How To Go Plant-Based in 5 Steps

Written By Gabby Pogel

Have you ever thought about going plant-based? Whether you’re interested in eliminating animal products from your diet, learning about the environmental impact of veganism, or adopting a practice of mindful consumption (or a combination of all 3), a plant-based lifestyle is the right choice for you.

Here are 5 steps you should take before beginning your plant-based journey.

Assorted vegetables at a farmers market

Step 1: Educate yourself

Prior to going vegan, vegetarian, or plant-based, it is vital to learn about this lifestyle and understand the reasons why someone may choose it. Consult your doctor, read articles and books from trusted sources, watch documentaries, and join plant-based groups. Educate yourself about the benefits, risks, and frequently encountered problems when going plant-based. Research the ethical concerns related to the use of animal products and the impact of animal agriculture on the environment.

Check out some of these sources to get started:

  • Documentaries: Seaspiracy (2021), David Attenborough: A Life On Our Planet, What the Health, Forks Over Knives

  • Books: “Plant-Based India: Nourishing Recipes Rooted in Tradition,” by Sheil Shukla, DO, “Be a Plant-Based Woman Warrior,” by Ann Crile Esselstyn and Jane Esselstyn, RN, “Eating Plant-Based: Scientific Answers to Your Nutrition Questions,” by Shireen Kassam MBBS, FRCPATH, PHD, DIPIBLM, and Zahra Kassam MBBS, FRCPC, MSC, DIPABLM

  • Blogs: thekoreanvegan.com, plantbasedpals.com, iamtabithabrown.com

Most importantly, consult your doctor or primary care physician before making any major lifestyle change.

Step 2: Start with easy changes

Making the switch to a plant-based lifestyle doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Going cold turkey (pun intended) can set you up for failure. Instead, start by removing red meats and a couple of dairy products from your diet. Choose whichever animal-based products rank lowest on your preference list and cut them out first.

Gradually remove other meats, dairy items, and eggs from your diet. Try a few different plant-based alternatives to your favorite animal-based products, like hot dogs, sausage, and many popular kinds of cheese. Replace any gaps in your diet with plant-based milks, vegan cheese, tofu, legumes, nuts, fruits, and vegetables.

Step 3: Don’t expect to eat just fruits and vegetables

A healthy plant-based diet is a well-rounded one. When you make the transition to a plant-based lifestyle, you will of course eat lots of fruits and vegetables throughout your days. Just as important are whole grains, nuts, and seeds in your meals.

This ensures you absorb all of the vital vitamins, minerals, and carbohydrates you need for a healthy body.

Step 4: Plan meals in advance

One aspect of a plant-based diet cannot be stressed enough. Mindful consumption is the pillar of this lifestyle.

To be interested in pursuing a plant-based lifestyle, one must first have the idea to make a conscious decision in their day-to-day life. This includes the clothing they wear, the brands they support with their purchases, and every meal they eat.

By planning your meals in advance, you are ensuring you are getting all of the necessary nutrients you require. This means taking the time to think about your grocery list, food choices, and habits around food to truly understand how to best plan the meals ahead.

But don’t be worried about this undertaking. If you follow Step 1, do a bit of research, and consult your doctor, you will have all the tools necessary to plan healthy and energizing meals in advance.

Step 5: Enjoy the lifestyle

A plant-based lifestyle is just that - a lifestyle. It is much more than just changing your diet.

Deciding to go plant-based means you are adopting a lifestyle of conscious consumption. This may come in the form of the foods you eat, the clothing you wear, the businesses you support, and how you choose to advocate for certain causes.

You can pursue a plant-based lifestyle and still eat meat, so long as you are doing it in a mindful and environmentally conscious way. Check out this guide on how to ethically and sustainably eat meat if that sounds more realistic for your lifestyle.

Most importantly, enjoy your plant-based life. Find friends in this lifestyle who believe in and support the same things you do. Integrate it into all you do and be proud of your commitment to yourself, the animals of this earth, and the world around you.

Interested in exploring some of our delicious plant-based recipes?

Explore all of our recipes below, and please leave a comment with your thoughts. As always, we want to thank you for reading and supporting the Plant Based Pals. If you ever have any questions for Nicole or me please reach out.

Gabby Pogel
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