What Exactly is a Plant Based Diet?

Did you know that over 9.7 million Americans consider themselves to be on a plant based diet? But exactly what does a plant based diet mean? I always think I’m on a plant based diet. But, I started to ask myself, what is the exact definition of a plant based diet? And I’m my actually following it “correctly”? Is it vegan? Is it vegetarian? Is it a carnivore who just happens to eat a lot of salad? 

According to PubMed, a plant based diet “consists of all minimally processed fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds, herbs and spices, and excludes all animal products, including red meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy products”. That’s a vegan diet. 

Now, I was a vegetarian for years, then, I became vegan for years. About 4 1/2 or 5 years ago, I went back to being an omnivore. But, I still feel like I am on a plant based diet. Just maybe not according to the PubMed definition. Maybe it’s not a plant based diet as much as a plant rich diet? 

So are you plant based? Plant rich? Or something else? Let me know in the comments!

Peace and Love