Veganism: The Next Frontier

Types of vegan diets

Types of vegan diets

Note that these are the most popular vegan diets that I came across, numerous other forms exist within the vegan community.

Have a look at the types below and put together your own conclusion, or if you desire, develop your own diet that suits your needs, health, or time requirements.

Raw vegan diet

The raw vegan diet is one of the strictest and rarest forms within the community.

Those who apply a raw vegan diet believe when food is heated beyond 104°F (40°C) it loses most of its nutritional value. Due to this fact, raw veggies and fruits are consumed.

However, heating these foods below the above-mentioned heat regulations is acceptable.
Sprouted grains and legumes are sometimes incorporated into these diets.

Gluten-free vegan diet

Gluten-free vegan diets may seem impossible or improbable to some, but numerous individuals follow this diet option.

Some follow this diet for health reasons, such as those affected by an autoimmune disease, which forces them not to include gluten in their diets.

A gluten-free vegan diet consists of anything edible except products containing animal derivatives and gluten.

To explain gluten simply, gluten is the protein in wheat that acts like a glue and helps shape food products.

Varied diet

I follow a varied vegan diet as this is the most long-term sustaining and flexible diet within the group.

There are no limits when choosing to follow a varied vegan diet, only that no animal derivatives should be included in the diet.

Fruitarian diet

As the name suggests, the fruitarian diet consists mostly of fruits, nuts, and seeds; However, there are a couple of strains that have branched out over the years.

Such as, some choose to add beans, lentils, and peas to their diets. Others choose to only eat fruits that have fallen from trees, and some may prefer not to consume seeds at all as they are future plant life.

Whole food diet

When following a whole-food vegan diet, one would avoid most forms of vegan processed food and attempt to consume only whole foods such as fruits, veggies, legumes, whole grains, nuts, and seeds.

Some may even choose to exclude oil from their diets.

Junk food vegan

Junk food veganism used to be extremely rare but with the recent spike in vegan takeaway and fast food restaurant availability, its popularity has skyrocketed.

Junk food vegans would mainly eat processed foods and artificial meats due to convenience and sensory pleasure.

Raw till 4 diet

Some experts believe that eating raw veggies and fruits are more healthy than cooking them; However, some individuals can't live on a fully raw vegan diet, alternatively, they choose a raw till 4 vegan diets.

After 4 o clock in the afternoon, there are no restrictions when it comes to food.

Paleo vegan diet

Also known as the caveman diet, the individuals who follow this diet trend would consume foods like those who lived during the Paleolithic era (stone age).

Pure and unprocessed foods such as fresh veggies and fruits. Most won't add legumes or grains to their diets as these were not part of the human diet during the stone age.

Freegan diet

Freegans do not purchase any goods, they live off what's thrown away by restaurants, businesses, or individuals in an n attempt to react against waste in a capitalistic society.

The freegan diets origin stems from the age-old method of dumpster diving and not all sources are obtained legally.

Final thoughts

Veganism has gained massive attention over the last couple of years, with some questioning its availability, others praising its health effects, and some like me simply wanting to make a difference.

To me, veganism isn't a diet but a lifestyle, but the right diet makes a massive difference in whether we fail or succeed on our journeys.

So, whichever path you choose, remember to think long-term and plan every step of the way. The decision to go vegan should be a selfless decision, not a sensory one.