Thinking about going plant-based? Awesome! It's easier than you think and can totally be a fun adventure. Sure, it comes with some challenges, but I’ve got tips to help make the switch smooth and stress-free.
Common Challenges:
Balancing Nutrients: With no animal products, finding things like B12, iron, and protein may seem tough, but there are plenty of tasty plant-based alternatives.
Social Situations: Sometimes, restaurants or parties won’t have a huge selection of plant-based options. (Hint: Bring a yummy dish to share, eat before you go and keep snacks ready!)
Cost & Accessibility: Depending on where you live, some ingredients might seem pricier—but beans, rice, and veggies are always affordable staples. I have added links to items I stock up on from Amazon to keep my pantry stocked, as they can sometimes be hard to find in local grocery stores.
Learning New Recipes: You might feel like you need a new cooking manual at first, but that’s part of the fun! I am including my favorites and continually developing more.
Cravings: Missing your favorite meat-based meals? You’ll get creative with substitutes before you know it.
Easy Tips to Get Started:
Go Slow: Try just one plant-based meal a day and gradually increase. You don’t have to go all-in at once, like we did!
Learn the Basics: Spend some time getting familiar with nutrient-rich plant foods—especially sources for protein, B12, calcium, and omega-3s.
Meal Plan Like a Pro: Sit down once a week, plan out your meals, and make your shopping list. It makes sticking to the program a breeze. Many of the recipes are large so I plan out 3 meals a week and pre-buy. This often gets me through the week.
Find Swaps: Love milk? Try almond or oat milk. Tofu, tempeh, and beans are your new protein BFFs. The usual bean side effects are eliminated once WFPB diet has corrected your gut flora. Don’t give up on beans!
Pantry Power: Stock up on plant-based staples like grains, lentils, nuts, seeds, and veggies so you’re never caught off-guard. For the non-perishables, Amazon is my “go to” for selection.
Get Cooking: Experiment with new, fun recipes. The more you try, the easier it gets!
Stay Chill: It’s okay if you mess up or have a non-plant-based meal now and then. It’s all about progress, not perfection. Remember, Bri and I have a 90% rule and still cured his high cholesterol and high blood pressure, and my renal disease.
Find Your Tribe: Join an online community or local meetup group for support and recipe swaps. You’re not in this alone!
Remember, going plant-based doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing thing—it's a journey. Take your time, have fun, and enjoy the adventure!
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