Vegan vs. Plant-based diets

If you’re a health-conscious consumer, you’ve probably heard the terms vegan and plant-based used often in the current health movement which is continually growing in popularity. The common ground with both terms is the absence of animal by-products. For many people, the commitment to abstain from animal products often proves veganism or the plant-based diet to be more than just a meal selection. Becoming a vegan or taking on a plant-based diet requires dedication to the point that it becomes a lifestyle and an essential part of who you are.

If you are considering making the change either for physical, health, or ethical reasons, the motive isn’t as important as the intentionality to prepare for the commitment and follow through with it. However, the first step is deciding which is best for you: veganism or a plant-based diet? Although they share some similarities, veganism and a plant-based diet should not be used interchangeably since each have unique differences.

Are they the same thing?

Let’s start with veganism. Not unlike a philosophical outlook which influences all aspects of life, the vegan lifestyle is deeply devoted to removing all animal by-products from all modes of merchandise from makeup to milk. Founded upon the activist movement for animal rights, veganism doesn’t draw boundaries on what animal products are okay.

If you choose to become a vegan, you must be ready to give up leather alongside your cheese as well as little-known animal products such as beeswax and silk. Of course, the process in becoming a vegan can be a slow, gradual one, but usually the end goal is to have a lifestyle as cruelty-free to animals as possible.

In contrast, the plant-based diet simply refers to whole plant foods. This includes even more things than just “vegan” foods. For example, potato chips and Twinkies may be vegan in essence, but they are not considered plant-based since they are so overly processed to the point that they no longer resemble the original plants that went into making them. If you simply want to get back to healthy eating, then the plant-based diet may be right for you.

Staying healthy

If you are considering beginning a plant-based diet, you need to start off on the best foot. Though plant-based diets are considered to be rejuvenating and full of health benefits, not every nutrient can be effectively gleaned from a diet made solely of plants.

Nutrition experts caution that plant-based diets and vegan diets need to be supported with supplements which can introduce those essential minerals and vitamins to your diet that may otherwise be lacking.

An all-natural supplement company, Green Leaf Sciences designed a line of healthy vegan supplements for health practitioners to provide to vegans and others. Created to support a wide variety of nutritional issues and deficiencies, Green Leaf Sciences’ products are all completely plant-based and are guaranteed to boost and promote overall well-being when taken daily.

As city trends turn toward more natural alternatives when it comes to diet and lifestyle, Green Life Sciences is leading the way to healthier living. Let Green Life Sciences help you reach your personal health goals today.