According to World Animal Foundation, there are approximately 1.5 billion vegetarians around the world, and that number continues to increase. There are many reasons why people are incorporating plant-based dishes into their diets, but possibly the most notable is growing interest in planet health and sustainability. Following a plant-based diet varies from person to person and can range from limiting meat and animal products to avoiding them entirely. Typically, plant-based cuisine highlights fruits and vegetables at the center of the plate. Here are a few common eating patterns that can fall within a plant-based diet:
- Vegetarian: Excludes meat and poultry but can include dairy or eggs
- Pescatarian: Excludes meat and poultry but can include fish and seafood
- Vegan: Avoids animal products entirely (including dairy, eggs, and sometimes honey)
- Flexitarian: Eats vegetarian foods primarily but occasionally includes meat or animal products
