By MaryEllen Zung
Transitioning to a whole-foods, plant-based diet may seem daunting, but you can start gradually!
Here are tips to help you make a smooth transition:
Start by eating more of the plant-based food you already enjoy. This can be done easily by adding a larger portion of your favorite veggies to meals you currently make.
Pick one or two of your favorite meals to keep in your weekly rotation. Find new ways to tweak these meals to accommodate your plant-based diet. For example, if you can’t miss taco night, try using beans instead of beef, or swapping it with tofu. You can gradually adjust the recipe according to how your tastes change.
Eating is also a social experience—plan meals with friends. You can share recipes and show off your cooking skills.
Create a recipe book, and try at least one new recipe a week. This is a great way to find new foods you enjoy. A plant-based diet doesn’t have to be boring. Get creative and think beyond salads!
Make sure to stock your kitchen with the foods you want around and get rid of the things you don’t want to eat. One of the biggest mistakes people make is buying healthy foods with the intention of eating them, but opt for the unhealthy stuff when they are hungry.
Doing food prep as soon as you get home from food shopping can help with this as well. If you have to peel and cut carrots for a snack or just open a bag of chips, which option do you think will be more appealing? If your food is ready to eat, making healthy choices will be easier.
Feel free to respond with your concerns about transitioning to a plant-based diet. I can help!
Mary Ellen Zung, BA is a Certified Holistic Health Coach helping her clients with lifestyle change for overall health and wellness. She can be reached at coachmaryellen@outlook.com and through her website www.maryellenzung.com