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Plant-based

Whole-foods plant-based (WFPB) is veganism that excludes refined and processed plant foods too. No meat, no dairy, no eggs — and also no white sugar, refined oils, or processed mock meats.

It's the diet most associated with Dean Ornish, T. Colin Campbell, and the documentary Forks Over Knives. Researched for cardiovascular reversal specifically.

Macro split

Carbs

60–75%

Protein

10–15%

Fat

10–25%

Naturally low fat unless emphasizing nuts/avocado

Foods to eat
  • Vegetables (large quantities)
  • Fruits
  • Whole grains
  • Legumes
  • Nuts and seeds (whole)
  • Tofu, tempeh (minimally processed)
Foods to avoid
  • × All animal products
  • × Refined oils (even olive oil)
  • × Refined sugar
  • × Processed mock meats
  • × White flour products

CalPilot

Track Plant-based in CalPilot

CalPilot logs your food in 3 seconds and auto-checks compatibility with your set diet. No manual lookup. No second-guessing.

What it is

Vegan + whole foods. Eats: vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds. Avoids: all animal products, refined oils, refined sugar, processed foods.

Pros

  • Strongest research for cardiovascular disease reversal
  • Naturally low calorie density — weight loss happens passively
  • Highest fiber intake of any diet pattern
  • Strong environmental case

Cons

  • ! Most restrictive of major eating patterns
  • ! B12 supplementation required
  • ! Achieving high protein is harder
  • ! Social eating is challenging

Best for

People with diagnosed cardiovascular disease (where this diet has reversal evidence), or those motivated by environmental and ethical reasons combined with health.

Research

Ornish reversal trial showed plaque regression in coronary artery disease — unique among diets. Adventist Health Study shows mortality benefit.

How CalPilot helps

B12, iron, omega-3, vitamin D, calcium tracked daily. Plant-protein adequacy surfaced. Photo logging accurately reads tofu, tempeh, complex grain bowls.

FAQ

Is plant-based the same as vegan?
Plant-based is vegan + minimally processed. A vegan eating cookies and Beyond Meat is technically vegan but not WFPB.