UNDERSTANDING Plant-based Diets

UNDERSTANDING
Plant-based Diets

There are many different approaches to plant-based eating, from people who simply want to eat meat less often to people who consume no animal products or by-products of any kind.

A RANGE OF OPTIONS

Flexitarian:

actively chooses to eat less meat, whether that means reducing the amount on the plate or avoiding meat on certain days of the week.

Vegetarian:

does not eat meat of any kind, but may consume animal byproducts. Lacto-ovo vegetarian: eats dairy products and eggs, but not meat. Ovo-vegetarian: eats eggs, but not dairy products or meat. Lacto-vegetarian: eats dairy products, but not eggs or meat.

Vegan:

does not eat meat, eggs, dairy products, or any other ingredients created from or produced by animals, including honey.

Which option would you consider as an alternative to meat?

Flexitarian
Vegetarian
Vegan

WHY PEOPLE ARE EATING MORE PLANTS?

Like many lifestyle choices, there are multiple reasons people might choose to follow a plant-based diet. Understanding these reasons can help you connect with your guests and shape your menu around their preferences.

Health

Plant-based foods can be a good source of vitamins, minerals, dietary fibre, and even healthy oils and protein. Some people reduce or eliminate animal products from their diet because of dietary intolerances (like dairy), cardiovascular health, or general well-being. What's more, a study showed that after only 48 hours of consuming a vegan diet, people experienced a significant improvement in health indicators, like blood cholesterol, blood lipids and insulin.¹⁰

Affordability

Another factor for some who choose to eat less meat is cost. For example, dried beans and rice are a cost-effective alternative to highpriced meat products, and they are also a good source of protein.

Ethics

Others choose not to eat meat because of ethical reasons and their interest in animal welfare. A common consumer concern is about the uncontrolled use of antibiotics and their health implications. Many people are also concerned about the living conditions and general treatment of the animals themselves.¹¹ And some don't believe that humans have the right to kill animals for food.¹²

Religion

Several religions advise their followers to avoid eating meat or animal-based products. For example, Hindus and Buddhists have a strong tradition of vegetarianism, Jainists follow a vegan diet, and Seventh-Day Adventists promote lacto-ovo-vegetarianism.

The Environment

Still another reason that people limit meat from their diets is related to the environmental impact. With 30 percent of the earth's entire land surface covered with livestock, raising cattle generates more of the greenhouse gases responsible for global warming than transportation1. 3 It's also associated with other environmental concerns including deforestation and low scrutiny of air and water pollution on surrounding communities1. 1

Sensory and Preference

Finally, there are some people who simply don't enjoy eating animal products due to their characteristic taste, texture, or smell.