How the food plate differs from the nutrition pyramid

The food plate is a replacement for its predecessor, the well-known food pyramid, and was developed by nutrition experts at the Harvard School of Public Health.^[1]Harvard T. H. Chan: Healthy Eating Plate & Healthy Eating Pyramid, Available at: https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/healthy-eating-plate/ [05.03.2018] Since June 2011, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has been using a food plate instead of the previous pyramid model.^[2]United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Available at https://www.fns.usda.gov/tn/myplate [05.03.2018] The plate illustrates what proportion of each food group should be consumed per meal. The straightforward presentation in the form of a ‘healthy plate’ is intended to help consumers develop healthy eating habits with greater ease than with the previous model.

 

The following items belong on a healthy vegan food plate

 

Mainly vegetables and fruit with every meal – 1/2 of the vegan food plate

Fruit and vegetables are an important source of vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, and fibre. When it comes to food choices, variety plays as important a role as quality, since no fruit or vegetable can provide all the necessary nutrients by itself. More vegetables than fruit should be consumed – of the recommended five servings per day, three should be in the form of vegetables and two in the form of fruit.^[3]Harvard T. H. Chan: Vegetables and Fruits, Available at https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/what-should-you-eat/vegetables-and-fruits/ [05.03.2018]

 

Wholegrain foods – 1/4 of the vegan food plate

Wholegrain cereals such as oats, rye, spelt, wheat, barley, millet, and rice, along with pseudocereals such as quinoa, amaranth, and buckwheat, provide complex carbohydrates, fibre, and phytochemicals. They also contain important vitamins (especially B vitamins) and minerals (for example, iron, zinc, magnesium). By contrast, refined cereals such as white flour and white rice lack important nutrients.^[4]Harvard T. H. Chan: Whole Grains, Available at https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/whole-grains/ [05.03.2018] In addition, they increase blood sugar and insulin levels faster, which can increase the risk of obesity and diabetes.^[5]Aune D, Norat T, Romundstad P, Vatten LJ. Whole grain and refined grain consumption and the risk of type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of cohort studies. 2113, … Continue reading

 

Choose protein from plant sources – 1/4 of the vegan food plate

Among plant foods, the main sources of protein are pulses (lentils, peas, beans, and lupins) and cereals (rice, oats, millet, wheat, spelt, and rye), as well as soya products such as tofu and tempeh. Pseudocereals (amaranth, buckwheat, and quinoa), nuts, almonds, sesame seeds, hemp seeds, sunflower seeds, and chia seeds also contain particularly high proportions of protein.^[6]Daniel, P., Harvard University (2017): How much protein do you need every day?
Available at https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/how-much-protein-do-you-need-every-day-2015 [05.03.2018] By combining various plant proteins – for example, cereals with pulses – the supply of all essential amino acids can be optimised. It is sufficient to eat protein from different sources throughout the day.^[7]American Heart Association. (2016). Vegetarian Diets. Available at www.heart.org/HEARTORG/HealthyLiving/HealthyEating/Vegetarian-Diets_UCM_306032_Article.jsp#.WdZOFdNJbBI [05.03.2018] ^[8]Sanders TA (1999) The nutritional adequacy of plant-based diets. Proc Nutr Soc 58: p. 265–269

 

Healthy vegetable oils in moderation

A plant-based diet can provide good sources of the essential omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Linseed oil (also known as flax oil or flaxseed oil) has the highest content of omega-3 fatty acids. Other such foods include rapeseed, walnut, and hemp oil. Olive and rapeseed oil also have a good ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids.^[9]Harvard T. H. Chan: Fats and Cholesterol, Available at https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/what-should-you-eat/fats-and-cholesterol/ [05.03.2018] Coconut oil, soya bean oil, and high-oleic frying oils are particularly suitable for frying. High-oleic oils are oils that are high in monosaturated fats (oleic acid), and include varieties of sunflower and thistle.^[10]Warner, K. & Knowlton, S. J Amer Oil Chem Soc (1997): Frying quality and oxidative stability of high-oleic corn oils, Available at https://doi.org/10.1007/s11746-997-0063-7 [05.03.2018]

 

A sufficient intake of water – 2-2.5 litres per day

The recommended amounts for total water intake include the moisture content of food and only apply in relation to moderate temperatures and moderate physical activity levels. You should preferably drink water, non-caffeinated unsweetened tea, and other non-alcoholic, low-calorie beverages such as juice spritzers. In high temperatures or if you exercise, the amount of water you need may increase.^[11]European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) (2010): Scientific Opinion on Dietary Reference Values for water, Available at http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.2903/j.efsa.2010.1459/full [05.03.2018]

 

Other important nutrients on the vegan food plate

With every diet – whether vegetarian, vegan, or non-veggie – good planning is essential to avoid nutritional deficiencies. Optimal vegan nutrition is ensured by eating a balanced and varied diet without losing sight of critical nutrients. Nutritionists also recommend having a blood test done every year or two.

 

Vitamin B12

Those eating a vegan diet should ensure a proper supply of vitamin B12 by taking dietary supplements and/or using vitamin B12 toothpaste.

 

Calcium

In order to meet one’s calcium needs, one should deliberately consume calcium-rich plants (for example, dark green vegetables, citrus fruits, nuts, seeds, raisins, tofu), calcium-rich mineral waters, and calcium-fortified products (for example, plant milk).

 

Iodine

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about a third of the world’s population is affected by insufficient iodine intake. In Europe, as much as half of the population is affected.^[12]WHO (World Health Organization) (2004): Iodine status worldwide: WHO global database on iodine deficiency. Geneva, p. 1, 12 The body can receive an adequate supply of iodine by consuming algae or algae-based supplements such as spirulina. In order to ensure a sufficient supply of iodine, iodised salt can also be added to one’s diet. However, an overdose of iodine can cause health problems. ProVeg provides further information on the topic in this article on how to prevent iodine deficiency with iodine-containing foods.

 

More tips for a healthy diet and lifestyle

• Ready meals, sweets, and alcohol are not an obligatory part of a healthy food plate. They can, however, be enjoyed in moderation.
• Choose natural, unprocessed foods, and buy local and organic whenever possible.
• Ensure that you exercise regularly, engage in outdoor activities, and get plenty of sleep.