Tips to Transition to a Plant-Based Diet

1. No pressure. Take the pressure and the “all-or-nothing” mentality and throw it out the window. Changing your diet is a big lifestyle change that can be initially challenging for a lot of people. If you are wanting to become vegetarian but are totally overwhelmed by the idea – start somewhere. If I had a dollar for every time someone told me they couldn't go vegetarian because they loved bacon too much, or orange chicken, or hamburgers, or one other specific meal, I’d be rich. To this I just want to say, "Well I got great news for you, there is no vegetarian police!" You can massively cut down on your meat consumption, and still indulge in your favorite food if that's what works for you. Try starting by cutting out half the meat from your diet, and go from there.

2. Establish some go-to Meals. An absolutely crucial strategy for a diet shift, is creating a little arsenal of meals to have on hand, that are easy to make and you enjoy. For me this includes a tofu hummus wrap, which is my go-to post class lunch. It takes me under 10 minutes to make, is close to a 1 dollar in ingredients, is delicious, and is a protein and veggie heavy choice.

 3. Eat food you're excited about. While for most people it’s not realistic to be cheffing up a home cooked, fresh-produce filled, meal 3 times a day; it’s important to be eating food that you find delicious often, in order to enjoy your diet transition. Experiment with new recipes and try new foods while in the transition process, you might just stumble across your new favorite meal.   

4. Utilize plant-based alternatives. You don't need to scrap all of your favorite or go-to meals now that you're eating plant-based! Try making your classics excluding the meat you would normally add, or better yet add a protein alternative instead! Don't skip out on your chili night, make a can of Amy's vegetarian instead. Make your burger with all of your beloved toppings and sauces, but perhaps use a black bean or veggie patty! My personal favorite alternative meal is a chickpea salad sandwich , which I far prefer to its tuna-salad alternative.