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    amacbean16

    Why did YOU switch to a plant-based diet and what keeps you eating this way?

    42

    So, I resurrected this thread because I’m curious about the “rules” of plant-based whole foods. How is PBWF different than “vegetarian,” “vegan,” etc.?

    BTW, I am *awful* at food prep and cooking. Seems the longer I spend preparing food, the less I enjoy eating it when it’s finally ready. After reading so many PBWF comments here on Cake, I decided to try a box from HungryRoot this week. (I have happily lived on boxed-ingredient meals for many months for many reasons.) The food came today, and — *no recipes!?!* The instructions say to mix-and-match to your own taste! Hmmm... This is different...!

    I guess I better find copies of Forks over Knives and Thug...

    • Would you mind sharing what the food items were that you received? There was a cooking show on Minnesota Public Radio where people would call in with a few ingredients they had on hand and the host would have to come up with an amazing dish on the fly. I’m aware of your aversion to mise en place (food prep) and I’d be up for the challenge of coming up with a meal that provides an outsized return on your time. Tonight I made barbecue chicken; grilled string beans, baby red peppers 🌶 and yellow squash; and curried roasted sweet potatoes.

    • How is PBWF different than “vegetarian,” “vegan,” etc.?

      First, I admire you for taking the plunge and trying it! It was very foreign to me when I started. I had my doubts about cooking (I don't like to spend a lot of time in the kitchen) and I had spent my life eating comfort foods like macaroni & cheese. They were easy to prepare and my children loved them.

      To answer your question, vegan only means it doesn't come from an animal. It doesn't mean it's healthy. Cotton candy is vegan. Vegetarian usually means no meat or fish but could include dairy and eggs.

      Plant-based whole foods (PBWF) means part of the plant hasn't been removed (usually the fiber) and no partial plant material has been added (usually sugar). It makes it very simple. Virtually all plant-based whole foods are very healthy.

      Dr. Greger is my favorite doctor and he does a good job of explaining it all quickly: