What's the difference between vegan and plant based?

These days there are so many different terms out there: vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, fruitarian, plant predominant, plant based, whole food plant based. The list seems endless and can be so confusing for those who are just starting on this journey.

Let’s take two of these terms and define them.

What is the difference between vegan and plant based?

By definition someone who is vegan “abstains from the use of animal products, particularly in diet, and an associated philosophy that rejects the commodity status of animals” (Wikipedia). In other words, someone who is vegan doesn’t eat animals (or byproducts) or use them in other areas of their life (cosmetics, furniture, clothing, etc.).

Does vegan mean healthy? No, not necessarily.

Most people who go vegan do it for the animals, and not necessarily for their health. In today’s world, there is a plethora of vegan options and you can live off of vegan burgers, ice cream and pizza. While these options are so much better than eating animals, they aren’t the healthiest options on a day to day basis.

On the other hand, most people go plant based for their health but they may not care about animals. Someone following a plant based diet eats a diet rich in whole grains, legumes, fruits, veggies, nuts and seeds. They may still include a small amount of animals in their diet and use animals in clothing, furniture, cosmetics, etc.

So what do you think? Would you consider yourself vegan or plant based? I like to call myself a plant based vegan. I deeply care about the animals but also want to be as healthy as possible <3

How to Get Enough Iron on a Vegan Diet

When I tell someone that I am vegan, the first question is, “Where do you get your protein?” This is often followed by, “What do you eat?” And next is, “How do you get enough iron?”

Contrary to popular belief, getting enough iron on a vegan diet can be quite simple (and plant iron is less inflammatory than heme iron that comes from eating animals!).

Here are some easy tips for getting enough

(and absorbing) iron on a vegan diet:

1. Be sure to eat a diet rich in whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds and veggies.

2. Combine the foods from tip 1 with foods high in vitamin C. For example, squeeze some lemon juice on your broccoli or orange juice on your spinach.

3. Limit your caffeine intake: only drink it an hour before meals or two hours after.

I hope that these tips are helpful! Which tip will you apply first?

Why People Stop Being Vegan

Last week, one of my favorite influencers in the wellness space announced that she was “no longer vegan.” And it made me so sad. Of course it made me the most sad for the animals, but it also broke my heart for this individual who was suffering from health issues. In addition, there were 100’s of people who commented on her post who had also stopped being vegan. So, this got me thinking. Why do people stop being vegan?

I think that there are many reasons why people start eating animals again, but here are just a few of the reasons that I have come up with:

• Not having a strong enough “why”. I think that sometimes people go vegan because they are following a trend or because it’s the cool thing to do. When you have a stronger motivation, you are more apt to stick with it longer. If you need a powerful reason, please watch Dominion, What the Health, Earthlings, Cowspiracy, visit an animal sanctuary or even a slaughterhouse.. Once you make the connection with the animals, there will be no going back.

• Pre-existing gut issues! I have heard many people who stop being vegan because they had gut issues, were bloated all the time or started losing their hair. What we don’t often realize is that if we have a pre-existing gut issue, you are simply adding fuel to the fire when you go vegan. Animal products don’t contain any fiber but plants are loaded with it. If you start piling that on to an unhealthy gut, no wonder you feel bloated and uncomfortable. Side note: gut issues can stem from all kinds of fun things like parasites, glyphosate, a malabsorption issue (hence, the hair loss), stress, toxins and more. And parasites can come from animal products and linger in your body for 10 years.

• Not supplementing! Being vegan is amazing and there are so many nutrients that we can get from our food. But there are a few that we can’t. For example, B12 comes from a bacteria that is found in the soil. Because our soil is depleted and we wash everything so well, we don’t get B12 without a supplement. I also recommend D3 and possibly a vegan EPA/DHA.

• Not doing enough research or giving it enough time. Just like with any big change, being a successful vegan takes time. It’s important to do your research and to understand where you get your protein, iron, etc. (you can also let me do the work for you with my Vegan 101 Guide) It’s also crucial that you test out recipes and discover new flavor combinations. It truly does get easier and easier over time so don’t give up!

I would love to hear your opinion. Why do you think that people stop being vegan? Is there something that you are struggling with that has tempted you to eat animals again?

Also, be sure to check out my Instagram Live about this very topic.