Realistic Goals
Before you go cold turkey, let’s be realistic. Maybe starting out, you vow to eat no meat two days a week. And try giving up dairy and eggs (yes the cheese!) just one day a week. Once that becomes easier, move to three and then four days a week. Before you know it, you won’t miss that cheese.
Choices
When it comes to making meals, there are a ton of products to ease the cooking of a busy lifestyle. The frozen food aisles at most grocery stores are filled with vegetarian, vegan and plant-based products, and most restaurants have vegetarian options. Most of these options are really tasty or it wouldn’t be on the menu. Even fast food, such as Burger King, Chipotle, and Pizza Hut have vegan and vegetarian options. However don’t be fooled that vegan/vegetarian means weight loss. Portion size is still important to leading a healthy lifestyle.
Family Meals
With more choices on the market, it’s also easier to “slip” in meat alternatives for your picky family eaters. Instead of a meat-based chili, try using meat-substitute crumbles in your favorite chili recipe. If your family likes orange chicken, you can also find a vegan orange “chicken” dish in your local frozen food aisle and mix it with some rice. Taco night can be vegetarian refried beans loaded with lettuce, avocado and salsa. And to fulfill that sweet tooth, try one of our vegan-style chocolate chip cookies with an almond-milk latte or our fan favorite Mary Lee’s Lemon Cake.
Definitions
As you venture into this new lifestyle, here are some terms from the ForkOverKnives website to impress your hard-core vegan friends:
- Vegan: Eliminates all animal-based products (including dairy, cheese and eggs).
- Vegetarian: Eliminates meat but may allow dairy and eggs.
- Plant-based: Diet consists mostly of plants (can eat some meats)
- Whole-food: Avoids processed foods and oil-based products.
Whichever route you take, remember the less meat and dairy you consume is good for both your body and the planet. Make sure to follow us on social and tag us at @SouthernRootsBiz.
