What is a whole food plant-based diet?
​​A whole food plant-based diet emphasizes unprocessed or minimally processed whole foods such as whole grains, legumes, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds, while limiting or avoiding processed grains, added sugars, oils, and animal products (including meat, eggs, and dairy).​
A plant predominant diet is an ideal way to meet the nutritional needs of children and adults, supporting healthy growth and long-term wellness. Benefits include:
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Lower risk of chronic conditions such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease, asthma, and certain cancers
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Improved overall well-being, including healthier weight, better sleep, increased energy, and enhanced mood
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A more environmentally sustainable way of eating
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.
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.
