Considering making the switch to a plant-based diet? It’s not as hard as you may think.
A plant-based or plant-forward diet doesn’t mean you can’t eat eggs, dairy, fish or meats. It just means that you eat less of them. They become accents, not the main part of every meal. Still, it helps to think ahead whenever you want to make a change in your diet.
The best way to make the transition to plant-based eating is to create a plan for a gradual switch. Here are a few easy ways to get started.
1. Add whole grains, fruit and vegetables to your breakfast
Your plant-based plan can get an early boost at breakfast when your day begins with a bowl of oatmeal or other whole-grain cereal. Sprinkle some nuts and cinnamon on top and serve it up with a side of fruit.
Or try adding a handful of spinach and mushrooms into your scrambled eggs. You’ll find yourself on your way to a healthier day, and you’re not even out the door yet.
2. Start Meatless Mondays
Whether it’s Meatless Monday, Thursday or Sunday, begin by going meatless one day a week. It’s an easy way to start down a healthy path.
When you’ve managed to regularly make that part of your routine, choose a second day to using meat only as a side dish a small portion for added flavor.
3. Make whole fruit your go-to snack or dessert
Buy enough fruit so it’s always easy to grab or pack in a lunch for a quick snack. If it requires slicing or dicing, make time for it once a week and store it in convenient containers to reduce any obstacles to choosing them.
When it comes to dessert, garnish them with creamy yogurt, dark chocolate, crunch granola or other add-ons that elevate the fruit from a snack to a decadent treat. You can also treat yourself by choosing ones you don’t eat every day, like pineapple, kiwi or mango.
4. Pledge to try a new veggie once a week.
Maybe you’ve already jumped on the kale bandwagon, but you’ve never tried slicing up and stir-frying fennel. Or you’ve considered the kohlrabi in the produce section but aren’t sure how to use it.
Now is the time to be adventurous and try new things. A little online searching will bring a plethora of recipes for whatever you’re trying. We’re betting you will find some flavors you really like.
5. Add a good nutritional supplement
Whenever you decide to shake up your eating plan, consider adding nutritional supplements. While you figure out the best way to shift to a plant-based diet, you might be missing out on some essential nutrients.
A daily supplement, like the Nutrilite™ Men’s Pack or Nutrilite™ Women’s Pack, can help fill any nutritional gaps while you decide what foods will work for you.
Each packet of pre-portioned supplements provides 24 essential vitamins and minerals, including Nutrilite™ Concentrated Fruits and Vegetables, which provides the phytonutrient equivalent of more than 5 servings of fruits and vegetables.
Learn more
Now you can see that moving toward a plant-based diet doesn’t mean having to give up all the foods you love. It means making an effort to pick more whole foods and planning plant-focused meals that can help your body stay healthier.
Think of it as self-care that starts on your plate. To learn more about plant-based eating, read 3 Major benefits of a plant-based diet. And to learn more about Nutrilite supplements and how they can help fill your nutritional gaps, visit Amway.com.
