"A plant-based diet emphasizes foods derived from plants, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds, while minimizing or eliminating animal products. It's a dietary pattern focused on increasing the proportion of plant-based foods in one's diet, rather than strictly excluding all animal products. "

• Emphasis on Whole Foods: A plant-based diet prioritizes whole and minimally processed foods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, beans, lentils, nuts, and seeds.
• Minimizing Processed Foods: This diet also involves staying away from processed foods, refined grains, snack foods high in salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats.
• Potential for Flexibility: Unlike a strict vegan diet, a plant-based approach may allow for the occasional inclusion of animal products in small portions, depending on individual preferences and dietary goals.
• Focus on Nutrients: It is essential to ensure adequate intake of nutrients like protein, iron, calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin B12, which may require careful meal planning or supplementation, especially for stricter forms of plant-based diets like veganism.
• Environmental Impact: Choosing plant-based foods over animal products can lead to a lower environmental footprint, including reduced greenhouse gas emissions, land use, and water consumption.