I’d argue that anything that gets you close to consuming animal products is better than a strict plant-based diet.  As you might know, there are several shades of plant-based eating, including vegan, vegetarian, ovo vegetarian, lacto-ovo vegetarian, lacto vegetarian, pescatarian, flexitarian and possibly others.  Just keep in mind that while vegetarianism might be better than veganism, neither one is great for your health.