What the %^$# is Plant-Based Food?

People love to kick around the phrase 'plant-based food' a lot these days, but not everyone seems to be using it the same way. It's confusing as heck. Maybe that is why one of the most common questions we hear at rootberry is, what the %^$# does 'plant-based food' mean? So, before things get too out of hand, we thought we should define what we mean by 'plant-based food' and, perhaps even more importantly, dispel a few of the most common misunderstandings surrounding the phrase. 

What is Plant-Based Food?

Despite what many people believe, plant-based food doesn't mean vegan or even vegetarian. To put it as simply as possible, 'plant-based food' is any dish where most ingredients come from plants. People who follow a plant-based diet can still enjoy all their favorite foods, including butter, seafood, poultry, beef, and anything else. The only limitation of a plant-based diet is the percentage of the food sourced from animals.

Of course, there aren't any hard rules when it comes to an allowable percentage of animal products. Some people may limit eating animal products to once or twice a month, while others may eat some animal protein every day. It is all good. Adhering to a plant-based diet isn't some sort of morality competition. It is merely a healthier way of eating that can help you get the most out of your life.

Smashing the Myths of Plant-Based Foods

It is time to put a few of the most common misconceptions about a plant-based diet to rest. Plant-based food is:

• Not tasteless. There is no restriction when it comes to flavor. Use your favorite spices and seasonings to prepare plant-based foods just like you do when cooking your favorite meat-forward meals. 
• Not lacking in nutrition. A plant-based diet doesn't demand counting calories or denying yourself desserts. In fact, plant-based meals are probably even more nutritionally varied than the ones you are currently eating. 
• Not going to cause you to feel hungry. Since a plant-based diet doesn't restrict what or when you eat, you are not depriving yourself and will never have to fight hunger pangs. Say goodbye to bad moods and hello to feeling great. 
• Not time-consuming to maintain. Eating a plant-based diet doesn't mean you will have to spend more time in the kitchen preparing and cooking your meals. Not a great cook? Not a problem. You can find heat-and-serve plant-based meals that even you can make. 
• Not something that requires radically changing your lifestyle. You can eat out, attend dinner parties, and even indulge your sweet tooth, all without feeling like you are “cheating” because you are not! A plant-based diet doesn't make you miss out on life; it enhances it.
• Notexpensive. There is no need to buy special supplements or proprietary meals. You can purchase ingredients for plant-based meals where you are already shopping. 
• Not boring.There is no limit to the variety of plant-based meals you can enjoy. You can easily find authentic plant-based recipes for your favorite cuisines online. 
• Not just for this group or that group. There are no political or social restraints when choosing a plant-based diet. It's for everyone!

A plant-based diet is not about saying 'no' to food but about saying 'yes' to a way of eating that is not only better for you but better for the planet too.

Why a Plant-Based Diet May Be For You

Still not convinced that you should make the switch to a plant-based diet? Here are a few reasons why plant-based eating may make more sense than you think:

• Improve your well-being. Many people who switch to a plant-based diet experience immediate improvements in how they feel. Not only do folks notice a higher level of energy and alertness, but many see an increase in their overall physical and mental health. 
• Lose weight and get fit. A plant-based diet won't magically reduce your weight or transform your physique overnight, but if your ultimate goal is to lose weight or get stronger, changing the way you eat is a significant step toward reaching it. 
• Ditch your fast-food habit. Buying meals from a drive-thru may be convenient, but it isn't doing your body any favors. These days you can find a wide variety of heat-and-eat and ready-to-eat plant-based food options like those offered by rootberry at universities, hospitals, and through many retailers. 
• Vegetarianism or veganism are appealing lifestyles for you, but you don't know if you are ready to take the leap. Eliminating all animal products from your life can be challenging, so if you are thinking about making such a radical shift in your diet in the future, a plant-based diet is a good stepping stone. 
• Embrace your curiosity surrounding all the plant-based food hype.With so many people choosing plant-based diets, there has to be something to it, right? Make today the day you decide to find out what plant-based eating can do for you.  

rootberry Meals Make Plant-based Eating Simple and Convenient

At rootberry, we are committed to providing our customers with the most delicious food possible. It just so happens that it is also vegan. But please don't hold that against us. 

You can find our prepared plant-based meals in dozens of locations in and around the St. Louis metro area. We also offer convenient home delivery. Once you try one of our prepared plant-based meals, snacks, or desserts, you will forget you are eating healthy food and think you are just eating delicious food.