Admittedly, it’s easier to understand the benefits of a plant-based diet than it is to implement into your life. Take it step by step!

First, find easy and enjoyable ways to include more plants in your diet on a regular basis. If you have the opportunity, find an accountability partner to share your experience with—having a support system is always key to success.

When you’re ready to take it further, consult with a plant-based Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. An RDN can make the process less overwhelming by providing you with structure and the education you may need to put it all together. 

If you’re new to plant-based eating, start with one meal per day—breakfast is usually the easiest. You can take a look at Sample Meal Plans from the previous section for breakfast ideas. Once you’ve achieved one meal, move on to making healthier swaps for lunch and dinner. That’s where we come in.

SWEET PEA PLANT-BASED KITCHEN

Sweet Pea is a meal delivery service offering fresh, oil-free, plant-powered meals weekly. No more groceries, prep, or cooking. You just heat and eat—all in a few minutes.

• Enjoy plant-based goodness prepared by our full-time, in-house Chef and kitchen team—they’re pros at taking plant-based dishes to the next level.
• Choose one-off meals or pick a meal plan so you and your family are all set for the week.
• Order your meals online and pick them up from the Sweet Pea kitchen on Sundays (if you’re local to us in Rochester, NY). Alternatively, we can deliver it to you.

LOCAL RESTAURANTS

Dining out and traveling are still on the calendar. Here are our best tips so you can spot or make opportunities to consume plant-based wherever you are.

• Check out the Happy Cow app to find local restaurants near you. Most restaurants are accommodating when it comes to special requests, so it is possible to have oil-free meals if you call ahead and check with the Chef.
• Stick with vegan options and whole foods you can recognize on the menu. Avoid fried foods and highly processed vegan foods that might contain a lot of oil, soy protein isolates, coconut oil, and preservatives like faux chicken, faux burgers, etc.
• Protein options like tofu, tempeh, and seitan are great!
• Include at least one salad per day.
• Carry your water bottle and snacks with you at all times.
• Stick to your regular meal times and avoid skipping meals and snacks.
• Get right back to your usual meals, meal times, and portion sizes when you return home.

When you are going out to eat, it helps to have a plan. Look at the menu before arriving and find high-fiber options, most restaurants are accommodating and will take special orders. Give them a call ahead of time to let them know you’re arriving with your specific preferences. We also recommend having a small bite to eat before leaving, like a salad, smoothie, or some fruit.