Are you looking to switch to a plant-based diet? Then, this article is for
you! We know that shifting to a plant-based lifestyle can initially seem
daunting, but with the right information and a game plan, you can
make the transition exciting and fun! Below we’ve given some of our
top tips on how to start your plant-based journey!
1. It’s okay to go gradual - While some people are able to hop right
in, there is nothing wrong with taking things slow. A good game
plan is to start by eliminating two or three animal-based foods
and replacing them with a vegan alternative. For example, switch
your traditional sour cream with vegan sour cream on your next
taco night. Instead of meat chili, switch to a completely
plant-based bean chili. You can also start by just simply
increasing your consumption of whichever fruits and vegetables
you love. Add an extra serving of vegetables to your daily plate
or add some fresh fruit to your breakfast.
2. Learn to prepare your own food - If you’re not already savvy in
the kitchen, take the time to learn some helpful cooking skills.
Unless you have unlimited funds for food and live somewhere
with tons of vegan restaurants, preparing your own food at home
is key to making this lifestyle work. And who knows? Cooking
might just become your favorite hobby!
3. Stock up on healthy foods - A well-stocked kitchen is essential in
any plant-based household! Pick up a variety of vegetables and
fruits (both fresh and frozen), whole grains (like brown rice,
buckwheat, amaranth, quinoa, and whole wheat sprouted and
sourdough bread), and legumes (like chickpeas, lentils, black
beans, tofu, and tempeh). When you have a variety of healthy
foods on hand, you're less likely to reach for junk food or head
out to your local fast food restaurant.
4. Plan and prepare your meals in advance - Planning and
preparing your meals in advance will make your day ten times
easier! This way instead of cooking after a long day at work or
school, you ́ll have delicious plant-based meals waiting for you
at home. We have a great article up on the blog already that
goes into detail about how to effectively meal prep, so make sure
to check that out!
5. Prioritize protein - Make sure to incorporate a source of
plant-based protein in all your meals. This will ensure that you’re
kept satisfied throughout the day. A common mistake new
plant-based eaters make is not paying attention to protein, and
then reporting that a plant-based diet “couldn’t keep them
satisfied”. Our favorite sources of plant-based protein are beans,
legumes, soy, nuts and seeds, and vegan protein powder!
6. Find restaurants around you that offer plant-based options -
While cooking at home is always fun, eating out is typically a part
of our culture. Sometimes you want to go out with friends or
family, so it’s nice to have a restaurant lined up that you know
will have options!
These are just a handful of tools that you can use to make the
beginning of your plant-based journey as easy as (vegan!) pie!