Adopting a plant-based diet doesn’t necessarily mean going full vegan overnight. Incorporating more plant-based foods into your meals, even if you’re not ready or don’t wish to eliminate all animal products, can have significant benefits for your health and the environment. There are plenty of ways to take meaningful steps towards a more plant-based lifestyle to improve your well-being and contribute to a more sustainable world. Here are some of our best tips on how to move toward a plant-based diet.
Make Simple Swaps
Don’t overlook the impact that even the smallest changes can have over time. For example, try substituting dairy milk with plant-based alternatives like oat or soy milk, as these alternatives taste similar and have a smaller carbon footprint. You can also try replacing meat-based products with plant-based protein sources like lentils, tofu, or tempeh to introduce variety into your meals in a way that’s kinder to the planet.
Get Creative With Veggies
Vegetables are the foundation of a plant-based diet, and they can be transformed from dull to delicious with the right seasonings. Play around with herbs, spices, and condiments to enhance the taste of your veggies and make your plant-based meals more flavorful. For example, marinating roasted vegetables in a blend of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and garlic for an elegant, savory side dish, or sprinkle them with a bit of nutritional yeast to add a plant-based cheesy taste.
One Meal at a Time
To make the transition to a more plant-based diet feel less overwhelming, we recommend keeping your focus on how to add more veggies to your diet instead of getting caught up on how to remove animal products. Begin by dedicating one meal per day or per week to be entirely plant-based, and experiment with salads, pasta dishes, or vegetable stir-fries. As you become more comfortable, gradually increase the number of plant-based meals at a pace you feel comfortable with.
