If you’ve decided to go plant-based this year (or are continuing your plant-based journey), we’re here to help you succeed!
It’s January--the month for a fresh start and setting meaningful intentions.
While a new calendar year has begun, factory farming continues to inflict unbearable cruelty on animals and wreak havoc on our environment. But, in good news for farmed animals, 10% of Americans surveyed about their resolutions stated they were planning on going vegan or vegetarian in 2023.
If you are among those committing to make 2023 a more plant-based year, we want to make sure you are supported on your path. So, we’ve outlined some advice below to help ensure a successful and sustainable plant-based journey.
1. Set your intention and identify your motivation.
Whether you want to go plant-based for animal welfare, personal health, environmental, or other reasons, jot down your goal and motivations. Seeing your intention in written form can inspire you to get started and keep going. Sharing your goal with friends or family members can also increase accountability and inspire them to join you!
2. Download our Meating Halfway guide for recipes, a shopping list, a meal plan, and other supportive tips and tools.
Trying to change your eating habits can be overwhelming if you don’t know what ingredients to buy, recipes to make, or the nutrient content of certain foods. Luckily, our plant-based guide contains a shopping list, an example meal plan, partner discounts, and dozens of delicious recipes to get you started!
3. Set yourself up for success by planning ahead.
When cooking at home, decide which meals you will be having ahead of time and purchase the ingredients you need on your grocery run. When you are going out to eat or ordering in, consult menus in advance and pick a restaurant that offers satisfying plant-based dishes. Even better, choose a fully plant-based restaurant to discover new flavors and delicious meals.
4. Know your nutrients.
While many plant-based meals are rich in nutrients, it’s helpful to understand the wide variety of plant ingredients and the specific benefits they offer. For example, there are many delicious, iron-rich items (such as lentils, beans, tempeh, or tofu) that can be paired with a source of vitamin C (such as broccoli, a squeeze of lemon juice, or Brussels sprouts) to maximize the iron absorption. Sprinkling your pasta or salads with nutritional yeast offers a dose of plant-based “cheesiness” and B vitamins.
5. Practice self-compassion and be patient with yourself.
Committing to any type of change isn’t easy, so practicing self-compassion is crucial when adopting new eating habits. While some people cut animal products out of their diet in a single go, others may take a more gradual approach. Be kind to yourself if not every day is a plant-based day and remember that small, accessible steps can drive effective change.
Remember that by substituting one or every animal-based meal with a plant-based one, you are helping catalyze a positive shift in our food system.
Sign up for Meating Halfway to unlock all the plant-based support you need to make a difference starting today!