People are eating more and more plant-based foods, thanks to their proven health and environmental benefits. If you’ve been considering trying more vegan meals lately, here are a few tips to make it even easier:
Add more vegetables or plant-based protein to your routine.
If you eat chicken regularly but would like to try a vegan twist on your favorite chicken dish, you might be wondering what to put in that bowl of vegetables and rice (or chapatis or roti) instead. Knowing the best vegan swaps for your favorite animal-based foods is super important. It may require a little research (hello, Google!) and some trial and error. But it’s really easy to do!
Try to be practical, not pure.
Plant-based eating takes many shapes and forms. Remember that each human body is unique, and not everything you read on the internet will apply to you. Feeling like you failed because you’d planned to eat plant-based but didn’t is very common. But our world is complicated and imperfect—and so are we! Aiming to be perfect sometimes gets in the way of doing better. Don’t let one slip-up discourage you. Just try again at your next meal. Enjoy trying new plant-based foods!
Embody hope.
Keep in mind why you are moving towards vegan eating. The more plant-based foods you eat, the better—for people, animals, and our planet. If your friends and family support your journey, that’s wonderful. If not, prepare a few responses for when they ask about your new shift to vegan foods. Try to avoid emotionally charged responses, and speak from personal experience.
Continue to be inclusive.
Socialise with your friends, family, and acquaintances as usual. They may have assumptions about plant-based eating, and you may have to do a little “myth-busting.” The best way to do it is to lead by example. Be happy and healthy, and share tasty new recipes—your impact will be huge. Remember, you can’t bring about change in society if you’re not part of it!
Lastly, keep in mind that anything new takes time, patience, and some dedication. Be kind to yourself, and keep your meals fun and exciting.