Whether it be for the environment, or your health, there’s no doubt about the benefits of incorporating more plant-based meals into your diet. While the research can be convincing, you might not be convinced that you can actually enjoy these foods. Below are five tips that will help you navigate plant-based meals in an enjoyable and sustainable way!
One of the biggest misconceptions of plant-based foods is that these meals lack flavor and can hardly satisfy hunger. This might be true if the only meat-free meal you’ve tried is a garden salad from your local restaurant.
Plant-based meals have incredible flavor, and are loaded with the very nutrients that keep you full when created the right way.
5 Tips for Enjoying Plant-Based Foods for the Non-Vegan
Start small. The health benefits of plant-based foods does not require an all or nothing approach, so neither should you. How often you choose to go “meatless” is entirely personal preference. You could prioritize meatless Monday (one day a week), meatless until dinnertime, or even warm up to the idea through a “meat on the side” approach to create room for more plant-based foods.
Change your expectations. A big shortcoming of plant-based meals is the focus on providing substitutes for traditional foods. Ever heard of coconut bacon, carrot lox, or plant-based hot dogs? Chances are, they aren’t going to taste quite like what you’re used to. And if they do, the likelihood of the plant-based version being full of processed, nutritionally-empty ingredients is high. In that case, you might as well have gone with the real thing. The focus shift should be on exploring a new way of combining foods and flavors, not on creating replicas of your meaty or junk food favorites.
Balance with the perfect trifecta. The three nutrients to emphasize on your plate are protein, healthy fats, and fiber. And yes, you can get all three through plant-based foods! Protein will help satisfy hunger, healthy fats curb cravings, and fiber will keep you full for longer.
Keep it whole. Just because it’s vegan doesn’t mean it’s healthy. There are many plant-based products and meals out there that are full of processed ingredients. If the goal is to increase the health of your plate, the focus should be on whole, plant-based foods such as: whole grains, legumes, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds.
Play with flavor! Experiment with a variety of cuisines, spices and fresh herbs to give your plate a creative culinary flair. For those who are used to a meaty main, add “umami” to your plate. This flavor profile provides the mouthwatering sensation that is typically a result of meat, but can be achieved through savory spices, mushrooms, tomatoes, coconut aminos, and balsamic vinegar.
Going meatless occasionally is a great way to experiment with new foods, boost your health, do something good for the environment, and even save a few bucks at the grocery store. The good news is, it doesn’t have to be intimidating. With these tips, you’ll be surprised at how much you might enjoy plant-based foods!
Carly Paige, health coach and cooking instructor, believes that healthy doesn’t have to be hard. Her mission is to show you simple swaps in and out of the kitchen to elevate your everyday that will transform your health. Carly is the author of Simply Swapped Everyday, a healthy guide and cookbook with over 75 plant-powered recipes and founder of FitLiving Eats – a place where she shares nutritious recipes and how-to guides.
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