How Much Do You Know About Going Plant-Based?

Nearly 10 million Americans today consume what they call a plant-based diet, latching on to a trend that’s as colorful on the plate as it is diverse on your palate. If you haven’t made the switch yet, or you’re slowly testing the waters of a greens-packed lifestyle, you may still be struggling to separate the facts from the myths. This quiz will test how much you really know about going plant-based to help guide you on your veggie journey.

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The answer: false

But it sort of depends. While some plant-based eaters will consume exclusively plant-based foods—fruits, veggies, legumes, fungi—others will eat primarily plants but also enjoy the occasional animal-derived product like eggs and dairy. Vegan foods may also not be plant-based, if they’re made of highly processed or even artificial ingredients. A plant-based diet prioritizes whole, minimally processed foods—think a portobello burger instead of lab-grown meat.

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The answer: false

Eating exclusively plant-based foods can be much cheaper than consuming animal products, especially if you’re preparing more foods yourself. Consider joining your local CSA or even trying to grow some of your own produce or herbs to save on food costs. The long-term cost of eating plant-based can also be a worthwhile investment: A study in The Permanent Journal found plant-based eating to be highly cost effective in lowering potential healthcare costs.

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The answer: true

Eating a plant-based diet may increase both your length and quality of life. “Diets higher in plant foods and lower in animal foods were associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in a general population,” concluded an August 2019 study published in the Journal of The American Heart Association. Eating a plant-heavy diet is healthy for your heart, and can also potentially be healthy for your brain. And with a lower risk of mortality linked to eating plant-based, why not extend your life along with your veggie intake?

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The answer: true

Though many are cautious about not getting enough protein or iron without meat, plant-based ingredients can meet all of your nutritional needs. Of course, consult with your doctor before making any major dietary or lifestyle changes, and know that you may need to take plant-based supplements along with your plant-based diet, depending on your personal health. A wide variety of plants, like soy and nuts, provide protein, as well as a plethora of other important minerals, vitamins and fiber.

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The answer: false

While cravings for meat and ice cream may be common for pregnant moms-to-be, it’s typically safe to consume a plant-based diet while pregnant. It just requires a bit of care and attention to detail, along with the approval of a physician.

“Well-planned vegetarian and vegan diets may be considered safe during pregnancy and lactation, but they require a strong awareness for a balanced intake of key nutrients,” reads a March 2019 study published in Nutrients.

In other words, your first trimester may not be the time to suddenly cut out all animal products, but if you’ve been plant-based for a while, you don’t necessarily need to change things up.

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