Meat and fish in a whole food and plant based diet

Published on 23 October 2025 at 08:00

Can You Ditch the Meat and Fish? A Plant-Based Nutrition Guide for You and Your Family

Hey there! Are you a young adult, a new parent, or just someone curious about plant-based eating? It's Thursday, October 23rd, 2025, and the buzz around plant-based nutrition is louder than ever. Maybe you're wondering if you can really get everything you need without meat and fish. The answer is a resounding YES! Let's dive into how you can thrive on plant-based nutrition.

 

Meat and Fish: Totally Replaceable!

For years, meat and fish have been seen as essential. But guess what? Studies show that plant-based alternatives can provide all the nutrients you need, sometimes even *more*! In fact, half of Generation Z and over a third of millennials are planning to go meat-free this year ²! Plant-based diets are no longer a niche trend; they're a powerful way to boost your health and help the planet.

 

High in Fat? Think Again!

One of the biggest myths is that plant-based eating means missing out on healthy fats. Actually, plant-based alternatives often have *less* total fat and saturated fat than meat and fish³. Plus, they're packed with fiber and complex carbohydrates, which keep you feeling full and energized³

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Protein Power: No Worries Here!

Worried about getting enough protein? Don't be! Plant-based sources are abundant. A study showed that even when all meat was replaced with plant-based alternatives, protein intake remained adequate for most adults. Think quinoa, buckwheat, hempseed, soybeans, and even spirulina³². Combining foods like nuts and seeds with whole grains, or beans with rice, creates complete proteins that provide all the essential amino acids your body needs³.

 

Plant-Based Sources: More Than Just Protein

Plant-based foods offer so much more than just protein. They're loaded with fibre, antioxidants, and phytonutrients that protect against disease and boost your overall health³ ⁴⁰. Animal products contain little to no fibre, while plant-based diets naturally increase your intake.

 

### A Good Example: Choosing Plant-Based Solutions

Choosing plant-based isn't just about personal health; it's about making a positive impact on the environment. Studies show that plant-based diets have a significantly lower environmental impact than meat-based diets¹. For example, beef production requires way more land and emits far more greenhouse gases than plant-based alternatives¹.

Ready to make the switch? Here are a few tips:

  • Start small: Swap out one or two meat-based meals a week for plant-based options³.
  • Explore new recipes: Get creative with plant-based cooking and discover delicious new flavours ³.
  • Plan ahead: Meal planning can help you stay on track and ensure you're getting all the nutrients you need³.

Plant-based nutrition is a powerful tool for a healthier you and a healthier planet. Don't be afraid to experiment, learn, and find what works best for you and your family.

Ready to take the first step? Check out this homepage for receipts, and don't bother asking. No matter if it is me, or someone else.

Where did I get this information from? Check out these sources and references

1. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/whole-food-plant-based-diet
2. https://www.foodnavigator-usa.com/Article/2025/08/11/top-proteins-trends-in-2025/
3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39203861/
4. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11928959/
5. https://www.glanbianutritionals.com/en/nutri-knowledge-center/insights/5-plant-based-protein-trends
6. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11357199/
7. https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/sites/default/files/2024-12/Part%20D_Ch%204_Food%20Sources%20of%20Saturated%20Fat_FINAL_508.pdf
8. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/vegan-protein-sources-chart
9. https://www.acc.org/About-ACC/Press-Releases/2025/03/17/15/35/Healthy-Plant-Based-Foods-Could-Help-People
10. https://nesr.usda.gov/sites/default/files/2024-12/Food-sources-saturated-fat_cardiovascular-disease-2025DGACSystematicReview.pdf
11. https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/nutrition-basics/plant-based-protein-infographic
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14. https://assets.todaysdietitian.com/pdf/webinars/ProteinContentofFoods.pdf
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27. https://nutritionstudies.org/topics/success-stories/
28. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12131402/
29. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10305646/
30. https://www.forksoverknives.com/success-stories/
31. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4375659/
32. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/complete-protein-for-vegans
33. https://www.henryford.com/Blog/2025/07/Plant-Vs-Animal-Protein
34. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10934381/
35. https://www.piedmont.org/living-real-change/what-is-a-complete-protein
36. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/animal-vs-plant-protein
37. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11635497/
38. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8435572/
39. https://www.parkview.com/blog/transitioning-to-a-plant-based-diet-%E2%80%93-tips-and-tricks
40. https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsomega.4c07560
41. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10027313/
42. https://shop.forksoverknives.com/pages/beginner-guide
43. https://thehumaneleague.org/article/plant-based-diet-for-beginners
44. https://www.vegetariantimes.com/plant-based-101/10-mistakes-to-avoid-that-could-make-your-transition-to-a-plant-based-diet-harder/
45. https://www.vegansociety.com/news/blog/ultra-processed-foods-and-veganism-what-are-facts-0
46. https://shop.forksoverknives.com/pages/beginner-guide
47. https://nutritionstudies.org/mistakes-we-make-when-going-plant-based-how-to-avoid-them/
48. https://hsph.harvard.edu/news/the-bottom-line-on-ultra-processed-plant-based-meat/
49. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/vegan-calcium-sources
50. https://theguthealthdoctor.com/vitamin-c-iron-match-made-in-plant-heaven
51. https://sharonpalmer.com/how-to-eat-vegan-out/
52. https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/health/special-diets/best-vegan-calcium-sources
53. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6940487/
54. https://foodrevolution.org/blog/family-nutrition-plant-based-eating/
55. https://essycooks.com/cost-of-a-vegan-diet-vs-a-meat-based-diet/
56. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9554424/
57. https://www.wcrf.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Meat-fish-and-dairy-products.pdf
58. https://www.pcrm.org/news/news-releases/majority-us-adults-misinformed-about-cost-eating-plant-based-diet
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