Trying to Eat Vegan and Feeling Overwhelmed? Here’s What Worked for Me

Most people are aware of the amazing mood and health benefits that come from eating a plant-based diet, however, it’s the “how” that seems to hold most people back from making the final leap. Life without pizza, burgers, and fried chicken seems pretty daunting to someone that’s been accustomed to eating these foods for their whole life, and we respect and understand that fear. However, with the right motivation, nothing will hold you back. Remember, you’re not giving up anything except a past of health issues like pesky allergies, digestion woes, fatigue, moodiness, and who knows what else! You also have limitless options when it comes to eating delicious and nutritious  plant-based whole foods, even if you live a busy lifestyle on the go.

To show you all how to lower the stress that comes from making such an awesome change, I’d like to share with you my five best personal tips of some things that worked for me when I went plant-based and that I’ve seen work for others. Coming from a girl who used to eat them several times a week, I promise there is life after meat-based cheeseburgers and cartons of dairy ice cream (and a healthier one at that!)

1. Let Go of the Need for Perfection

When first learning to eat plant-based, remember, it’s not a race. You’re not out to be the next vegan chef or required to make gourmet meals each time you eat. I’ve been eating plant-based for ten years and can promise you that none of my meals are elaborate. Most days, I spend less than five minutes preparing them, and yet I love every single one. Breakfast can be as humble as a bowl of oatmeal with banana and nondairy milk or a superfood smoothie,  while lunch can be as simple as an awesome vegan sandwich or a vegan superfood salad. If you’re feeling extra fancy in the kitchen, feel free to make your own granola bars or a creative vegan entree. If not, though, that’s okay! Simple, whole foods do not have to be boring. 

2. Utilize Simple Ingredients

Another tip I would give to anyone is to use as many simple ingredients as possible to create your meals. You don’t need ten different fruits and exotic grains in your home at one time (unless you just want to) and you certainly don’t need fancy ingredients unless you just like to experiment with them and have the money to buy them. Spinach, romaine lettuce, berries, apples, kale, celery, bananas, sweet potatoes, carrots, oats, quinoa, almonds, cashews, avocados, fresh herbs, edamame (soybeans), chickpeas, and almond milk are great go-to items I recommend to every new (and advanced) plant-based eater. Need help giving up dairy? It’s easier than you think!

Stock up on some simple condiments and spices while you’re at it too: cinnamon, black pepper, ginger, oregano, basil, salsa, mustard, apple cider vinegar, and fresh lemons for seasoning are all great options.

Simple ingredients can be used to create simple meals, and even desserts like brownies! Remember, simple = satisfied and stress-free.

3. Put a Piece of Inspiration on Your Fridge

One unique incentive to keep you inspired when you go to create healthy meals is to put some type of inspirational incentive on your fridge. This way, when you feel overwhelmed or have had a long day at work, your small reminder will help you remember why you started this awesome journey to eat plant-based. Some good ideas are: a picture of yourself and a promise to yourself about why you want to be healthier or a picture of your pet or another animal to remind you of how eating plant-based helps animals everywhere. You could also put up an inspiring quote, an article by your favorite vegan author, or a picture of you in your workout clothes to remind you that going vegan will likely improve your performance. Anything that works, use it! It will help keep you going when you’re tempted to give up.

4. Read Vegan Cookbooks

I literally devoured every single vegan cookbook I could get my hands on when I started eating a plant-based diet. I was welcomed into the plant-based lifestyle through the inspiration to eat more simple, raw foods, which I still credit to showing me how to eat an unrefined, plant-based diet as much as possible. I suggest buying any plant-based cookbook that looks appealing to you and then dog ear every single recipe, tip, or inspirational piece you see in the book. You’ll get some of your best ideas from others, I promise! We also have a ton of recipes you can check out on One Green Planet that you can bookmark to your browser or Pin to Pinterest!

If you have a smartphone, you can also download vegan recipe apps and other apps that show you how to eat out on a plant-based diet. You can also bookmark One Green Planet’s website to the home screen on your smartphone so you’ll have a quick, easy reference to go to for on-the go inspiration and the biggest collection of vegan recipes on the Internet.

5. Plan and Pack Ahead for Quick, Easy Meals

Consider packing some lunches ahead for the week if you can. These can be as simple as salads, sandwiches, veggie plates with hummus, nuts and fruit, or cooked entrees of your choosing. You can even make smoothies ahead and freeze them. Then just thaw in the morning before you want to eat. Dinner prep is as easy as making a batch of grains for the week and pairing them with some seasoning, chopped veggies, and leafy greens or even beans. You can also use leftover grains for breakfast ideas or pair them in a yummy wrap for a lunch. Snacks are as easy as fruit and nuts. If you have time, you can also make your own awesome vegan energy bites. 

Have a favorite recipe or meal? Learn how to make it vegan with simple, quick tips.  Need help at the grocery store? Learn how to navigate the grocery store on a plant-based diet quickly and easily.

Remember, plant-based eating isn’t about winning the “vegan health race.” It’s just about eating a kinder diet that’s also good for your body. Plant-based or not, it’s smart to choose organic produce, sustainable food products,  and avoid refined sugars, refined grains, and most heavily processed foods. Choosing to go 100% plant-based will only enhance the benefits even further.

You won’t believe how much energy you have eating this way, even in just a week!  Eating plant-based is truly amazing so please, jump on board, won’t you?

There’s room for everyone in the plant-based kitchen!

 Image source: Chewy Homemade Granola Bars