There are plenty of reasons to want to start eating a plant-based diet. Animals on factory farms endure endless cruelty from the day they are born to the day they die. The environmental toll of meat and dairy production is contributing to climate change and harms wildlife. The meat industry disproportionately negatively impacts people of color and other marginalized communities. Plant protein has more nutrients and fiber than animal protein, which can have a positive effect on your health. Even with all these reasons, it can be hard to figure out how and where to start a plant-based diet. Read on for five ways to ease yourself into a plant-based diet.
1. Start With a Meal
Giving up animal products may seem a daunting task, but all you can ever do is take your commitment to the cause one meal at a time. Try one of these plant-based recipes one day this week and see how you like it!
2. One Day at a Time
Once you’ve tried a couple different plant-based meals, try doing them all on the same day one week. Even cutting your meat and dairy consumption to six days a week makes a huge difference.
3. Try a Simple Swap
We live in a golden age of plant-based alternatives. Try plant-based chicken, an Impossible burger, or another meat alternative instead of your usual animal product. If you love to bake, look into some egg replacements like avocado or banana.
4. Go For Protein
If your primary concern in cutting down on animal products is getting enough protein, have no fear! There are plenty of meat and dairy alternatives that pack just as much protein – if not more.
5. Bring in a Friend
A great way to hold yourself accountable to a new habit or routine is having an accountability buddy. Find a friend, family member, colleague, or really anyone to venture into the world of plant-based eating with you. You’ll have fun swapping recipes, sharing meals, and cheering each other on.
Interested in more tips on eating a fuller plant-based diet? Sign up for Meating Halfway, our 21-day meat reduction campaign that will send you lots of tips, tricks, and plant-based recipes. Happy eating!
