So, you’re interested in starting a plant-based diet but don’t know where to start? We’ve created a nifty, easy guide to help you!
Remember, you should always consult with your doctor or nutritionist before starting a new eating plan.
What can I eat?
Going plant-based means that your diet will consist primarily of veggies and fruit while perhaps enjoying the occasional meat, dairy, eggs and fish. Here’s a quick run-through of the major food groups you’ll enjoy:
- Fruits: This can include any fruit from apples to citrus and berries
- Veggies: You’ll be able to eat plenty of veggies, including your greens like lettuce, kale & avocados
- Whole grains: Rich in fibre and nutrients, your whole grains can include grains, cereals, nuts and brown rice
- Legumes: Packed with proteins, fibres and minerals, legumes consist of any beans, lentils and chickpeas
Foods you should be avoiding
Before jumping into a new diet, you have to do a little research to prepare yourself to make the change. Depending on how strict you’d like your diet to be, we’ve listed a few foods that you should avoid while on your plant-based diet.
It’s a no-no
- Any dairy products is a no-go (including milk and cheese)
- Meat and poultry
- Any processed animal products
- Refined grains (foods like your white pasta and white bread would fall under this)
- Sweets (like cookies, brownies, and cake)
- Fizzy drinks and sweetened fruit juice
Keep your meals simple
Keep your meals as simple as possible. Try not to focus on time-consuming and complicated dishes. Focus on eating foods that are predominantly whole and minimally processed that are simple yet rich in vitamins, minerals and amino acids.
When prepping your meals, it’s essential to follow a meal plan that suits your schedule and cooking flexibility.
Highlight your main meal: To avoid spending unnecessary time on all meals, choose the meal that will provide you with all the nutrients you need in one sitting. This can either be breakfast, lunch or dinner. If you go big on breakfast, you don’t necessarily have to go all-out on the meals for the rest of your day.
Try a selection of BodiCafe’s products which are all plant-based friendly and can be found in selected stores nationwide, or via our online shop.
