3 Healthy Food Strategies Vegans & Carnivores Both Agree On

It may seem like vegans and animal-product eaters have nothing in common—dietarily, that is. One avoids meat, dairy, and other animal products at all costs; while the other may devour one or more of these food items daily.

Despite those differences, preventive cardiologist Ethan Weiss, M.D., says vegans and carnivores alike can probably agree on three healthy food principles. 

A study by researchers Kevin Hall, Ph.D., and Stephanie Chung, MBBS, found people who eat more processed foods consume more calories and gain more weight1 than people who eat minimally processed diets. 

Certain candies and chips may be vegan, Weiss explains, but that doesn't necessarily mean they're part of a healthy diet. Similarly, non-vegans can indulge in processed cheeses and ice cream. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), a daily intake of added sugars2 should be less than 10% of a person's total daily calories. Not only do added sugars have addictive properties3, but they can also negatively affect gut health, according to board-certified internist Vincent M. Pedre, M.D.

Carbohydrates often get a bad rap, but they're not always unhealthy. In fact, whole grains and ancient grains have a variety of health benefits, including potentially lowering the risk of type 2 diabetes. 

Along with distinguishing high-quality and low-quality carbs, Weiss says it's important to eat them in their natural state. For example, the carbohydrates in broccoli, which come from fiber, is neutral, if not good for you, he says. "Don't even think about how much you eat of that nonstarchy, fibrous vegetable," Weiss adds.