With any diet or eating plan, there are ways to do it correctly and incorrectly. "Just because you are eating a vegan or vegetarian diet, does not mean that it is guaranteed to be healthier than a regular diet that includes meat products," according to Daily Harvest nutritionist, Deborah Murphy MS, RDN. She says, "These days, there are so many vegan products on the market, it can be easy to become a 'junk food' vegan, and I often get asked by clients if the newer plant-based burgers popping up are healthier. The same advice for healthy eating applies to every diet, including a vegan or vegetarian one: Incorporate lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes to get the most health benefits."
In fact, a study done by the American College of Cardiology showed that only participants who followed a healthy plant-based diet had a decrease in cardiovascular risk compared to those who ate more animal products. Participants who had a more unhealthful plant-based diet (full of sweetened beverages, refined grains, potatoes, and sweets) didn't see the same heart benefits. Sure, desserts and chips are technically plant-based, but unfortunately, that doesn't give you an excuse to load up on them.