Maintaining a plant-based diet means consuming foods that are primarily from plants, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, oils, whole grains, beans, and more. It’s a less rigorous practice than making the lifestyle choice of being a vegetarian or vegan, who never eats meat, dairy, or any animal produce.

A big reason why plant-based diets are getting a lot of attention in recent years is because of the general movement towards eco-friendly and more sustainable living, for the sake of the environment. As one would assume, consuming less animal produce is also less taxing to our natural resources, and wouldn’t disturb the ecosystem as much. Moreover, having a plant-based diet is also just generally more beneficial to our bodies as it boosts our immune system, maintains healthy weight, increases fiber, and lowers cancer risk, to name a few, according to the MD Anderson Cancer Center.

More and more groups and social media accounts are emerging across the country in promotion of plant-based diets, and major fast food companies have already started to notice. In fact, Burger King has just launched the plant-based Whopper in the Philippines with zero meat, just soy proteins cooked just as deliciously. Originally released in the USA in 2019, the reimagined iconic burger officially made its Philippine debut on November 16.

Hello meat lovers! We’re proud to announce the new Plant-based Whopper and Plant-based Nuggets at Burger King, powered by The Vegetarian Butcher. Our next step in winning the hearts of meat lovers across the globe. #thevegetarianbutcher #foodrevolution #burgerking pic.twitter.com/3vMW9eQZcL

— Vegetarian Butcher (@Vegebutcher) September 2, 2020

Pizza chain Shakey’s also recently jumped on the meatless movement with a plant-based burger of their own, called the “Goood Burger.” The new menu item is now available in all of the local outlets, working with Century Pacific Food to create the perfect “unMeat” patty.

Via IG: Shakey’s PH

Joining the list is SPAM’s Vegan option which is expected to drop in groceries nationwide very soon, and McDonald’s has also shared to the public that it’s planning to release its own meatless burger in 2021. Although fast food chains and processed foods aren’t the best options for your plant-based diet, it’s still a welcome effort from major companies to offer more alternatives that might interest more people into changing their food behaviors.

There’s also been a massive growth in the number of accounts on social media that promote this lifestyle, with influencers of their own in the plant-based community. These accounts regularly share recipes, restaurants, brands, and other findings to guide other people interested to make the change as well.

Regardless if you’re currently on the plant-based diet now, or just interested to check it out when you want a healthier alternative, these accounts are great resources when you just don’t know how to start. It’s also a great beginner’s guide to where and what to eat when it feels like the world is only full of delicious meat meals:

ELLAWHATTHEVEG

Via IG: ELLAWHATTHEVEG

DANIKA NEMIS

Via IG: Danika Nemis

PLANTIFULLYLIVIN

Via IG: PLANTIFULLYLIVIN

MESA NI MISIS

Via IG: Mesa Ni Misis

THE HEALTHY PINAY

Via IG: The Healthy Pinay

THE FOODIE TAKES FLIGHT

Via IG: The Foodie Takes Flight

ASTIG VEGAN

Via IG: Astig Vegan

The biggest hurdle with starting a plant-based diet is the misconception that everything you’ll be eating is either too bland, or too “green-tasting.” With recipes from these accounts, and the launch of fast food alternatives, making the leap seems a lot more inviting and tasty, and definitely worth checking out.