How can I change what I eat?
Once you’ve tapped into your why-power, you need the tools to know how to put changes into motion.
The links in the WHY section have some really great resources for learning why AND HOW to eat for optimal health combined into one book.
The most important thing to consider when choosing your path is to choose the path that you are most likely to stick to. If you are an all-in type of person, you might find it easy to make a drastic shift immediately. Or maybe you are the type of person who needs to build small habits one step at a time.
Whatever your pace, do what is right for YOU!
And make sure your doctor knows what you are up to!
Some experts suggest changing one meal per week (you can make it longer if needed):
Week one - change breakfast.
Week two - add in a change to lunch.
Week three - add in a change to dinner.
Week four - fine-tune.
Need shopping tips?
For some tips to help make grocery shopping, meal planning, & meal prep easy…
Need meal ideas?
For a list of meal ideas and links to my favorite recipes…
Best vegan cookbooks & vegan content creators…
If you like to cook, this is your geek-out spot!
My current cookbook obsession: The 30 Day Alzheimer’s Solution by Team Sherzai: I already listed the book in the WHY page, but want to highlight it here, also. It is one of the loveliest cookbooks I own and I can not recommend it enough! It helps you ease into plant-based eating with simple, mindful steps, and has recipes for any occasion that are packed with nutrition and are amazingly delicious!
Minimalist Baker: Simple, beautiful, and delicious recipes! Most of her content is vegan (though not 100%). The cookbook is a grand compilation of the most popular online recipes. Minimalist Baker is one of the websites/cookbooks that I have gone to the most often over the years.
Pick Up Limes: Also simple, nourishing, and enjoyable recipes that I just can’t get enough of. All of her content is educational, inspirational, and just lovely. She has an e-cookbook, tons of recipes on her website, and a YouTube channel that is a delight to watch.
The Help Yourself Cookbook for Kids, by Ruby Roth: Even though the design is aimed at kids, this is one of my favorite books, with or without the kids around. Many of her recipes are weekly staples in our home. It is also very fun, artistic, and educational. (She also sells some groovy vegan apparel for adults and kids.)
Hot For Food: Feeding a foodie means feeding the soul. And although healthy food makes me super happy, sometimes a little gluttony is required. Ya know, for balance. Lauren Toyota is my main lady for holidays, dinner parties, and, as she says, “feeding your face”. Check out her book, Vegan Comfort Classics, and her awesome YouTube channel.
Because this is where I can obsess and go on for days…here are just a few more links to get you going. You will quickly see that vegans don’t suffer! We can get down on some food!
Post-Punk Kitchen Mississippi Vegan Woon Heng Tabitha Brown
Vegan Richa The Korean Vegan Exceedingly Vegan Oh She Glows
Where?
Eating out is my favorite pastime. When you are new to eating plant-based/vegan, eating out can seem challenging. But fear not, for there is a vegan movement and there are more options every day! No matter where you live, there are places to go that will support you.
In places where the menu does not have a clear vegan option, just ask your server for a recommendation. Often times they will have a go-to option. Sometimes it’s just a matter of ordering some sides and making a meal of it.
Apps to help you find vegan restaurants:
Yelp: Just search the keyword “vegan” near you. If you want to search the reviews for vegan comments, click to see all reviews, then type “vegan” into the search bar at the top.
Happy Cow: Find vegan-friendly places near you with specifics about what is available at that location.
Grocery Delivery your jam? Check out these links:
Thrive Market: Pantry staples and household items delivered to your door. (Disclaimer: If you order with my link, you save 25% off your first order and I get a $25 credit. This is an offer available to all members, not a special sponsorship or affiliation agreement.)
Green Chef: Used this meal planning service when we first transitioned. They send the ingredients and directions. Best for experienced cooks, or new cooks up for a challenge.
Hungry Root: Meal planning and groceries delivered, and easily prepared.
Splendid Spoon: Meal delivery. Specializing in vegan & gluten-free. Lots of smoothies and soups.