What Is a 90% Vegan Diet?

 

Veganism is a philosophy and way of life that abstains from all forms of exploitation or cruelty to animals. It restricts the use of animal products, especially in diets. A lot of people have adopted the practice for the benefit of animals, humans, and the environment, limiting their consumption to animal-free products. And though it is definitely an admirable lifestyle, not a lot of people can attain it 100%. There are factors such as budget, accessibility, and health that can hamper a person’s entry into veganism—which, to be fair, is recognized.

That said, not being able to give your all to veganism should not deter you from taking that leap into a healthier diet. There is a case to be made for a 90% vegan diet, which is just a slight step down from full-on veganism. This toned-down version encourages the intake of wholesome, plant-based food, but it also gives concessions for those who cannot fully give up meat or processed food, nor commit themselves to rid themselves of all animal products.

What Is a 90% Vegan Diet?

A 90% vegan diet is exactly what its name suggests. It refers to a vegan diet that is only practiced up to 90%. That means that you are still actively and consciously eating better. You limit meat and fish and stay away from any processed food, especially those that have involved animals. Yet, it is more flexible than full veganism. When necessary, you may deviate and consume what you want minus the limitations granted that you get right back on track.

Benefits of a 90% Vegan Diet

There are several benefits to a 90% vegan diet, the primary one being its promotion of better health. Let us take a look at the pros that come with switching to this lifestyle.

It Promises Similar Health Benefits at 100% Vegan

There are several health benefits that come with veganism, including improved heart health, lowered risk of cancer and diabetes, and weight loss. The same benefits can be reaped even with a 90% vegan diet.

You Can Still Eat Meat

Since veganism restricts all animal products, you are not allowed to eat meat. But with 90% vegan, you may incorporate it in little amounts. This is especially helpful if you are not accustomed to meat-less food, or if your body requires protein.

It’s More Sustainable

People who dive first into veganism might find themselves having a hard time sustaining the diet. But with 90% vegan, it becomes easier since you will not be limiting yourself too strictly on what you cannot eat. The diet can also be considered a stepping stone into full veganism if you are working towards that.

It’s Accessible

Even if you want to go 100% vegan, the resources to do so might not be accessible to you. It may be out of reach due to budget or logistics; some ingredients or food products might be too expensive or require a visit to a specialty shop (that may be too far from you) to get. The 90% vegan diet is more accessible since it gives you more options to incorporate into your diet.

How to Practice a 90% Vegan Diet

Like any diet, a 90% vegan diet requires discipline and practice. It is best to start with a consultation from your doctor to see if the diet works for your body and current health status; a health practitioner may also help you properly get started.

Ease yourself in it, and remember these tips to sustainably practice your diet.

Focus On Whole Foods

Zero in on consuming whole foods. These are foods that are made from a single ingredient and are not highly processed, including fruits, vegetables, and grains. You can eat them raw, cooked, ground, or even fermented. Strive to craft your diet in a way that the majority of it consists of these kinds of ingredients or meals.

Switch to Plant-Based

Aside from whole foods, your diet should be filled with plant-based food. Load up on a lot of greens, especially leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale, etc. It would be best if these were always fresh, but you can also ferment them to get ready for off-seasons.

When cooking, it would also be best to use plant-based ingredients such as olive oil when building your meals.

Slash Sugar

Technically, sugar is vegan. But its manufacturing process may involve animals, which is why vegans typically stray away from it—not to mention that it is generally harmful to your health, especially refined sugar. Restrict sugar from your diet as much as you can. Do not worry, that does not mean staying away from sweets. You can still be 90% vegan but eat stuff like cakes and pastries, thanks to shops like Nogu Sweets, which create healthy desserts that cater to the diet.

Snack Better

Veganism does not stop you from snacking. But it does limit you from snacking on unhealthy, processed food. Instead, grab wholesome snacks, such as nuts, dried fruit, and grains, when you need something to munch on.

Drink Water

Strive to avoid drinks that are too processed, particularly sodas. You can get everything you need with water, anyway. Plus, it helps you feel more satiated throughout the day, so you can resist craving food outside of your diet.

Conclusion: A 90% Vegan Diet Is Enough

You do not have to go full vegan if you cannot. A 90% vegan diet is enough to keep you healthy, especially if the alternative is a more loose lifestyle that loads up on unhealthy food. It also helps you ease into the lifestyle that veganism advocates for the benefit of animals and our environment, as well as general well-being.

If you are on a 90% vegan diet already and find yourself looking to give yourself a treat, visit Nogu Sweets to find cakes that are 90% vegan—just right for your diet!