5 Simple Tips For Going Plant Based

Hey guys, because i’ve recently been venturing into a plant based lifestyle, I thought i’d share some tips that have helped me along the way. While in the past I typically tried to avoid dairy due to being lactose intolerant, I’ve realized pretty much hoped off the meat/egg/fish bandwagon as well. Though i’m not saving that this is an “all or nothing” lifestyle for me, typically if I have a choice of what i’m eating, it will probably be vegan.

So far I feel great from this lifestyle, and am happy that i’ve stumbled upon it. It feels good to know that doing something so simple can be so beneficial for the environment and for the world. Hope these tips help you! Let me know.

1)  Keep it simple

When I first decided to venture into the plant based lifestyle, I tried to make wild meals that took a lot of time and energy. While I really love cooking, I forgot how simple this lifestyle can be. Many times my days look like

Breakfast: oatmeal with fruit
Lunch: smoothie with greens
Dinner: potatoes/rice with greens and beans
Snacks: rice cakes, fruits, vegetables

How easy is that?

2) Don’t worry about other people

Yeah a lot of people won’t get why you’re eating this way but it’s cool, they don’t have to. While i’m all for spreading the good news, shoving your opinion and views down peoples throats is not cool.  Don’t ever hate on people for not eating the way you do, simply lead by example and maybe they will follow. Even if your friends or family decide just to go meatless one night a week because you do, that’s something good that wasn’t happening before.

On the flip side of that, don’t stress over people telling you “oh that’s stupid” or “why are you doing that”, or “wow that has to suck”. Who cares what anyone else thinks? Its your life, your body, your decision, and your health.

3) There are vegan options EVERYWHERE

I swear to you when I say you can find vegan food EVERYWHERE. Though I (as many of you also do) wish that all regular food was veganized, until the day that happens, there’s plenty of ways to make normal dishes vegan. First, I almost always look up the menu for the restaurant i’m going to before I go. For the times i’m not prepared, you can catch me googling it while the rest of my friends look at their menus hahah. Sometimes its just easier to search for specific keywords like “vegan”, “dairy free”, and “vegetarian” on a website than it is on paper. Most restaurants indicate vegan or vegetarian meals by a (V) or a (V+)

Next, pretty much any restaurant will let you sub meat for vegetables. Honestly, it’s less expensive for them, and probably quicker to cook as well. This sub works great for salads, tacos, burritos, and any type of sandwiches. Many times, tortillas and bread are vegan but you can always ask the waitress to be sure. My ordering routine almost always sounds something like “i’ll take the ____ but I want to sub the chicken for any kind of vegetables, and no cheese please”. See how easy that is?

4) Don’t stress slip ups

It’s hard to know what’s vegan and what isn’t. Pretty much every article ever tells you to “never assume”.  Honestly, while I totally get that, I think sometimes it’s okay to assume. If it’s something that typically isn’t an animal product and you order it, then find out later that it had an egg in it, DON’T STRESS. It’s all a learning experience and nothing has to be perfect.

5) Not everything has to be all or nothing

This is a big one for me. While I am a huge supporter of plant based / vegan living because of how sustainable it is for the environment, how compassionate it is towards all creatures, and how good it is for your body, sometimes it’s okay to get off track . If you want a regular piece of cake or ice-cream, go for it. This is a lifestyle that’s meant to be sustainable long-term, not just for the time being. I feel that being a “practical” vegan works well for me and for many others. While I might eat vegan foods 90% of the time, sometimes I won’t and that’s 100% okay with me. Small changes make big impacts.