More and more people are choosing to switch to a plant-based diet. If you’re considering making changes to your menu, or you’re keen to try vegan meals, here are some top tips to help you reap the rewards of plant power.
Expand your repertoire gradually
Many people approach a new diet with optimism and positivity, but they find it difficult to adapt because they have a limited repertoire, or they’re used to eating foods that don’t fit in with their new menu plan. The key to enjoying a new diet, whether you’re looking to change to plant-based meals or a vegan diet, is to vary your menus and incorporate a wide range of foods. Eating the same thing over and over again is bound to contribute to boredom, and your taste buds might start craving something a little more adventurous. Look for recipes online, scour the supermarket shelves for products you might never have seen before and use the Internet to get tips and ideas from social media and food blogging sites and forums.
Recreate your favorite dishes
Changing your diet doesn’t have to mean giving up foods or dishes you love. In many cases, it’s possible to adapt the ingredients or alter cooking methods to recreate classics and produce healthier, more nutritious versions. Using products like chickenless pollo, you can rustle up stews, pasta dishes, soups, tacos, fajitas and hearty casseroles. You could also use plant-based mince to make a new version of your favorite burger. Looking at recipes online will help you find suitable substitutes that will improve your health and satisfy your taste buds to boot.
Take inspiration from restaurants and food shows
The demand for plant-based and vegan food is increasing all the time, and restaurants that cater to these diets are cropping up all over the world. Eating out can give you inspiration, introduce you to new flavor combinations and ingredients and provide ideas for snacks and meals you can share with friends and family. It’s also a great idea to watch TV cooking shows, as you can learn techniques and methods at the same time as discovering new dishes.
Research
It’s always a good idea to do some research before you change your diet. Find out more about what being vegan or following a plant-based diet means, read up on the potential health benefits and risks, and seek advice from your doctor if you have any concerns about your health or you have underlying conditions, which could be impacted by your diet. Initially, when you swap to a different diet, it can be challenging to work out what you can and can’t eat, so it’s good to have a list of ingredients saved on your phone.
There’s a growing interest in vegan and plant-based diets. If you’re thinking of trying a new diet, look for recipes, tips and ideas online, vary snacks and meals, take inspiration from eating out and search stores for ingredients that will enable you to recreate your favorite dishes at home.
