Tips to Transition to a Plant-Based Diet:

Now that you have bookmarked recipes that are plant-based alternatives to your favorites and you keep finding more that you are interested in trying, you likely have more options than you know what to do with it but are now able to see the variety expanding.

This sounds great but how do we incorporate the changes? Butter and milk were the first changes in my household to go. Let’s be careful not to be too drastic if you know your personality will not stick with it long term. Remember, this is a journey. A transition. Once we make changes and are comfortably executing them, we can improve on those choices as well.  

If we are honest, we eat the same things most every week. You don’t believe me? What about Taco Tuesday, Hot Wing Wednesday, and Fish Fridays? Spaghetti is a staple, meatloaf or burgers for many either at home or takeout from the local burger joint or Italian or Asian spot. What about breakfast? If you're not eating the same cereal, oatmeal, or bacon, egg, and cheese, you may not be eating breakfast at all. It would not be hard to find an alternative to a few of these each week and before long, you have transitioned.

Let’s take a look at a few items on a typical menu and see how we can improve and/or veganize them. Many of these can be made days ahead. Google is your friend when it comes to recipes. Make them your own and enjoy!

• Coffee—Smoothie 

You want to decrease coffee gradually. Or for this step, a smoothy can be an add-on and you may not always want the coffee. Ease into this as coffee withdrawals can be a big adjustment. Mushroom coffee is on the rise and may be worth a try.

• Cereal—Chia Pudding 

Have fun with various kinds of plant milks and fruit toppings or stir-ins.

• Oatmeal—Overnight Oats. 

You want to use plant milk and agave instead of honey. The variations are endless, from chocolate peanut butter to Piña Colada.

• You can still enjoy a Bacon, Egg and Cheese Breakfast sandwich

The companies Impossible (Gardein or Beyond), Just Egg, and Follow Your Heart have vegan products to make it easy to replace these. Dave’s Killer Bread or Sprouted breads in the freezer section are good transition choices. Of course, we want to minimize processed foods and be sure not to indulge in heavily processed items regularly.)

Transitioning to a plant-based diet is not just a change in what you eat; it's a transformational journey that nourishes your body, mind, and spirit. By embracing the abundance of plant foods, exploring new culinary horizons, and nurturing a deep connection with the earth, you’ll begin to see your path showing you evidence of vibrant health, compassion, and sustainability that will enrich your life and the world around you. You can do it and I’m glad to help!

Nourishing Your Journey, 

Chef Tiffany

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