Plant-Based
In 2019, Canada’s Food Guide was updated to put a strong emphasis on plants. The new plate model shows us filling half our plate with vegetables and fruits. The other half is divided in two, with one section being whole grain foods and the other being protein foods – with choosing plant-based proteins being a key focus. 
Although it is not a new concept that eating more plant-based foods is good for your health, you may have heard more buzz on the word ‘plant-based’ in the last few years. Although have you ever wondered what the difference is between plant-based, vegan, vegetarian, and flexitarian? Here is a quick snapshot below:
- Vegan is a lifestyle that extends beyond just your diet. It includes not wearing or buying products that are made from animal or animal by-products.
- Vegetarian is a lifestyle that also has different subsets. If you are vegetarian, you may still consume eggs (ovo-vegetarian), dairy (lacto-vegetarian), or both (lacto-ovo vegetarian). This diet usually means you do not consume any meat.
- Flexitarian means you may consume all foods, but generally lean heavy on the plants and occasionally consume meat or seafood. It is considered one of the most flexible types of diets, alluded to by the name.
- Plant-based is used in different ways. Although some may refer to vegan as plant-based, it does not always mean the same thing. Plant-based means eating a diet that is rich in plants, from fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and beans – essentially anything that grows in the ground.
Plant protein sources include such things like beans, tofu, legumes, nuts, and seeds. You can also find plant-based protein in whole grains like quinoa. Here are 6 ways you can get more fruits, vegetables, and plant-based proteins into your daily diet.
- Add extra vegetables to soups, stews, and stir-fries to make half of your plate filled with vegetables.  Pre-washed lettuce or cut-up vegetables can help to save preparation time if you want to serve salad or raw vegetables with your meals.
- If you are making lasagna or pasta sauce, use half the meat and add roasted vegetables, or cooked drained spinach. This adds more fibre and antioxidants too.
- Commit to a meatless meal (Meatless Monday, Tofu Tuesday) once a week. You can make an omelette for dinner or use lentils and beans in dishes that usually have meat. Substitute tofu in a stir-fry or use canned lentils in a pasta sauce instead of ground meat.
- Have a salad as a meal. Whether you make your own salad or get one as take-out, choose toppings like tofu, chickpeas, or nuts as a source of plant-based protein.
- Enjoy a variety of whole grain foods.  They are super tasty and have unique flavours.  Try barley, bulgur, buckwheat, millet, farro and quinoa. Many come pre-cooked and ready to use in casseroles, soups, and grain salads.
- Make your own plant-based burgers.  Black beans and cooked brown rice pair together well to replace ground beef in traditional burger recipes.