Lately, I’ve been on a mission to eat more plant-based foods. I’m not quite ready to commit to a fully plant-based lifestyle, but I’m excited to incorporate more veggie-centric meals into my routine. Why? Well, the health benefits are hard to ignore, and I love the idea of making choices that are good for the planet and animals, too.

If you’re like me and you’re curious about dipping your toes into the world of plant-based eating, you’re in the right place. I’ve been doing some research and I’m excited to share what I’ve learnt about the benefits of plant-based diets and some beginner-friendly tips for getting started.

What Exactly Are the Health Benefits?

One of my main motivations for eating more plant-based foods is the potential health benefits. Here’s what the science says:

1. Reduced Risk of Chronic Diseases: Diets rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes have been linked to a lower risk of heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. The high fibre and low saturated fat content in plant-based foods contribute significantly to better health. As someone with a family history of heart disease, this is a big selling point for me.
2. Improved Digestion: Fibre, abundant in plant-based diets, supports a healthy gut microbiome, improves digestion, and prevents issues like constipation. As someone who’s dealt with my fair share of digestive woes, I’m all for anything that keeps things running smoothly.
3. Boosted Energy Levels: Plant-based foods are nutrient-dense, providing sustained energy without the heaviness of processed or animal-based meals. I’ve noticed that on days when I eat more plant-based foods, I feel lighter and more energised throughout the day.

Plant-Based Eating: A Win for You, the Planet, and Animals

Eating more plant-based foods isn’t just good for your health—it’s good for the planet and aligns with ethical considerations:

1. Lower Carbon Footprint: Producing plant-based foods requires fewer resources and generates fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to animal agriculture. As someone who’s becoming more environmentally conscious, this is a big plus.
2. Support for Sustainable Practices: By choosing locally grown, plant-based options, you contribute to more sustainable farming practices. It’s a small change that adds up to a big impact.
3. Ethical Alignment: For many, plant-based eating is a way to avoid contributing to the suffering of animals in factory farming systems. While I’m not ready to go full vegan, I do feel good about reducing my overall consumption of animal products.

Ready to Dive In? 

Incorporating more plant-based meals into my diet has been a gradual process. Here are some of the strategies I’ve found helpful:

1. Start Small: I began by incorporating one or two plant-based meals a week, like some colourful mushrooms. Gradually, I’ve been increasing the frequency as I discover new favourite dishes.
2. Stock Your Pantry: Keeping essentials like lentils, chickpeas, black beans, quinoa, oats, nuts, seeds, and a variety of spices on hand has made plant-based cooking much easier. When I have the right ingredients at my fingertips, whipping up a satisfying plant-based meal feels achievable.
3. Explore Recipes: I’ve been diving into plant-based cookbooks and websites, looking for simple, flavour-packed dishes to try. Some of my favourites so far have been lentil soup, chickpea curry, and avocado toast with hemp seeds.

One thing I’ve learnt on this journey is that it’s all about progress, not perfection. I still eat non-plant-based meals and snacks sometimes, and that’s okay! The goal is to keep exploring and expanding my plant-based repertoire at a pace that feels sustainable for me.

Easy Recipes to Try

Ready to give plant-based eating a try? Here are three beginner-friendly recipes that have become staples in my rotation:

1. Lentil Soup:
   • Sauté onions, carrots, and celery.
   • Add lentils, vegetable stock, and spices (e.g., cumin, paprika).
   • Simmer until lentils are tender, and enjoy with crusty bread.
2. Chickpea Curry:
   • Sauté garlic, ginger, and onion in coconut oil.
   • Stir in chickpeas, curry paste, and coconut milk.
   • Serve over rice for a comforting meal.
3. Avocado Toast with Hemp Seeds:
   • Mash ripe avocado onto whole-grain toast.
   • Sprinkle with hemp seeds, chilli flakes, and a squeeze of lemon.
   • A simple, yet satisfying brekkie or snack!

Final Thoughts

Incorporating more plant-based foods into my diet has been a journey of discovery. I’m learning new recipes, exploring new flavours, and reaping the benefits of a more veggie-centric way of eating. While I’m not ready to go fully plant-based, I’m excited to keep expanding my repertoire and seeing where this path takes me.

If you’re also exploring plant-based eating, I’d love to hear about your experience. What are your favourite plant-based recipes? What strategies have helped you incorporate more plant-based meals into your routine? Share your thoughts and tips in the comments below. Together, we can inspire and support each other on this flavourful, nutritious, and planet-friendly journey.