The Whole-Food, Plant-Based diet is a lifestyle focused on eating foods derived entirely from plants in their natural or minimally processed states. It excludes animal products and heavily refined foods like white flour, added sugars, and oils.
For the Health Benefits
People follow the diet for heart health, disease management, weight control, and just to feel better, save money, and help the planet. It is often praised for lowering cholesterol and reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and for helping to manage & reverse Type 2 diabetes. Because it leads to a higher fiber intake, which promotes satiety, it often results in sustainable weight loss.
There’s excellent scientific evidence that many chronic diseases can be prevented, controlled, or even reversed. Scientific research highlighted in the landmark book The China Study shows that a plant-based diet can reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, certain types of cancer, and other major illnesses. Many people also report bigger fitness payoffs, more energy, reduced inflammation, and better health outcomes after making the switch.
Is it Vegan?
There is overlap between the whole-food, plant-based diet and the vegan diet, but there are also some key differences. A vegan diet can include highly processed imitation meats & cheeses, oils, and refined sugars (yes, vegan junk food is a thing). The whole-food, plant-based diet eschews these products in favor of whole or minimally processed, close-to-nature foods that make it easy to meet nutritional needs.
The five food groups in this diet include fruits, vegetables, tubers, whole grains, and legumes. There are also plenty of other foods to enjoy, including nuts, seeds, avocados, tofu, whole-grain flours & breads, and plant-based milks. But these should be consumed in moderation as they are more calorie-dense and can contribute to weight gain.
Restaurant Dining
Most restaurants are very accommodating of dietary needs, so review their menus online. Scan the menu in advance to see if a restaurant offers vegan options, and you’re already most of the way there. Then simply call ahead, explain your preferences, and they will probably be able to accommodate you.
Vegan Restaurants & Shops in Central Ohio
Are you interested finding a vegan restaurant or food shop in central Ohio? There may be more than you think. Here is a list of vegan restaurants taken from Simply Living’s Local Sustainable Business Directory. These are places that are completely vegan. There are also literally hundreds of vegan-friendly restaurants, places with vegan options, that use all-natural or organic ingredients.
Portia’s Cafe strives to provide the most delicious & satisfying vegan foods using the freshest, purest, healthiest ingredients, all vegan, gluten-free, GMO-free, organic, & local. Located at 4428 Indianola Avenue, Columbus 43214.
Woodhouse Vegan is a cozy cafe offering plant-based salads, sandwiches & daily specials, plus beer & cocktails. Located at 851 North Fourth Street, Columbus 43215.
Seitan’s Realm is a vegan deli serving the greater Columbus area. They offer quality vegan food to the masses. Located at 3496 North High Street, Columbus 43214.
Can’t Believe It’s Vegan serves amazing vegan dishes. Owner/Chef Clayton Freeman creates mouthwatering, healthy vegan dishes that even omnivores will love! Located at 584 W. Schrock Rd, Westerville 43081.
4th & State is a family-owned vegan restaurant in downtown Columbus that serves an array of plant-based shareables, sandwiches, pizza, and a weekend brunch. Located at 152 East State Street, Columbus 43215.
Willowbeez Soulveg is a family owned and operated vegan soul food pop up and catering company with a unique approach to vegan soul food. Located at 59 Spruce Street, Columbus 43215.
Loving Hut-Reynoldsburg is an invitation to gourmet cuisine made with wholesome vegan ingredients, offering an accessible starting point for those making the noble transition to a plant-based diet. Located at 6569 East Livingston Avenue, Reynoldsburg 43068.
Clintonville Natural Foods is a neighborhood store providing drinks & snacks, bulk herbs & spices, fresh produce, bulk foods, body care, vitamins & supplements, and unique & trending grocery items. Located at 4398 Indianola Avenue, Columbus 43214.
Pattycake Bakery handcrafts sweets, always from scratch, using the finest primarily organic, all vegan, and 100% natural ingredients. Located at 3870 North High Street, Columbus 43214.
Happy Little Treats is an all vegan bakery, featuring a large range of baked goods from cookies & cakes, croissants & breads, and pop tarts! Located at 1203 North High Street, Columbus 43201.
