Five Oh-So-Yummy Plant-Based Tips

By Cristian Chavez ​

During this pandemic, there has been an emphasis on health. And to strengthen their bodies, many people are incorporating plant-based meals into their diets. As a novice, there is a lot to discover when you're adapting your eating habits and initially, this limits a lot of people from having a diet that brings variety and satisfaction. Whatever your reasons may be for starting this plant-based journey, your body, animals, and Mother Earth will thank you. Welcome to my five tips for a plant-based diet. ​

1. Protein Protein Protein 
Everyone is somewhat concerned about the sources of protein that plan-based meals can provide, but it actually builds throughout the day with a variety of nutrient-rich ingredients. Every meal has the potential to add a healthy protein. Medical News Today​ was one of the many sites that gave me inspiration. Here are some of my protein-rich recommendations: tofu, lentils, quinoa, beans, potatoes, veggies, bread and chickpeas 

2. YouTube for the Visual Learners 
If searching on Google only provides you with an endless barrage of articles that you don’t want to read, try YouTube out. Mixing in some entertainment with your diet learning can lessen the frustration you may be having. There are plant-based YouTubers whose accounts are goldmines for recipes, restaurants, personal journeys, and much more. A few that I enjoy are ​Pick Up Limes, Minimalist Baker and ​Make It Dairy Free. 

3. Eating Out 
This was one of the hardest transitions for me because I was no longer able to visit some of my favorite restaurants that I had been going to for years. However, we are fortunate to live in Southern California where this type of cuisine is popping. In Long Beach alone, restaurants have recognized the desire and are incorporating options into their menus, and entirely plant-based restaurants are steadily increasing. Some of my restaurant recommendations are The Wild Chive, Seabirds Kitchen, Blue Bird Sushi and any Thai food restaurant 

4. Online Cooking Course 
There are companies who are now creating cooking courses to provide an even easier transition. You can expect insight from experts who will share their knowledge and techniques with you. ​Forks Over Knives​ is one of the veterans in the plant-based industry that will surely give you some useful knowledge. 

5. Your Reason Why 
No matter what your reason for beginning your plant-based journey, it is important to solidify your “why.” This motivation will get you through those challenging moments. I encourage you to take note of that reason and reevaluate it after some time of being on this diet. You may have added more reasons! 

A plant-based diet will not only help your body to stay healthy, but your mind and spirit as well. All three areas are essential to keep at their peak during this pandemic. If you are considering incorporating a plant-based diet, start with these five tips for a healthier, happier life.

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