These days, so many people are choosing to switch to a plant-based lifestyle, and you might be considering doing the same. Regardless of the reason why you’ve chosen this path, whether it be for health, sustainability, or beauty benefits, here are some ways you can easily adapt to this new lifestyle.
Swap Meat with Plant-Based Alternatives
The first big step to committing to a plant-based lifestyle is going to be to completely replace meat with plant-based proteins like beans, lentils, tofu, and tempeh. These alternatives are versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes, from stir-fries to stews. Don’t be disheartened if you cave into your meat cravings at the start; the transition will take some time.
Experiment with Plant-Based Dairy
Next on your list for substitutions is going to be dairy, so start giving plant-based dairy products a try. Almond milk, soy yogurt, and vegan cheese are all good places to start, as they’re widely available, delicious, and can be easily substituted in your favorite recipes. You’ll find that they offer similar textures and flavors to traditional dairy, making the switch seamless.
Visit Local Farmer’s Markets
There’s no denying that plant-based life can get expensive, but not if you shop at local farmers’ markets. Not only are they cheaper, but they also provide fresh, seasonal produce that is perfect for a plant-based diet. The produce is also usually sustainably sourced, which is a big part of the plant-based mindset.
Explore New Plant-Based Recipes
The first thing you’ll want to do to get started with your new plant-based lifestyle is to try new recipes. Look for simple, plant-based dishes that use ingredients you already enjoy, just like the meals that EatingWell recommends. This can make the transition smoother and more enjoyable as you discover delicious alternatives to your usual meals, getting you motivated.
Start with Meatless Mondays
It’s not always smart to dive straight into the deep end of plant-based life, so consider starting your plant-based journey by dedicating one day a week to meat-free meals. Meatless Mondays are a popular and manageable way to explore vegetarian dishes. You’ll find it’s an easy and delicious habit to form, and before you know it, you’ll be craving Meatless Tuesdays.
Incorporate More Vegetables
Another good way to ease your way into a plant-based lifestyle is to start eating more vegetables. Vegetables are hugely important in this diet, so start by increasing the portions of veggies in your favorite dishes. This simple adjustment can make a significant impact on your diet and help you appreciate the variety of flavors plant-based foods offer.
Learn About Plant-Based Nutrition
In order to ensure you’re transitioning to plant-based nutrition with your health in mind, you’ll need to educate yourself on it. Focus on a balanced intake of proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Resources like nutrition blogs, books, and documentaries can provide valuable insights and guidance on maintaining a healthy plant-based diet.
Meal Prep Plant-Based Snacks
Once you’ve started getting into the swing of plant-based life, start preparing plant-based snacks to have on hand for when hunger strikes. Healthy options like hummus with veggies, fruit slices, or nuts can keep you satisfied between meals. Prepping snacks ahead of time ensures you always have a convenient and nutritious option available.
Transition Gradually
Even once you’ve settled into your plant-based diet, it’s still smart to make gradual changes, helping to prevent you from overwhelming yourself. Replace one meal a day with a plant-based option, and as you become more comfortable, you can increase the number of plant-based meals, making the shift more sustainable and less overwhelming. Don’t try to change your lifestyle overnight.
Discover Plant-Based Restaurants
You won’t always want to cook at home, so start exploring plant-based restaurants in your area. Dining out at these establishments can provide inspiration and show you how delicious and diverse plant-based meals can truly be. It’s also a great way to enjoy a night out without compromising your dietary choices, and maybe you’ll get some tips from the chef.
Use Spices and Herbs
As with any other cooking, you mustn’t forget to enhance the flavor of your plant-based meals with a variety of spices and herbs. These ingredients can transform simple dishes into flavorful and exciting meals. Experiment with different combinations to discover your favorite flavors and keep your meals interesting.
Read Ingredient Labels
Pay attention to ingredient labels when shopping because learning to read labels helps you make informed choices and avoid ingredients that don’t align with your plant-based goals. This habit will become second nature over time, but it’s good to be particularly observant when you start out.
Join Plant-Based Communities
Sometimes, it can feel a little isolating being plant-based when everyone around you eats meat, so try to connect with others who are also embracing a plant-based lifestyle. Online forums, social media groups, and local meetups can provide support, share recipes, and offer tips. Being part of a community can make the transition more enjoyable and help you stay motivated.
Watch Plant-Based Documentaries
If you’re ever running out of motivation to remain plant-based, documentaries about plant-based living are a good watch. They’re both educational and inspiring, with some particular favorites being “Forks Over Knives” and “The Game Changers.” Watching these documentaries can reinforce your decision and provide additional motivation, which a lot of people find very useful.
Try Plant-Based Meal Delivery Services
Some people simply don’t have the time to prepare plant-based meals every night, so it’s worth considering using plant-based meal delivery services. These services provide pre-prepared meals that are both convenient and nutritious, and they’re also a great way to try new dishes, get new recipes, and guarantee you have plant-based options readily available, even when you’re busy.
Get Creative with Cooking
To keep your plant-based life interesting, it’s going to be very important to keep experimenting with different cooking techniques to make your plant-based meals exciting. Try roasting, grilling, steaming, and sautéing vegetables to bring out different flavors and textures. You’ll thank yourself later when you’re able to switch things up if you ever get bored.
Plan Your Meals
Just as with regular cooking, you’re going to have to think about meal planning if you want to stick with a plant-based diet in the long run. This will not just simplify your transitionary period, but it will also ensure you have all the ingredients you need for each week, helping you to avoid last-minute unhealthy choices.
Understand Your Motivation
If you’re ever starting to become swayed by the temptation of eating meat or dairy, identify your reasons for embracing this lifestyle and remind yourself of them whenever you’re struggling. It might be worth writing these reasons down on a card, be they environmental, health, beauty, or moral reasons. You can keep this in your wallet and take a look each time, reminding yourself of why you’re doing this.
Educate Family and Friends
Nobody likes a preachy vegan, but there’s nothing wrong with educating your family about your new plant-based lifestyle. They’ll love hearing about your journey, and who knows, maybe they’ll be inspired to try it out for themselves. Their understanding and support can also make your transition smoother, so it’s definitely worth sharing the news.
Explore International Cuisines
There are countless cultures out there that thrive on plant-based diets, with the delicious food of India being just one example. So, try to mix up your dishes with international favorites, which will bring more variety to your meals. You’ll inevitably come across new ingredients and cooking methods, keeping your plant-based diet exciting and diverse.
Celebrate Your Progress
Above all, switching to a plant-based lifestyle isn’t easy, so remember to acknowledge and celebrate your progress along the way. Embracing a plant-based lifestyle is a journey, and it’s important to reward yourself for your strength, so consider baking yourself a batch of plant-based cookies as an anniversary treat.