13 Frequently Asked Questions Plant Based Diet

Are you looking to improve your health, explore new culinary horizons, or simply just not interested in eating as many animal products? 

If so, you might be interested in plant-based nutrition.

A plant-based diet can play a critical role in supporting overall health and wellness. With so much information and so many opinions available, it's understandable that you have questions about plant-based nutrition.

Plant-based diets, which emphasize fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, have been linked to a range of health benefits, including lower rates of heart disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. 

But how can you ensure that you get the full range of nutrients you need on a plant-based diet? And what do you need to know to make the transition smoothly? Some of these burning questions are reasons people shy away from embarking on a plant-based diet.

At OnPoint Nutrition, we have helped more than 3,000 people like you who want to manage their health in various lifestyles and conditions. Many have trusted us to help them develop a lifestyle that supports optimal health. 

Our team of experts is here to help you make informed decisions about your plant-based nutrition.

This article will answer some common questions about plant-based nutrition and provide evidence-based guidance. Whether your goal is to improve health, manage symptoms, or ensure adequate nutrient intake, read on for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions About Plant-Based Nutrition

It's easy to feel overwhelmed and unsettled when first exploring the intricacies of a plant-based diet. 

That's why we're here to help ease your mind by providing answers to some of the most important questions you may have.

1. What is a plant-based diet?

A plant-based diet is a diet that is primarily composed of foods derived from plants, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. It may also include small amounts of animal products, such as dairy or eggs, based on you individual preferences, but emphasizes plant-based foods.

2. Is a plant-based diet healthy?

Yes, a well-planned plant-based diet can provide all the nutrients needed for good health. It has been associated with lower rates of heart disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes, among other health benefits. However, as with any diet, it is important to choose a variety of nutrient-dense foods and to ensure that all nutrient needs are met.

3. How can I get enough protein on a plant-based diet?

There are many plant-based sources of protein, including legumes, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. By including a variety of these foods in your diet, it is possible to meet your protein needs. It is also possible to combine different plant-based protein sources to create a complete protein, which provides all the essential amino acids.

4. What are some common nutrient deficiencies on a plant-based diet?Common nutrient deficiencies on a plant-based diet include vitamin B12, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids. However, these can be easily addressed by including foods high in these nutrients, fortified foods, or supplements in the diet.

5. What are some tips for transitioning to a plant-based diet?

Some tips for transitioning to a plant-based diet include gradually increasing the amount of plant-based foods in your diet, finding plant-based alternatives to favorite animal-based foods, trying new recipes, and finding a supportive community. It is also important to work with a registered dietitian to ensure that all nutrient needs are met.

6. What should I eat on a plant-based diet to ensure proper nutrition?

A well-balanced plant-based diet should include a variety of nutrient-dense foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, plant-based proteins (such as tofu, beans, legumes, nuts, and seeds), and dairy alternatives. It's essential to get adequate intake of key nutrients such as iron, calcium, and B12.

7. Is it necessary to take vitamins while following a plant-based diet?

Vitamin supplementation may be necessary to ensure you get all the necessary nutrients if you cannot consume a well-balanced diet every day. It's best to consult with a healthcare provider to determine if vitamin supplementation is necessary for you. Though, working with a Registered Dietitian may drastically reduce your need for supplementation as they have the knowledge and skills to help you build a whole food diet with complete nutrition.

8. What are some of the best sources of iron for those following a plant-based diet?

Good sources of iron for those following a plant-based diet include: leafy greens, legumes, tofu, fortified cereals, and dried fruits.

9. Can I still follow a plant-based diet while pregnant?

Yes, a well-planned plant-based diet can provide all the necessary nutrients during pregnancy. It's recommended to consult with a registered dietitian to create a balanced meal plan that meets all your nutritional needs.

10. What are some alternatives to dairy on a plant-based diet?

Dairy alternatives on a plant-based diet include soy milk, almond milk, oat milk, and coconut milk.

11. Can I still drink alcohol while following a plant-based diet?

It's best to generally limit alcohol consumption as excessive alcohol consumption can negatively impact health. But alcohol is plant-based and as far as we know there are no animal by-products used in the production of alcohol. So moderate consumption can fit into the parameters of even a strict plant-based diet.

12. Is it necessary to take special precautions while eating out on a plant-based diet?

Yes, when eating out, to avoid possible sickness and unintentional exposure to animal products, it's important to make sure that the food options are suitable for a plant-based diet and to inform the server of any dietary restrictions or preferences. This is particularly important when following a strict vegetarian or vegan diet (especially if you are a newbie to the lifestyle).

OnPoint has a free and informative webinar to talk about how you can do this hosted by one of our plant-based experts, Shannon Gray, MS, RD, LDN.

13. How can I keep variety in my meals while following a plant-based diet?

Transitioning to a plant-based diet means that you will have to generate a new list of go-to foods. But how do you keep it interesting? Learning the best resources to try new recipes for bringing new favorites to the table is essential so that you can keep your diet interesting, satisfying and nutritious. A company like OnPoint Nutrition has a member portal super-cache of plant-based meal recipes and snack options, so that is a great place to start your collection.

How Can An Online Dietitian Help With Plant-Based Nutrition?

Embarking on transitioning to a plant-based diet can be a challenge, especially if you have specific dietary restrictions or are unsure about which foods to eat and which to avoid.

A registered dietitian, as a knowledgeable nutrition coach, can help tailor your diet to meet your specific needs and goals, taking into account all of your unique circumstances.

At OnPoint Nutrition, our team of online nutrition coaches takes a systematic approach to plant-based nutrition counseling. Our team of qualified professionals is here and ready to assist you in providing the best nutrition for optimal health.

Taking the Next Steps

Whether you're a seasoned vegan or a curious carnivore, we hope you found something of interest here to aid in your plant-based nutrition.

If you are interested in hands-on assistance in learning your new plant-based lifestyle and how to achieve optimal nutrition you should consider bringing on a Nutrition Coach, like a Registered Dietitian to help you get started.

At OnPoint Nutrition we offer this service with our team of experts and this wealth of knowledge even sort of lives right in your pocket (our very own app).

During the online program, a registered dietitian will monitor your progress to ensure positive results and optimal health for you. Expect expert advice and the most relevant, up-to-date information and guidance provided by OnPoint Nutrition's team of nutrition experts.

Get in touch with OnPoint Nutrition's team of registered dietitians, available online, to live a healthier lifestyle.

Let us put you in a position of strength to pursue the best nutrition for you.