Decided you want to start a plant-based diet? Maybe you are wanting to reduce your meat consumption for health benefits, the environment, or to try and lose a bit of weight? Whatever your own reasons for wanting to switch to a plant-based diet we are here to help!
What is a plant-based diet?
There is no “official” definition of a plant-based diet like there is for say a vegan diet, but in many ways that is what makes it such a great option! For some people it can be a 100% vegan diet, while others it might be eating mostly plant based foods but still enjoying the occasional eggs, or fish etc.
In principle, eating a plant-based diet means mostly plant-based wholefoods and avoiding or eliminating animal products. Plant-based whole foods include whole grains, fruit, vegetables, legumes, nuts and seeds.
How to ease the transition to plant-based eating?
- Start small
If you have been living on a traditional meat-heavy diet most of your life it might be easier to slowly transition to plant-based eating. Pick one meal a day and switch to plant-based options. Then once you are ready step-up switch to a full-day or two of plant-based eating, give meat-free Monday a go!
- Find some plant-based substitutes you love
Switching your diet is going to be easier if you already have some plant-based products you love eating, and even better if they make life easier as well! For an easy meal you could try nutrify overnight oats or if you are busy and out on the road the new IsoWhey Plant-Based Meal Replacements make managing your weight easy!
- Think of some plant-based options you already eat
If you sit down and have a think you might be surprised at the number of plant-based things you already eat or can easily change to plant-based. If you typically have granola or oats for breakfast, simply switch to a plant-based milk and you are done. Love pad Thai? Just have a veggie pad Thai instead of chicken! Eat a lot of salads for lunch? Switch to a plant-based protein source, think chickpeas, lentils or a TVP.
Foods to fill up with
- Plant-based proteins such as legumes
- Healthy fats such as nuts, seeds & avocados
- Wholegrains for carbohydrates
- Fruits & veggies – make sure you are trying to mix up the fruits & veggies you are eating so don’t get bored and also get a greater mix of vitamins & minerals from your food