" We're here to facilitate your plant-based journey "

PlantPlate.com is here to provide the recipes, information, and practical advice needed to follow a healthy plant-based diet. Whether you're interested in improving your health, losing weight, or eating more sustainably, a whole foods plant-based diet may be the perfect solution for you.

My name's Emma, and I started PlantPlate in 2013 with the help of my husband Scott, a web developer and fellow plantivore. I’m a certified Plant-Based Nutritionist who loves to cook, and I've followed a plant-based diet for over a decade. Having lived in various locations throughout the world - sometimes on a shoestring budget, and often with irregular and demanding work schedules - I’ve had to constantly adapt my diet in order to make it work. It’s taught me a lot, and it’s motivated me to show others just how accessible and enjoyable this way of eating can be.

The recipes featured on PlantPlate are based on minimally processed plant foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes. They're free from all animal products, processed oils and refined carbohydrates, and are made with simple and affordable ingredients. Our articles are aimed at providing you with plant-based know-how when it comes to shopping, cooking, nutrition and day-to-day living. We have answers to common questions and share practical knowledge that we have acquired through experience. Finally, the resources section contains links to books, DVDs, and video presentations from some of the world's leading experts on plant-based nutrition. It is our hope that these resources will help you to fully understand and evaluate the health benefits of this wonderful way of eating.

Welcome to PlantPlate!  We hope you enjoy your visit. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to email us at contact@plantplate.com.

The information on this website is designed for educational purposes only. It is not intended to substitute for informed medical advice or care. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat health problems or illnesses without first consulting your doctor.

Fresh or Frozen?

Guide By PlantPlate
Which is better? Is there a difference? I've examined both these produce purchasing options for you, to give you the information needed to make an educated choice.

When it comes to produce, you'll often hear people declare that "fresh is best." While this may very well be true if you are buying locally and in-season, it's not always the most nutritious option available. 

There are several factors that will affect the nutritional quality of fresh produce, including how long ago it was harvested, how far it had to travel, and how long it was stored before being displayed on store shelves. These, and other variables such as light exposure and storage temperature, can have a substantial effect on the vitamin and mineral content of fresh items. Of course, most of us have no idea how long ago supermarket produce was picked, and you can't really tell just by looking. For these reasons, it's best to buy local, in-season produce whenever possible. This will ensure that you are getting the best "bang for your buck", so to speak!

You also have the option to purchase fruits and vegetables from the freezer section. If you do this already, you're probably aware that this is very cost-effective, and super handy when you need meals in a pinch as there is no prep work required. But it may also surprise you to learn that frozen fruits and vegetables generally fare very well when tested for nutritional quality. Because these foods are harvested at their peak, and flash frozen within hours, they are able to retain a significant proportion of the nutrients present at their harvest. This makes frozen produce a great choice for out-of-season items, and for people who do not have access to local markets. The only real downside is the effect that freezing has on the texture of certain vegetables. Peas, corn, beans, and spinach tend to hold up well, while some others can become soggy. For this reason, it's best to add frozen vegetables towards the very end of your cooking, so that they retain their bite. As with fresh produce, the nutrient value of frozen fruits and vegetables will slowly decline with time, so it's best to use anything you buy within a month.

In short, my advice is to do what's best for you depending on your location and budget. Buy what you can locally, pick fresh produce that's in season, and don’t hesitate to head to the frozen section for bargains and out-of-season items. 

 

 

Article photo courtesy of Coanri/Rita via Flickr