Starting something new can be scary and including more plant-based options in your diet can seem the same, as you need to figure out how to get enough nutrients as well as variety in textures and tastes. But what if we tell you that a more plant-based diet can be exciting and rewarding? As you embark on your plant-based diet journey, discover our five tips and tricks that make eating and cooking so effortless you won't even notice the difference.
The ultimate guide to plant-based eating
Plant-based is not just Vegan
While many think plant-based diets equal veganism, which requires us to cut all foods with animal origins, eating plant-based can be more flexible. There are many diet plans you can follow depending on your needs and preferences, from flexitarian, pescatarian to vegetarian. We can decide which dietary identity fits us best, and if you want to figure out which category you belong to, check out our article here.
Tip #1: More veggies, Less meat
As the first step, you will need to adjust your meal routine, little by little, and add more plant-based ingredients. Instead of forcing yourself to cut out meat immediately, you can identify plant-based components of your usual diet and prioritize these options. For instance, you can enjoy an easy, light, and refreshing salad for lunch. Experiment with our recipes for the Chargrilled Pieces Salad, No Waste Salad with Vegetable Balls, or the Vegan Crunchy Schnitzel Noodle Salad.
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Tip #2: Slow and Steady
Worried that your body might not handle abrupt changes? Fear not, because you can do it slowly and give your body time to adjust to your new lifestyle. You can achieve this by challenging yourself to one completely meat-free day in the week - go for Meatless Mondays and start the week right. Or, the next time you go out, why not try plant-based options? These minor changes will make the process easier and motivate you to continue. And while you’re thriving, challenge yourself to a whole month of plant-based eating and join us in Veganuary to start the year right!
Tip #3: Substitute, don't eliminate
While many think of plant-based eating as dull and difficult, it cannot be further from reality. Eating plant-based is not consuming veggies solely for all your meals - you can create delicious dishes from plant-based ingredients! Start small by preparing simple and familiar meals that traditionally contain meat and replace it with plant-based products. Fancy a hearty Spaghetti Bolognese or mouthwatering Mexican Chili Sin Carne? Try it with our Garden Gourmet Sensational Mince and let it soak in the rich sauces. Feeling a flavorful Simple And Fast Sweet Chili Asian Pieces Stirfry for today’s dinner? You are welcome to give it a shot with our Garden Gourmet Sensational Filet Pieces Asian Seasoning.
Once you have nailed the basics, time to level up and create fun and exciting recipes – same tastes, same enjoyment, no meat involved. Satisfy your cravings with our six indulgent comfort food recipes, or plant-ify your favorite takeaway treats with our five delicious vegan fakeaway recipes.
Tip #4: Include your loved ones in your journey
What better way to get into the plant-based lifestyle than to involve your family and friends? So channel your inner chef and surprise your loved ones with beautiful dinner dishes and while you are at it, make it your little plant-based secret. Whether it is colorful vegan paella with Garden Gourmet Sensational Filet Pieces Mediterranean Seasoning, grilled quesadillas with Garden Gourmet Sensational Mince, or good ol' Classic "Vege-tarian" Burgers, anything can be made plant-based.
You can also bring your little ones to the kitchen, from creating back-to-school meals to spooky Halloween creations!
Tip #5: Go out of your comfort zone
When you’re more comfortable preparing plant-based dishes, start exploring new culinary territories and add new recipes to your list. With plant-based ingredients, you can create dishes from around the world, from Japanese Miso Ramen and Mexican Lime Soup to Arabic Salad with falafel. So, give your tastebuds a treat with new and diverse flavors!
Anyone can start incorporating more plant-based food into their routine, and you are not alone on this journey, slowly but surely reaching your goals. So, are you ready to take on this exciting challenge and make it fun and sustainable?