
What is a whole food plant-based diet?
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A way of eating that emphasizes unprocessed whole grains, legumes, vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds... while minimizing or avoiding processed grains, added sugars and oils, and animal products including meat, eggs, and dairy.
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A plant-based diet is an ideal way to meet the nutritional needs of growing children (and adults) and set them up for a lifetime of good health! Some benefits include:
- A decreased risk of chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease, asthma, and cancer
- Feeling better overall with a healthier weight, better sleep, more energy, and improved mood
- It's more environmentally friendly

Resources
There are many online and print resources out there about plant-based eating. Here are a few I use.
The Plantrician Project- Quickstart guides
The mission of this group is to educate, equip and empower healthcare practitioners with knowledge about the benefits of plant-based nutrition. Here are great quick start guides, including one for pediatrics and a Spanish language version, that you can buy in print. Learn the benefits of a plant-based diet and how to get started.
First Steps Nutrition- Eating well in the early years
Based in the UK, this is an independent public health nutrition charity that provides information and resources to support eating well from pre-conception to five years.
Check out the free downloadable pdf 'Eating well: vegan infants and under-5s'
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics- Vegetarian Nutrition Practice Group
Check out the 'Raising Vegetarian Children' section
Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine
Dedicated to saving and improving human and animal lives through plant-based diets and ethical and effective scientific research.
Check out their free nutrition for Kids booklet. You can also join a 21- day vegan kickstart, find nutrition information and recipes.
T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies
Dr. Campbell is a nutrition researcher and co-author of The China Study. This website includes nutrition education topics, many recipes, and a plant-based nutrition certificate program.

Dr. McDougall's Health and Medical Center
Dr. McDougall is a physician and nutrition leader. Find many articles, recipes and programs on his website.
Plant Based Juniors
Fun, evidence-based guidance on raising plant-based kids from two dietitians and moms.
Forks Over Knives
From the popular documentary of the same name (check it out on Netflix), find many recipes, an app, and meal planner.
Nutritionfacts.org
Run by Dr. Michael Gregor, physician and author. You can watch his quick daily videos or read about evidence-based nutrition.
