle dietary differences, and finding that the health benefits you get from a diet rich in high quality plant foods are not found in lower quality plant-based diets; benefits such as lowering the risk of heart disease, lung disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.
So it’s not just about the plants, it’s about diet quality too. Ultimately, it is largely about the fibre and phytonutrients – beneficial nutrients that are only found in plants. Animal products and ultra processed foods (UPFs) are devoid of fibre and phytonutrients. Eating a high fibre diet (that is, one rich in whole plants) helps you to feel full for longer, making it easier not to overeat. It keeps your digestive system moving, helps control blood sugar levels, and keeps your gut microbiome healthy. All these factors lead to better health.
I will always meet you where you are, offering advise that lines up with your values, preferences and circumstances. I will help you to find balance and simplicity in your diet and lifestyle choices that will move you towards our goals in a realistic manner.
