While there are endless reasons why you might find it challenging to eat plant-based or go vegan, there are also endless ways to make it simpler and enjoyable. Here are some of the ways I have identified to make it easier.
- Have a reason why you would like to try eating plant-based.
- Is it for the animals? Can you no longer stand the thought of another being suffering when there are wonderful food alternatives?
- Is it for your health? Do you have high cholesterol? Blood pressure? High diabetes AIC numbers?
- Are you worried about our environment and don’t want to contribute to global warming through animal agriculture?
When you have a real why, your resolve to shift old habits is much stronger.
- Discover dishes that you enjoy preparing. Do you love breakfast foods? There are many easy and yummy ways to start your day. Overnight oats are a personal favorite. Are you a salad person? Have a variety of salad greens, toppings and vinegars available in your fridge and pantry. Do you love the ease of a soup or stew? Looking for inspiration? Join our Facebook group where we offer breakfast, lunch and dinner recipes along with tips and tricks to make it easier.
- If you are feeling adventurous, learn to veganize your favorite dishes. Or try new dishes! Fan faves in my house are teriyaki tofu, vegan lasagna, tofu “chicken” Caesar wraps, lentil Bolognese, veggie burgers, tacos and so many more.
- Working a lot or have kids? Make it easy for yourself and buy pre-chopped veggies, frozen veggies (which retain many of their nutrients) chopped garlic, or super firm tofu (so you don’t have to press it). There are many shortcuts that still allow you to enjoy a homemade, delicious, and affordable plant-based meal. I opt for easier recipes. There are plenty to choose from!
- If you enjoy cooking your familiar foods but are overwhelmed by the idea of trying plant-based cooking on your own (like I was) take a cooking class (like I did. It was a game changer!). (We offer cooking classes which are low key and fun.)
- If you are not a cook, learn how to assemble some basic meals, or find healthy takeout. (It will be much less expensive, and likely healthier, to learn how to cook, and you can do that little by little. We can help. But takeout is an option.)
- Find a plant-based food blogger whose recipes look easy, or whose videos you find fun to watch and follow them.
- Join a community so you don’t feel so alone. Whether it be a Facebook group, a local in-person Meetup, or Vegan Toastmasters (we meet on Zoom on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month at 3 pm PT), there are tons of other people doing what you endeavor to do. YOU ARE NOT ALONE!
- Spend time learning about:
- The health benefits of eating a whole food plant-based diet (and the detriments of consuming animal products).
- The horrors of animal agriculture.
- The impact producing meat has on our climate.
- Watch films, read books, listen to podcasts about all of the above.
- If you are ready to jump in:
- Remove all animal products from your kitchen– dairy, eggs, meats.
- Grab a few cookbooks or recipes from vegan chefs and bloggers.
- Begin to identify as someone who doesn’t consume these products.
- Take a cooking class.
- Invest in a kitchen gadget or two to make cooking easier. I love my food processor and I use my Instant-Pot to make rice all the time.
- If you have health issues, consider one-on-one coaching with a health coach or nutritionist, or a group program like Rochester Lifestyle Medicine’s Jumpstart program.
- If you know you want to eat plant-based and don’t have a pressing health concern but want support, we offer one-on-one vegan and plant-based lifestyle coaching.
- Love dining out? Download the Happy Cow app to find restaurants with vegan options. I check menus before committing to a restaurant.
- Love to travel? Eating vegan or plant-based is getting easier and easier when traveling. And you can choose an Airbnb instead of a hotel so that you can cook some or all your meals.
- Embrace the idea that eating plant-based is not a diet, which is restrictive. Rather, eating plant-based is part of an expansive lifestyle and it can be a fun adventure!
- Feel good about whatever choices you make toward a plant-based lifestyle. Maybe you are not yet ready to go plant-exclusive. I know people who have lowered their cholesterol, diabetes numbers or blood pressure by eating a primarily plant-based diet. Plenty of people eat healthy plant-based food because they understand the detriments of consuming animal products, and countless others won’t go near anything animal-based for ethical reasons. Do what works for you.
- Embrace the holistic nature of a plant-based lifestyle. A healthy lifestyle includes body, mind and soul and food is just the beginning. Consider movement, good sleep, meditation, relationships, time in nature- anything that feeds you and your soul.
If eating plant-based or going vegan has been on your to do list for a while and you just haven’t taken any action, we are here to help!
- HAVE FUN being the person who is courageously embracing a new, healthier and compassionate lifestyle.
The above tips are intended to offer some inspiration.
I remember when eating plant-based was still challenging to me. Now that I’m on the other side, I can say without hesitation, that choosing a plant-based lifestyle is one of the best things I’ve ever done. My body feels good. I can sleep at night knowing that I didn’t knowingly harm animals for my sustenance. I’m doing my small part for the environment, and I’m part of an ever-growing community.
Your why is personal to you. What matters is that you get started and discover how good you feel knowing that your choices care for your body, our earth and the animals. If you have questions about any of the ideas listed above, feel free to reach out to me. I’m happy to share resources.