10 Strategies to Help You Successfully Go Plant-Based

Are you curious to change your diet this year? Perhaps you’ve watched “The Game Changers” or “You Are What You Eat” on Netflix. Have noticed the growing number of options available at your supermarket or local restaurants? Whether you’re motivated by health, environmental concerns, or ethical reasons, transitioning to a plant-based diet can be significant positive change for your health. But let’s face it – change isn’t always easy. That’s why we’ve put together these 10 strategies to help you make the switch smoothly and successfully go plant-based.

Strategy 1: Start with Familiar Plant-Based Meals

We firmly believe in starting easy to allow the building of momentum. With that in mind, the easiest way to start your plant-based journey is with meals that you already know and love:

• Love spaghetti? Swap the meat sauce for a lentil bolognese.
• Crazy for tacos? Try filling them with spiced black beans and avocado.
• Can’t resist a good curry? Many curries are already vegetarian – so just skip the meat!

Grab a notepad or the notes app on your phone and make a list of all your favourite meals that are naturally plant-based. Next list those that you feel easily adaptable. You might be surprised how many there are! If you plan to have these meals when getting the weekly shop — you’ll be off and on your way to a plant based diet.

Strategy 2: Gradually Replace Animal Products

You may have heard the idiom “Rome wasn’t built in a day”, well your plant-based diet doesn’t have to be either. Another strategy that complements Strategy 1 is to try the “crowding out” method:

• Week 1: Replace dairy milk with plant-based alternatives. There are lots of options available and you’ll likely need to find the one that works for you.
• Week 2: Swap in a vegan soup or salad in place of your usual lunch time sandwich  
• Week 3: Try plant-based meat alternatives in your favourite recipes. 

Crowding out is a great way of continuing to build momentum. With any change as significant as this, remember to focus on progress over perfection!

Strategy 3: Explore New Plant-Based Recipes

Strategies 1 and 2 will get you so far, but in time you’ll want to expand your culinary horizons! The internet is the go to for plant-based delights:

• Check out vegan food blogs for inspiration (Pick Up Limes, Oh She Glows, Minimalist Baker, and Cheap Lazy Vegan are all great starting points).
• Invest in a plant-based cookbook or two.
• Try a meal kit service that offers plant-based options to learn new techniques and flavour combinations.

This is where meal planning comes into play. Choose 2-3 new recipes to try each week. If you love them, then just add them to your regular meal rotation! 

Strategy 4: Focus on Whole Foods

While there are lots of processed vegan foods available, building your diet around whole plant foods will ensure you’re getting the nutrition your body needs

• Load up on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds.
• Try to make these whole foods at least 80% of your diet.
• Oreos and Chocolate Chip Hob Nobs are famously vegan, but they really shouldn’t be a dietary staple! Be true to your intention and do what feels right for you!

Strategy 5: Learn About Plant-Based Nutrition

Start with enthusiasm for change first, and then it’s time to get to know what your body needs to be fully nourished.

• Pay attention to key nutrients like B12, iron, zinc, and omega-3s.
• You might want to consider using a nutrition tracking app like Cronometer to ensure you’re meeting your needs.
• Consult a registered dietitian who specialises in plant-based nutrition for personalised advice.

Strategy 6: Stock Your Pantry with Plant-Based Staples

A well-stocked pantry is your secret weapon for quick, easy meals. 

• Grains: Rice, quinoa, oats
• Legumes: Lentils, chickpeas, black beans
• Nuts and seeds: Almonds, chia seeds, nutritional yeast
• Condiments: Tamari, maple syrup, tahini

Many of these pantry items are non perishable. As your array of recipes expands, consider buying in bulk and look for sales on non-perishable items.

Strategy 7: Dine Out Strategically

Eating out doesn’t have to be a challenge:

• Use HappyCow to find vegan-friendly restaurants near you.
• Look at menus online before you go and plan your order.
• Don’t be afraid to ask for modifications – most restaurants are happy to accommodate.

Many cuisines like Indian, Middle Eastern, and Ethiopian have lots of naturally plant-based options!

Strategy 8: Connect with a Plant-Based Community

You don’t have to go it alone:

• Join local vegan Meetup groups or Facebook communities.
• Attend vegan food festivals in your area. This may require a bit of travel depending upon where you live.
• Share your journey on social media and connect with like-minded individuals.

Having support can make all the difference in sticking to your new lifestyle.

Strategy 9: Experiment with Different Cuisines

Another way to expand your repertoire is to take your taste buds on a world tour:

• Try making a fragrant Thai curry loaded with veggies.
• Whip up some Middle Eastern falafel with tahini sauce.
• Experiment with Ethiopian injera and colourful vegetable stews.

Exploring global cuisines can keep your plant-based diet exciting and varied.

Strategy 10: Be Patient and Kind to Yourself

Remember, this is a journey, not a race:

• Celebrate small victories along the way.
• If you slip up, don’t beat yourself up – just get back on track with your next meal.
• Focus on progress, not perfection.

Dealing with cravings: If you’re missing a particular animal product, try to identify what specifically you’re craving (is it the texture, the flavour, the comfort factor?) and find a plant-based way to satisfy that craving. 

Let’s just revisit the focus on progress rather than perfection. We know that many of you looking to adopt a plant-based diet may initially struggle to make this change. It takes intention and effort to adapt a plant-based diet. As you transition to this diet — If you have a craving that you just haven’t found a way to satisfy, then cut yourself some slack and have that thing you crave. In time, as your diet changes, your tastes will alter and you’ll crave less of those heavier meat options.

Your Plant-Based Adventure Awaits!

Well that’s 10 strategies to help you successfully go plant-based this year. Remember, every plant-based meal is a step in the right direction for your health and the planet. Why not challenge yourself to implement one of these strategies this week?

Whether you’re going full vegan or just wanting to include more plant-based meals in your diet, these strategies can help make your transition smoother and more enjoyable. So, which strategy will you try first? Your taste buds (and the planet) can’t wait to find out!

Here’s to a happier, healthier, more plant-powered you this year.

Before you go!

If you found this article useful, please take a look at some of our articles on intentional living, minimalism, decluttering and earthing.