Everything you need to know about different types of vegan diets and how to choose the right one for you. Based on scientific research, tips, and advice from experts.
As I already explained in my previous article, veganism is not a diet; it is a lifestyle! Nevertheless, the diet or nourishment is the most challenging and important part of a vegan lifestyle. I have also given helpful tips for those of you who are thinking about going vegan. I also mentioned that processed foods are not the most ideal in the long run. Therefore, many of you may seek healthier options. For starters, you may try some of my RECIPES. They are wholefood based and rich in nutrients. You can find similar kinds online, on YouTube and Pinterest. However, they are many TYPES OF VEGAN DIET.
In case of health issues or weight loss, you may be interested in one of these diets, yet how do you choose the perfect one for you? Well, I would suggest a little bit of study about each diet first. Also, seeing a dietitian or naturopath may be helpful, of course, if you can afford it. Even talking to your physician could be helpful but depends on how open-minded they are about veganism. Trying each diet for a few days, or a couple of weeks and seeing how you feel may also work. Listening to your body is always the most important.
Plant-Based Diet
A Plant-Based Diet is primarily focused on health as opposed to veganism. Not that vegans do not care about health; however, a vegan lifestyle is rooted primarily in compassion. Now the plant-based diet is pretty much the same as the vegan diet, but most people chose it for health reasons. They do not necessarily commit to a vegan lifestyle and may wear letter shoes and use non vegan products.
Whole Food Plant-Based Diet
Whole Food Plant Based Diet is based on non-processed ingredients and is oil-free! This is mainly because lots of research shows that cooked oils are harmful to our health. Apparently, even plant-based oils have harmful effects on cardiovascular health and may cause diabetes and cancer. This is of course if heated while cooking. Oils in raw food, such as avocado or nuts are fine in moderation. Nevertheless, I am using little oil in my recipes because I feel that it is okay for healthy individuals. On the other hand, I support this type of diet for individuals who are having health problems. However, I am not saying it is not a great diet for healthy vegans as well. Therefore, if you are okay with giving up oil, then go for it!
To learn more about Whole Food Plant Based Diet, please visit Nutrition Facts founded by Dr. Michael Greger.
Forks over Knives was founded by Dr. T. Colin Campbell, Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn
The Physicians Committee founded by Neal Barnard, MD, FACC
Raw Vegan Diet
It may sound like Raw Vegan Diet means eating everything totally fresh, but it is not exactly the case. Even though the major portion of it is fresh, there is an addition of dehydrated and fermented meals as well. Preparing some of the dishes may take many hours if you are dehydrating. Fermenting takes a few days, but you would obviously make enough for a week. In any case, having a dehydrator, food processor, blender and juicer is a must. Clearly, a traditional kitchen does not fulfill the needs of a raw vegan. This means a little bit of extra money and additional space in your kitchen is something to consider. Yet, if you really feel like this is the diet for you, you will find a way.
Is Raw Vegan Diet for Everyone?
Without any doubt, it is an extremely healthy way of eating. Uncooked plant food is full of nutrients that are otherwise killed during the cooking process. I wish I could switch to eating raw myself, unfortunately, living in Canada makes it super challenging. I crave warm food primarily during the cold months that take a large part of the year. Nevertheless, I always eat lots of raw veggies and I love raw desserts and smoothies. You may check out some of my delicious desserts such as RAW VEGAN SUPERFOOD CAKE, RAW MOCHA MINI CHEESECAKES, and much more on my DESSERTS page.
Anyway, I feel that raw food diet is more appropriate for vegans in warmer climates. However, it may not apply to everyone, and you must listen to your body to know whether it is for you or not.
For more information, please visit: Raw Vegan Diet 101: A Detailed Beginner’s Guide
Vegan Macrobiotic Diet
We should not forget the VEGAN MACROBIOTIC DIET based on the Asian Macrobiotic diet. Overall, it is a holistic living, with a focus on consuming organically grown local and seasonal produce. There are many similarities between Whole Food Plant Based diet and a Vegan Raw food diet.
I learned about it by reading the book KIND DIET by Alicia Silverstone twelve years ago. That was the first vegan book I read and many of Alicia’s recipes are my inspiration un till today. Although I do not follow a vegan macrobiotic diet since I find it a little bit too restrictive. Anyway, you may see for yourself if this diet could be suitable for you by visiting Alicia’s website THE KIND LIFE.
Or you can also read about it in this ARTICLE.
Vegan Keto Diet
Another challenging vegan diet is a VEGAN KETO diet focused primarily on high protein intake and low carbs. This is totally the opposite of The Macrobiotic diet and The Whole Food Plant Based. Plant oil can be consumed in larger amounts than other diets would allow. Sugar, however, is the worst enemy of the KETO diet in general. Therefore, only sugar substitutes such as Swerve, Stevia, or Monk Fruit are allowed. However, they are vegans who thrive on this diet, and here is an ARTICLE written by one of them.
You may also check some of my Vegan Keto recipes, such as VEGAN KETO CHICK’N WITH CAULIFLOWER MASH, ZUCCHINI FRITTERS, CAULIFLOWER CRUST PIZZA, and GREEN KETO SALAD.
Fruitarian Diet
Living on only raw fruits may seem impossible for most of us, yet they are many vegans who do. These vegans live quite happy lives on Fruitarian Diet mostly in tropical locations. To be more precise, it is not only diet but also a holistic lifestyle in harmony with nature. Very often, fruitarians build Eco communities that support their needs and beliefs.
I know a little bit about that from my friend, writer, and YouTuber, Michael Lanfield. He is building this type of community called a Peaceful Village as we speak. He explained that raw fruits are the most sustainable and natural food for humans. By the way, even tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and squash are fruits, based on botanical classification. Even though we think of them as vegetables. That is mainly because of how the culinary categorization labels them.
So, what do Fruitarians eat?
– Fruits high in carbs: banana, fig, apple, mango, jackfruit, durian. etc
– Fatty fruits: olive, avocado, aguaje, etc
– “Vegetable” fruits: tomato, cucumber, courgette, squash, etc.
– Water
If you are interested, you can read more:
By visiting the website Fruitarian Eutopia
Books by Michael Lanfiel
Thank you so much for visiting and I sincerely hope this information is helpful to you. If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to contact me anytime. I wish you a wonderful week!
Note:
The featured image on top is MISO BUDDHA BOWL recipe.
