Do you want to go plant-based but are feeling a bit overwhelmed? Don’t worry, I felt the same way at the beginning of my journey. I didn’t know where to start. And I don’t want that for you! So, this is why I’ve created a list of seven easy steps to get you started on transitioning to a plant-based lifestyle. That way you will position yourself for success.
Some people call this kind of research going down the rabbit hole. And it can be daunting because the internet is great at providing a lot of information. But, sometimes it provides too much information and you don’t know where to even start. In this case, I’d recommend picking some resources that are trustworthy to you or someone you know and that are really focused on health and well-being, without pushing any products. Doing your own research helps build your confidence, too. It gives you ownership of this journey that you’re about to take.
However, try to make sure the information you’re gathering is coming from trusted and well-educated sources, and take note of what their credentials are. Keeping in mind that credentialed people can spread misinformation, too, it is probably a bit less likely than other sources that aren’t as well researched.
But never be afraid to get a second opinion on something, either. We know that questions are inevitable. Doing your own research also means “to just have a little bit of arsenal of information in your back pocket”, as I like to say.
Number two is to be very clear on your why for transitioning towards plant-based. For Katie (my podcast co-host), she initially had one reason: to lose weight. Then, after some contemplating, Katie’s “why” became a lot clearer: “I wanted to feel better in my own skin. I wanted to be healthy. I wanted to be strong.” And what powerful reasons those are!
Your “why” is so important because you want your focus to be on something that is powerful, something that is going to take you through those tough times when you may be struggling, when you may be feeling less confident. Your “why” is your beacon of motivation to keep you on track.
And your “why” can change over time, too. That’s OK! What it does is it helps give you passion, purpose, and clarity. And it allows you to focus on the bigger picture. There are going to be some ups and downs along the way, so looking back at why you started this journey in the first place can be really reassuring and allow you to maintain that focus.
Now it’s time to start looking for some plant-based swaps. When you think about the way that most of us were raised when it comes to eating and what our plates looked like, it’s meat, potatoes and maybe some sort of vegetable. So, while looking for plant-based swaps for, say, the meat part, at the same time you have to rethink your plate because that’s going to open your eyes to different things in the grocery store.
The plant-based alternative industry has really come a long way over the years. Maybe you can start with dairy and look for some amazing plant-based milk alternatives and plant-based yoghurts. Trying something like that might be a step out of your comfort zone. So perhaps every time you go shopping, you can try one or two new products until you’ve found items that you’re happy with.
But also take it slow. You don’t have to go from eating the standard American diet to full on plant-based. You can take these baby steps where you’re just swapping out a few things here and there. And then once you get more confident with those swaps, then go on to some new swaps, and these little steps will add up over time. That’s a great place to start.
Number four is to get yourself some new cookbooks or even find a new plant-based blogger that really resonates with you. You can, for example, just borrow cookbooks from your local library and flip through them with a cup of coffee. It’s about seeing what comes to mind or what resonates with you and what it is that you want to make.
What meals do you or your family like that can be easily made vegan? That might be a great place to start. And don’t forget to have fun with it, too. Food is much more than just fuel.
Step five is to find ways that you can add more plants into your daily routine. When you just naturally add more fruits, veggies or beans to your diet, you simply crowd out some other foods in the process. Perhaps it can be a much more positive experience that way. Maybe add an apple to your lunch every day and see how that feels as your snack instead of a candy bar. Add some greens to your smoothie. The options are endless.
Focus on all the great things that you can add to your diet and that can feed your gut and make you feel full. As Katie puts it: “It’s really about all the things that you get to eat, not about all the things that you have to get rid of.” Make that connection with the food that you’re eating and how you feel afterwards. This might even change your entire relationship with food for the better.
Does going plant-based overnight seem too much for you? Why not just have one or two plant-based days per week to start with. When you’re meal planning your meals for the week, maybe throw in a couple of plant-based days and make it fun that way. You can veganize one of your favorite recipes or go through one of those new cookbooks that you checked out and cook something new.
Something I like to advise my clients is: “Try and step outside your comfort zone and just see what it feels like.” This way you’ll learn what you like and what you don’t like. Because what do you have to lose, really?
These seemingly small steps are really going to make such a big difference in your sustainability with this lifestyle. Make it easy for yourself. Set yourself up for success.
And, last but definitely not least, it is never about being perfect. Focus on progress, not perfection. Even if it seems like you’re barely changing anything, if you think about it, small changes add up significantly over time. They really do. And if you can focus on the progress that you’re making versus feeling like you have to be 100% plant-based, then that’s already a win.
Look for ways that you can celebrate different things that you’re doing, things that make you feel good or excite you or light you up. Focus on your progress. Perfection turns out to be an obstacle for most people over time, anyway. It’s just not sustainable.
Those are the seven things that I found most helpful on my plant-based journey. These little steps can really help you make your journey sustainable and, most importantly, enjoyable and really delicious as well – whether you’re new to plant-based, you’re transitioning to plant-based or you’re plant curious. I hope that you found these tips helpful.
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