What Is A Plant-Based, Whole-Foods Diet?

A whole-food, plant-based (WFPB) diet is a lifestyle that emphasizes whole, minimally processed foods from plants and excludes animal products, added oils, and sugars. This diet is known for its heart-healthy benefits, as it can lower the risk of heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and other conditions. A 2016 study found that those who followed a healthy plant-based diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, and nuts had lower risks of heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and other conditions.

A WFPB diet is based on simple science-based guidelines, which include eating whole plants such as grains, nuts, vegetables, and fruit. It aims to eliminate animal products, including meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy, and honey. Plant-based or plant-forward eating patterns focus on foods primarily from plants, including fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds, oils, and other plant-based ingredients.

A WFPB diet is a personal empowering strategy for staying healthy for as long as possible and has been shown to reverse many chronic diseases. The diet features simple science-based guidelines, focusing on foods that are minimally processed or unprocessed, without added sugars, preservatives, or artificial flavors.

In summary, a WFPB diet is a health-promoting lifestyle that focuses on consuming whole, minimally processed foods from plants, limiting or eliminating animal products, and avoiding refined foods. By following these principles, individuals can achieve optimal health, reduce the risk of chronic diseases, and contribute to a healthier future.


📹 A Whole Food Plant Based Diet | Mick Walker | TEDxJohnLyonSchool

The health implications of our diet. Why everyone should consider a Plant Based diet.’ Mick is an Oxford-educated Biologist and …


Can I eat eggs on a plant-based diet?

Plant-based diets have gained popularity due to their numerous health benefits, including preventing obesity, reducing diabetes risk, and lowering mortality rates. These diets often involve vegetarian diets, which include fruits, vegetables, and meatless proteins like eggs, dairy, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and soy. Eggs can be incorporated into plant-forward dishes to make a nutritious and well-rounded meal.

A baked egg dish can be made with seasonal vegetables and herbs, and can be cooked in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Different flavor variations, such as sun-dried tomato, parmesan cheese, basil, or asparagus, radish, and goat cheese, can be added for a Mediterranean or spring twist.

Eggs can also be a great addition to stuffed veggies, such as peppers, tomatoes, and squash. Cut the veggies in half, scoop out the seeds, fill with your favorite whole grain, and top with an egg. For an extra boost of heart-healthy fat, cut a ripe avocado in half and top with cheesy scrambled eggs for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Is pasta OK on a plant-based diet?
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

Is pasta OK on a plant-based diet?

Vegans can eat whole grain pasta as long as it does not contain egg or other non-vegan ingredients. Whole grain pasta is plant-based in most cases, but it is important to read the ingredients before purchasing. It has extra fiber and is a good addition to any vegan diet. Dry pasta is more likely to exclude eggs than fresh pasta, which often contains eggs and some dairy. Egg-free versions are rare, so it is important to read the ingredients before purchasing.

Most gluten-free pasta is also vegan, but sometimes dairy or other non-vegan ingredients may be added. Vegans can enjoy various sauces on pasta, such as marinara, arrabbiata, and puttanesca, which can be altered to fit a vegan or plant-based diet. Alfredo and vodka sauces can be made with plant-based alternatives to dairy milk, and bolognese can be made with mushrooms or plant-based meat alternatives.

Can you eat eggs on a whole food plant-based diet?

A whole-foods, plant-based diet, which emphasizes plant-based foods and reduces animal products and processed items, has been demonstrated to assist in the prevention and management of obesity, a condition that affects nearly 31% of adults and over 42%. Modifications to dietary and lifestyle habits have been demonstrated to result in weight loss and enhanced overall health.

Are eggs whole food plant-based?

Plant-based diets are a type of diet that focuses on food derived from plants and free from animal ingredients like meat, milk, eggs, or honey. While there are similarities between whole-food, plant-based (WFPB) and vegan diets, there are key differences. WFPB diets focus on whole or minimally processed foods, while vegan diets may include highly processed imitation meats and cheeses. The five food groups on a WFPB diet include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, whole grains, and legumes.

What can’t you eat on a whole food plant-based diet?

A whole-food, plant-based diet (WFPB) is a type of diet that focuses on plant-based foods, such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, tubers, and starchy vegetables. It excludes processed foods like olive oil, bleached flour, refined sugar, and white rice. A WFPB diet does not include meat, dairy products, or eggs. It differs from a vegetarian or vegan diet, which includes eggs and dairy, while a vegan diet does not. Additionally, a vegan diet can include processed foods like Oreos, Pop-Tarts, and some chips, which are vegan but not included in a WFPB diet.

What is an example of a plant-based diet?

The adoption of plant-based diets, comprising vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, seeds, and nuts, is becoming more prevalent among the general population. This is largely attributed to the perceived benefits of such diets in facilitating weight loss, enhancing overall health, and promoting environmental sustainability.

Is canned tuna considered a whole food?
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

Is canned tuna considered a whole food?

The text highlights the importance of consuming a balanced diet, focusing on unprocessed or minimally processed foods like vegetables, grains, legumes, fruits, nuts, meats, seafood, herbs, spices, garlic, eggs, and milk. Processed foods, such as bread, cheese, tofu, canned tuna, and beans, are packaged but not detrimental to health. Ultra-processed foods, which contain almost 50 percent of our calories, go through multiple processes and contain many added ingredients. These foods include soft drinks, chips, chocolate, candy, ice-cream, sweetened breakfast cereals, packaged soups, chicken nuggets, hotdogs, and fries.

The decline of home-cooked meals and the increase in ultra-processed foods has led to a shift in dietary patterns. To maintain a healthy lifestyle, it is recommended to cook more often at home without using ultra-processed ingredients. Dining with friends and family can also lead to better eating habits, such as enjoying more vegetables, fewer soft drinks, and less deep-fried food.

What is the downside of a plant-based diet?
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

What is the downside of a plant-based diet?

Plant-based diets often raise concerns about micronutrients, particularly vitamin B12. Studies have shown that those on a plant-based diet have lower plasma vitamin B12 levels and higher levels of vitamin B12 deficiency compared to those who consume animal products. Vitamin B12 is crucial for DNA synthesis and can lead to anemia and neurological dysfunction. Pregnant women should ensure adequate Vitamin B12 levels to prevent neural tube defects and long-term consequences in weight management and brain development.

Vitamin B12 is created by bacteria in the soil and is primarily obtained by consuming meat products. Modern foods, such as breakfast cereals and nondairy milks, are fortified with vitamin B12, and vitamin B12 supplements are widely available. Vegans may also be at risk for deficiencies of other micronutrients, such as selenium, zinc, niacin, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, and calcium.

A German study in 2020 found no significant difference in vitamin B12 levels between omnivores and vegans, suggesting that eating a variety of fortified foods and taking a supplement is sufficient for obtaining normal vitamin B12 levels.

Recent research has identified other potential risks of a plant-based diet, such as increased fracture risk. While older studies have shown lower bone mineral density (BMD) than those who eat meat, recent research has failed to show an association between increased dairy intake and prevention of fractures. Therefore, it is important for those on a plant-based diet to ensure sufficient intake of calcium- and vitamin D-containing foods, and to pay careful attention to fortified foods.

Is Greek yogurt a whole food?

Whole foods, such as cheese and plain yogurt, are often considered healthy due to minimal processing of the milk they are made from. However, this does not include yogurts with added sugars, flavourings, and sweeteners. The structure of foods, whether left whole or broken up, can also impact how our body absorbs them. Senior Dietitian Victoria Taylor investigates the concept of whole foods and their importance in promoting healthy eating habits.

Is hummus a whole food?
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

Is hummus a whole food?

Whole foods, such as processed foods like hummus with limited added salt or reduced-salt and sugar baked beans, are considered healthy for a whole foods diet. However, they are not considered whole foods if they are not properly structured or broken down. The body’s absorption of foods is influenced by more than just the nutrient content, but also the structure of the food. The concept of whole foods and a whole foods diet is important for understanding the importance of a balanced diet in maintaining overall health.


📹 What is a Whole Food Plant Based Diet?

What is a whole foods plant based vegan diet? by Dr Klaper on NZ radio. He was in New Zealand to speak at the Nutrition in …


What Is A Plant-Based, Whole-Foods Diet?
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

Rae Fairbanks Mosher

I’m a mother, teacher, and writer who has found immense joy in the journey of motherhood. Through my blog, I share my experiences, lessons, and reflections on balancing life as a parent and a professional. My passion for teaching extends beyond the classroom as I write about the challenges and blessings of raising children. Join me as I explore the beautiful chaos of motherhood and share insights that inspire and uplift.

About me

18 comments

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • I had a heart attack April 3rd. 2024. In the hospital they told me I was diabetic with an A1C of 11.6, and this was a major contributing reason for my heart attack. Had two stents put into my circumflex coronary artery (heart). After discharge, I went home, watched Dr. Neil Barnard and decided to go all in on a 100% whole food plant-based. (no animal products, ultra processed foods, minimal sugar and oils). In four months, I’ve lost 30 pounds, my A1C is down to 5.9 and LDL cholesterol is down to 1.2. It works. My Type 2 diabetes is reversed. To anyone dealing with health issues, pay attention. You have the power to change. Food can be a poison or a medicine. Whole food, plant-based works.

  • I noticed the audience was small. I’m hoping the whole event was small because if hundreds of people attended, it’s really sad to see so few listening to such an important speech. I hope Mick was not preaching to the choir. My wife threw away all our meat and dairy products on October 9th, 2021. Now, on February 1st, 2022, she has lost 13 pounds and I have lost 31. We are in our 70’s, and feel much better mentally and physically. We have both lost about 4 inches in our waist sizes. Thank you, Mick. All humans need to get with this program, but I’m afraid the meat and dairy industries have been exercising mind control over the masses for far too many decades, at least where we live, in the United States. Every time I turn on the TV is see thick slices of pizza being lifted in slow motion in commercials, allowing the enticing melted cheese to stretch out in strings as it glides in front of the hungry eyes of people perusal in recliner chairs. I see fast food restaurant hamburgers now including thick bread thickly coated in melted butter, followed by thick patties of juicy beef, a slice of cheese, and strips of bacon…yes, all on the same sandwich. This is what the plant based advocates are up against. If humans becomes extinct, most of them will deserve to die, for no other reason than their atrocious diets.

  • I went WFPB last year and all markers of health improved. I now consume 1 kilo of vegetables per day (~12 servings) plus 3 servings of fruit, and 70 grams of natural fiber (no supplements). Before WFPB I was running a 5k in 32 min. A year later, at age 51, I just ran my fastest 5k last week since college, at 24 minutes. I have been training hard, but I attribute 80% of the merit to an improved diet.

  • I have been whole food-plant based for 4 1/2 years. I did it to lower serum cholesterol from 210 mg/dl (high) to 125 mg/dl, and it stayed down ever since. It also lowered my blood pressure, weight and high resting heart rate. Only blood pressure is a bit high at 123/83. I have normal resting heart rate and weight. Some people think eating whole food-plant based is radical; what I consider more radical than that: eating oneself into a massive heart attack.

  • I went vegan 7 years ago and I’ll NEVER go back to eat meat/dairy products. I lost weight, my complexion and hair look great and the best part no more IBS, I feel awesome!!! Now my health tests come back perfect every year. I can also feel a HUGE difference in my immune system, I rarely get sick. A plant based diet was the best thing thing that I did for my health, I wish I would have done it waaaaay before. All my family is vegan now. Thank you for sharing this info!

  • Such an excellent talk. You put all the points so eloquently. I wish there were more UK based speakers on this topic. There has been an explosion of vegan junk food on the supermarket shelves in the last 10 years, which has really missed the point. We need more people like you to put things right. Thank you and happy cycling. Shell.

  • I switched to vegan about 4 years ago but as an athlete though. I have gained more strength, much more stamina, better cardio, and overall much better happiness as a result. Most important… My focus has been much greater since switching. The hardest part though is trying to pack on weight, but I’ve gone from 165 to 195 in 4 years since. Progress is steady 💪💪

  • I just love the way he delivers information in such a clear, direct, easy-to-understand way! This is one of the best talks on this topic I have listened to. I also follow a WFPB diet and love the results, have lost a lot of weight. My 8 year old son who also eats this way is his school’s top athlete and is very energetic. I also have 4 year old twins who are doing very well on this way of eating. My one twin has Down syndrome and her health is actually very good.

  • I have been wfpb for 2 years after having a colonoscopy that showed a colon polyp and diverticula and then researching the healthiest diet and finding the American doctors mentioned (also Dr McDougall). It is so good to hear a UK person talk on the subject. My husband has a congenital heart condition, artificial heart valve, pacemaker etc, eating this way he wont get heart disease and will hopefully live longer. Live long and die fast is Dr Esselstyn’s mantra.

  • After research and discussion with my peers, I have started the DIP diet (similar to WFPB diet). My friend, who started the diet 2 months ago, saw his blood pressure drop, his blood glucose drop, his body rid of inflammation, his fatty liver dropped, and his overall health improved without exercising. I am not a vegan, but a vegetarian.

  • Very well spoken. The thing that meat eaters have a really difficult time with is getting off the meat. It is an addiction, just as any. That’s why so many vegans eat Impossible Whoppers. Vegetables and fruits will certainly help to extend your life and help prevent sickness. For those that have grown up on a meat-eating diet, it’s very difficult to transition and, sustain. I think that a meat moderation would be a better place to start. The centenarians can’t be discounted and eat a mostly plant-based diet. However, they do consume some meat and dairy and still live healthy lives to 100 plus. Everything is raw and non-processed. This tells me that WHOLE foods are more important. This isn’t hocus pocus. There can be a median. More fruits and veggies, some meat and dairy, no processed food.

  • I’m considering switching to a vegan diet and I’m very sympathetic to many of the arguments for veganism. I’m perusal articles like this to learn more about how to switch. Having said that, I don’t think that this is a very good argument. If an animal gets sick with a disease, cancer, diabetes, heart problems, etc. They don’t have a doctor to go to, they can’t go to the hospital, they just die. If a human gets cancer, diabetes, heart problems, etc. We recognize the symptoms, we go to the doctor and we get treatment. We live long, albeit disease filled lives.

  • A plant based diet gave me type 2 diabetes in the first place. I have used to cure my condition by going to a zero plant diet and I will continue to eat meat, eggs, cheese, fish, and drink milk no matter what the vegan hate trolls say, or the so called peer reviewed studies they link to, or what any vegan propaganda article says. Eating meat and choosing your own diet is a HUMAN RIGHT! Humans have been hunting and harvesting meat and cooking and eating meat since they mastered fire since the stone age. If humans are not suppose to eat meat then just how did humans survive the ICE AGE without eating plants? Interesting how no vegan mentions “crop deaths” in the harvest and the making of vegan fake food. Interesting how the history of “natural old school bodybuilding” back in the 50’s and 60’s considered plant protein to be weak when compared to animal protein, like milk and eggs. Legend bodybuilder Vince Gironda considered plant protein to be loaded with sugar and carbs, that will raise blood sugar and spike insulin, and almost non digestible for the human body to digest. Organic or not, fruit and vegs are still carbs that raise blood sugar, and contain the same fructose and sugar…

  • I HATE THE PROTEIN QUESTION!!!!!!!!!! Im so sick of it! GAWD! Like people don’t know that by now! If you are eating a well balanced vegan diet you will be deficient in NOTHING! Apologies for the caps, I’m just really, really tired of that stupid question. Its like people thing protein ONLY comes from meat. Geeze!

  • You can’t be vegan and be picky. It’s just not compatible. You better learn to like foods that you never liked before or you’re going to starve. You can train your mind to like foods that you never liked. I never enjoyed tomatoes, onions, or spinach. But I tell you what, I eat them every single day and I love them now. I don’t see it as food, I look at them as nutrients.

  • Sadly, I think dr. Klapper failed here. In the first 60 seconds of this article he said WFPB is “the same diet we’re eating now without the meat, Dairy, eggs, hydrogenated oils, sugars…” … For most Americans, not really. Then he said the diet is based on “colorful salads, hearty lentil stew and bean burritos, and fruit and soup” … When average people here that they are going to hear “soup and salad and fruit” ! Major, Major misfire on the first 60 seconds. Sound bites are so important. I might have to weigh in on this.

  • My room mate is on the Adkins diet and I wanted to see how perceptive he was, This morning he was in a hurry and left for work and did not flush the toilet, As you know the Standard American Diet (SAD) is loaded with fat, sugar and salt which equates to great taste. So I put him to the test. I removed the turd and smothered it with lots of butter, a cup of sugar, and a touch of salt. I mixed it thoroughly and threw out a package of his hamburger and replaced it with the turdburger. He came home tonight and sure enough he made a “hamburger” and mentioned later that it tasted great. Do you think I should tell him why it tasted so good?

  • I guess we can remove stoves, ovens, microwaves and grill if you want to go on a whole food plant diet. heck why do need tables sand chairs we can just eat on the floor. heck even sleeping on the floor is better than the bed for your body posture so let’s just dump the furniture industry. ww don’t need to take down trees, we can live in a nice small shack and still be able to get around.

Pin It on Pinterest

We use cookies in order to give you the best possible experience on our website. By continuing to use this site, you agree to our use of cookies.
Accept
Privacy Policy