Plant Based Eating Isn't Binary

Most people want an easy answer.

Right or wrong. Left or right. Meat or plants.

Binary thinking is easy. Reality is more nuanced.

Plant-based eating exists on a spectrum. From the…

Plant-curious: Considering adding more plant foods and learning how. (Where I started)

Plant-forward: Getting a significant proportion of your food from plants. (Where I usually live)

Fully plant-based: Excluding all animal products from your diet. (Where I sometimes go)

Fully plant-based lifestyle: Excluding animal products from your diet and the rest of your life, including clothing and personal-care products. (Where I visited briefly)

You decide where you belong on the spectrum, how far you want to go and why.

I warn you. Do not try to box jump from a double bacon cheeseburger to a bowl of broccoli overnight.

Change by degrees. It will become more permanent.

Swap the fries for a salad. Replace the double cheeseburger with a chicken sandwich and vegetables. Later, choose grilled chicken with salad and potatoes. Eventually, replace some of the meat with beans, lentils, tofu or tempeh (if you want to be that person).

Less meatiness. More plantiness. Progress without conversion.

People move along this spectrum for different reasons:

• Health.

• Animal welfare.

• Environmental impact.

• Religious or cultural values.

• Food costs.

• Curiosity.

The potential gains (we could all use more vegetables):

• More fiber.

• More vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients.

• Greater fullness from foods containing more fiber and water.

• Better bowel movements.

• Food choices that better reflect your values.

The potential costs:

• Too little protein.

• Shortfalls in vitamin B12, iron, calcium or omega-3 fats.

• Digestive discomfort from increasing fiber too quickly

• Restriction without purpose.

• Trading meat for highly processed convenience food.

The last trap is common.

Someone hears plant-based eating is healthier. They remove meat and begin living on microwaveable cheese pizza and vegan cookies.

The label changed. The behavior did not.

You still need to cook. Plan. Prepare. Choose minimally processed foods. Eat adequate protein. Manage cravings. Navigate restaurant menus.

You do not need to become vegan/vegetarian to eat more plants.

Plant-based eating does not guarantee better health. Your behaviors do.

The Body Is Primary,

Josh