My 5 Tips for Eating a Plant-Based Diet

Sharon Palmer

It seems like everyone wants to eat a plant-based diet these days. It’s no wonder, considering the multiple health benefits that come from this eating style, that more people are trading in their steaks for kale (and lentils, mushrooms and tofu!). Studies show that eating a plant-based diet is linked with a lower risk for cancer, heart disease, and obesity-related illnesses, as well as a lower carbon footprint. And it’s not an all or nothing approach—you don’t have to be a total vegetarian to enjoy a plant-based diet. You just need to focus more of your plate on plants, and less on animal foods. So, to help inspire you to make way for more plants, I’m sharing my 5 favorite tips for eating a plant-based diet.

My 5 Tips for Eating a Plant-Based Diet

Thai Tofu Veggie Noodle Bowl

1. Eat 1-2 servings of veggies at every meal. Find unique ways to incorporate vegetables throughout the day—put spinach in your smoothie, pack a bell pepper in your lunch box, or put steamed broccoli in your quinoa.

2. Make small changes. Some people find gradual changes to be effective. For example, start out slowly by adapting Meatless Monday—enjoy one day a week as a vegetarian. And then go from there!

Grilled Peaches with Basil

3. Make fruit your go to dessert. Sure, it’s important to eat your veggies, but it’s just as crucial to get your fruit in, too. Fruits are high in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber, so they will keep you fuller throughout your day and help prevent you from over-eating. Try to shoot for 3-4 servings of fruit per day by making it your sweet reward at each meal or snack!

Vegetable Tofu Pho

4. Switch to more plant-based proteins. The true secret of a plant-based diet is switching out animal proteins—meat, fish, poultry, yogurt—for more plant proteins, such as tofu, tempeh, seitan, lentils, beans, nuts, and seeds. Let them be the star of your plate.

5. Make plant-based meals delicious! Let your plant-based dishes shine with fresh ingredients, crunchy whole grains, green herbs, vibrant spices, and a drizzle of healthy fats.

For more plant-based eating tips, check out:

3 Tips for Plant-Based Eating
5 Tips for Plant-Powering Your Eating Style
My Top Tips for Powering Up on Veggies

Image:   Kiwi Herb Salad with Pistachios and Orange Dressing from Plant-Powered for Life, Sharon Palmer, MSFS, RDN

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