What Does "Plantify" Mean?

I invented the term Plantify to describe the dietary transformation that happens when you clean up your meals and bring more whole plant foods to the center of your plate. Here’s how I define it:

Plantify:

• To increase the overall quality and quantity of whole plant foods in your diet for health, environmental, or animal rights reasons.”

• If a meal has been “Plantify’d,” it means more plant foods have been added or swapped in place of, animal products or ultra-processed ingredients.

This concept is so near and dear to my heart because it’s been a long road to get here. As a self-proclaimed foodie, I’m not exaggerating when I say I’ve spent most of my life living to eat, not eating to live. That might be controversial to the “food is just fuel” crowd, but I truly believe we should love our food!

The trouble comes when your food stops loving you back.

Most of us grew up eating diets heavy in hyper-palatable, ultra-processed foods that overstimulate the brain’s reward system while under nourishing the body. When you decide to eat healthier, the transition can feel… a little underwhelming. Your tastebuds are craving that dopamine hit- and that lemony quinoa salad just doesn’t spark joy (yet).

But here’s the good news: it doesn’t have to be this hard.

Plantifying your food doesn’t mean going vegan overnight (or ever). It’s about making progress- not perfection- and discovering delicious ways to add more vibrant, nourishing plants to your plate in a way that makes sense for you.