" 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.

Should I Buy Organic?

Guide By PlantPlate
This question is on a lot of folk's minds, and the answer depends entirely on you.

This is a question that comes up a lot when discussing plant based diets. In my opinion, there’s no single answer that applies to everyone. While it would be fantastic if we could all buy everything locally and organically, it simply isn’t always an option. For me, it comes down to two things: firstly, what organic foods you have access to, and secondly, whether or not you can afford them.

So why do people prefer to buy organic food? For starters, there are concerns about the health risks associated with eating genetically modified foods, as well as the effects of consuming pesticide and herbicide residues from conventionally grown produce. Furthermore, there are a great number of environmental benefits associated with growing food organically, including increased biodiversity, reduction of farm pollution, and greater soil fertility.

Does this mean you should always buy organic? Well, if you have access to and can afford to buy organic, then yes! But I understand that many people can't, and that’s no reason to abandon fruits and veggies or to feel bad about buying regular fare. Eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables will benefit you greatly in the long run, even if those fruits and vegetables are grown conventionally. However, I do suggest keeping an eye out for organic items that are comparatively affordable. Where I live, organic carrots, onions, potatoes, spinach, bananas and beets are pretty much on par, price wise, with conventional varieties. I can also buy organic legumes, grains, spices, nuts and seeds at a great price.

In short? Do what you can, with the budget you have. Shop around, go to local markets, and see which items you can afford to buy organically. And of course, no matter what you buy, always make sure that you wash your fruits and vegetable thoroughly before eating!

 

 

Article photo © 2013 by Holly-Granville-Edge for PlantPlate.com