5 Essentials For A Plant-Based Lifestyle
Shifting to a plant-based diet is more than a fad or a trend; it is a lifestyle! Years of research have found that eating more plants is good for health and longevity, and a healthier planet. However, to create any new habit, the initial transition can feel challenging and maybe even a culture shock.
The good news is, a little education and preparation on best practices of creating a plant-based life can set you up for success. This month I'm sharing essentials for a healthy and sustainable plant-based lifestyle! Are you already following a plant-based lifestyle? I'd love to hear your favorite tip to share with others.
1. Embrace the Variety of All the Foods You Can Eat!
Consuming an assortment of foods will help to ensure that all of your nutrient needs are being met. The options are almost endless, there are so many amazing and nutritious plant-based foods available. Many people go wrong when attempting to create a sustainable plant-based diet because they do not eat enough food to sustain everyday function. Some important things to consider:
Create the foundation with: whole-grains, fruits, vegetables, beans, peas, legumes, nuts, seeds, avocados, and coconut, and plant-based oils such as olive oil, avocado oil, and grapeseed oil.
Experiment with different foods such as quinoa, tofu, tempeh, hemp seeds, chia seeds, flax seeds, seaweed, and fermented vegetables to create more intriguing meals in both flavor and texture!
Take it slowly. When switching to a plant-based diet, do it gradually so that your stomach can adjust to your new diet's increased fiber intake.
It is important to work with a registered dietitian when switching over to a plant-based diet to meet energy requirements.
2. Read the Food Label!
The food label found on the back of packages will tell you whether or not a food product is plant-based. Tips for identifying plant-based food items:
At the bottom of the ingredients, there is a "contains:" section. This section serves as a short-cut for determining whether or not the product is plant-based. Still, it is always a good idea to double-check the ingredient list as well!
Look for the "certified vegan" symbol, which is another time-saver for determining if there are any animal products or animal bi-products within that packaged food.
If the ingredients listed contain any dairy, egg, or meat-derived ingredients - then it is not considered entirely "plant-based."
3. Prep in Advance.
Being prepared is critical because you'll never know what kind of options you will have at restaurants or convenience stores. One way to help ensure that you will consume enough food on a plant-based diet is to prepare meals ahead of time, always to have access to food when you get hungry!
Pick 1-2 days of the week to research interesting plant-based recipes, shop for ingredients, and cook the food for the week.
Investing in a spacious cooler bag or lunch box is also a great way to stay prepared. This way, you can pack your food to take with you when you are at work, school, etc.
4. Connect with Other Plant-Based People!
Community is such a crucial aspect of our lives. A support system of people who understand your reasonings for eating plant-based is a game-changer for success. There are many ways to connect with other plant-based people, such as:
Joining a plant-based Facebook group
Meet up with people in your area at a local restaurant that specializes in plant-based dining
Start your own plant-based community! The simple act of creating a safe space to ask questions or express opinions and share common interests will be invaluable on your journey.
5. Don't Deprive Yourself.
There are so many plant-based "fun foods" out there now. You no longer have to compromise or miss out on your favorite foods that you may have grown up eating. There are now delicious plant-based ice creams, pizzas, burgers, candies, and more to try! These "fun foods" should be consumed in moderation but can be a great comfort, especially for newly plant-based individuals. There are also fantastic plant-based cookbooks that have re-created many traditionally non-plant-based recipes into (often even better tasting) plant-based versions!