The term veganism or plant-based diet has been quite popular in diet culture and overall, among health-focused individuals. Many mistake the two diets as the same diet, but – despite having a similar goal and result – they are still very different.
Vegan diet is a diet where you eliminate all animal products, that means no diary, meat, fish, poultry, eggs and even honey. Any food source that is made by an animal or is an animal is eliminated from the vegan diet. Veganism could be taken as a lifestyle change for many people for all kinds of reasons, such as health or love for animals and nature. Following the vegan diet is not as harsh as it sounds – due to many resources and brands, there is a huge variety of vegan food that substitutes real meat or dairy products and processed food and junk food.
The plant-based diet is also a diet that eliminates all animal meats and products, but the point of the diet is to get your nutrients from whole foods and plant sources rather than food substitutes or processed and junk food. Basically, the diet needs to be as clean and whole as possible, making the main sources fruits, vegetables, whole grains, plant-based oil, nuts and seeds.
The main difference is that in a vegan diet there is no restrictions towards processed food and is more free and less restrictive, but plant-based diet focuses on health and eating the correct foods for the sake of our health. Both diets might be tricky to get used to at the start but if you make sure that you get at least 50 precent of vegetables and 25 precent of lean clean protein of vegan source and whole grains, your daily needs will be met.
However, you need to remember that you must take B12 supplements and calcium supplements, because those vitamins are not found much in vegan food. There are many vegan foods that are fortified with those vitamins or simply taking vitamins will be just fine.
To sum up, both diets have incredible changes to our health and bodies and can change your life and overall lifestyle if done correctly. It also helps the environment and the beautiful animals that share the land of the Earth with us. Slowly starting to incorporate vegan and plant-based meals into your diet will help improve a smooth transition into the lifestyle of veganism/plant-base. There is many documentaries and books that offer a great amount of advice and information for those who seek it and, of course, before eliminating any group of foods from your diet, discuss it with a professional, preferably a dietitian or your own personal doctor that knows your health triggers. Always make sure your health is able to handle the changes you may face during the diet change, and make sure you are capable of maintaining the lifestyle and investing in your health with quality food and resources. A good diet can lead to good health and good health is one of the best gifts you can give to your body and to yourself – so take care of your body, mind, and soul.
Luna Abd Elrazaq.
[i] If you are interested in mental health, check out this article: https://infozio.1367.hu/2022/03/16/a-closer-look-into-borderline-personality-disorder/
