Getting Started
Transitioning to Plant-based
One of the easiest ways to transition to plant-based eating is to update or revise your current favorite recipes. You know, the ones that you eat most often. For me, this would be spaghetti bolognese and tacos. Most meals can be prepared healthier so don’t be afraid to experiment. They won’t all be winners the first time you try but don’t give up.
How to experiment with recipes?
The main goal of experimenting with recipes is to make them plant-based. We want to replace as much of the meat and dairy as we can with ingredients that are healthy for us and provide our bodies with beneficial nutrients and fiber that fight common diseases.
Keep in mind that there may be multiple plant-based options available for each dish that you’re experimenting with. There are multiple options for substituting meat, dairy, and eggs. Keep trying until you find the one that suits your tastes.
Ingredient Substitution Tips
- Aim for minimally processed ingredients when possible.
- Steer clear of fake meats as there are healthier alternatives.
- Don’t be afraid to explore unfamiliar ingredients.
- Foods may taste different with different cooking methods.
Meat Substitutions
Lentils
Mushrooms
Cauliflower
Beans
Jackfruit
Extra Firm Tofu
Dairy Substitutions
Cashews
Hemp Seeds
Almonds
Nutritional Yeast
Silken Tofu
Egg Substitutions
Ground Flaxseed
Ground Chia Seeds
Mashed Banana
Pumpkin Puree
Aquafaba
My Favorite Cooksbooks
Healthy & Easy Plant-based Recipes
These are cookbooks that I have, enjoy and use regularly. I encourage you to check them out. If you own other plant-based cookbooks that you enjoy, I’d love to hear about them. Send me a message so I can check them out.
My Favorite Food Bloggers
Vegan and Vegetarian Food Bloggers
I’ve made several recipes from these food bloggers and they’ve been great. I recommend following all of these bloggers for great recipes. Don’t forget to also sign up for their newsletters and follow them on Instagram for the beautiful food photography.
NoraCooks.com
Easy and delicious vegan recipes that everyone can enjoy. Recipes are approachable, full of flavor, and made with everyday ingredients.
ItDoesntTasteLikeChicken.com
Totally scrumptious, comfort food favorites and everyday meals made vegan. No fussing about, just good ol’ food that everyone will love, vegan or not.
CookieandKate.com
This blog is all about celebrating good food—real, sustainable food that delights the senses and nourishes the body. All of the recipes are vegetarian.
Elavegan.com
Plant-based vegan recipes that are healthy, delicious, and good for our bodies and for our planet. Most are also refined sugar-free, gluten-free, and easy to make.
LoveandLemons.com
Recipes to inspire you to try cooking a new vegetable or try cooking a familiar vegetable in a new way. Includes guides to working with vegetables.
