9 Easy Ways To Eat A More Plant Based Diet

 

One of the ways that you can make your health a priority this year is by adopting a more plant-based diet.

Are images of restriction popping up in your mind right now? Well, they shouldn’t, because a plant-based diet can be whatever you want it to be. Plenty of plant-based eaters enjoy eggs, meat and dairy every once in a while. You do not have to go full-on vegan (that is eliminating all animal products) or vegetarian (where you eliminate meat, poultry, fish and seafood).

While on this diet, plant-derived meals should be a priority, but how strict you want to be with it, is entirely up to you. If you are curious about how you could easily shift on to a more plant-based lifestyle, keep reading.

 

1. Breakfast, in this case, is the most important meal of the day

 

 

Start with a plant-based breakfast. Three vegan meals a day can seem intimidating when you are just starting out.

Usually, breakfasts are the easiest to veganize. Peanut butter and bread, fruit salads, smoothies, veggie sandwiches.

Success with this easily customizable meal will give you the morale you need to move on to a healthy vegan lunch. Once you feel confident with those two meals you can go on to dinner.

 

2. Make food swaps

 

Replace dairy milk for non-dairy milk. Yes, yes this might seem like an obvious swap. However, knowing what milk goes best with what, is key here. Here’s a little cheat sheet.

• Almond milk: This is a nut-based milk that has a natural sweetness to it. It will work well in smoothies or coffee.
• Soy milk: Has a taste with a slight edge when used in unmasked form. It’s best to not attempt to have it in your coffee or with cereal. Use it for baking instead.
• Coconut milk: It is best used to make comfort food. If you are craving a thick soup or a curry then this is the milk for you.
• Oat milk: Many swear by oat milk for their coffee.

 

3. Keep it simple

 

One easy trick is to start this journey with meals that you have always enjoyed that just happen to be plant-based.

It could be rice and kidney beans, oatmeal, stir-fry veggies, mashed potatoes or plantain then you can build on those meals.

 

4. Choose what your staples will be

 

Ideally, you should make starches and fruit the basis of your diet. It is beneficial to eat leafy vegetables.

However, they do not have enough calories to fuel your body. This is where foods like potatoes, whole grains and legumes come in to help you create meals that are filling and hearty.

 

5. Don’t underestimate the power of a gradual change

 

 

For example, you can start out by adapting meatless Monday and go from there!

Also, what you eat should not be a source of stress, you should do the best you can with what you have at any given time.

If for example you are travelling and it’s hard to find veggie options it is fine. Eating a mostly plant-based diet is better than not even trying.

 

6. Change your mindset about what snacks should look like

 

A slice of fruit can give you just as good of a pick me up like that beef samosa that is your go-to. Fruits are high in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fibre ensuring that you remain fuller longer. Nuts are also a great way to go.

 

7. Eat the rainbow

 

 

This could make the lifestyle a little fun if you can indulge me here. Go to your favourite groceries store or to the market and look around. Different foods have different colours meaning they have different levels of nutrients.

Tomatoes get their red colour from lycopene which protects against cell damage. Eating the rainbow will, therefore, give you a wide range of nutritional benefits that you wouldn’t just get from only eating green leafy vegetables.

 

8. Look inward and find out what your motivation really is

 

You have to become very clear about the goals you want to achieve. Anything that excites you to take further steps towards a plant-based diet is great.

Be it the environment or your health. Keep that motivation close to your heart as it will help you stay on track.

 

Lastly,

 

This is not a foreign idea just think of all the plant-based foods already on your radar or even in your kitchen. You just have to take the time to consciously transition to opting for a bowl of rice and kidney beans instead of red meat, for example. You will need time to get used to this lifestyle so be gentle with yourself as you find your rhythm.

 

We wish you the very best in your plant-based journey!