TIPS + RESOURCES FOR PLANT BASED LIVING

Tips + Resources for Plant Based Living

Let me start here, you’ve come to this article because you want to eat more plant based and while it’s a great decision for ethical and health reasons, I understand that it may not work for everyone. Make sure that you’re in the right health state + have looked into if this is possible for you. Also, I am only writing from my own experience + what research I’ve done in the last six years. I am NO doctor so please make sure you do research of your own, as well.

Now that I’ve gotten that off my chest..

You’ve decided that you want to venture into plant-based living + maybe it’s because the vegan movement is everywhere (which is amazing!) or you’ve decided that it’s beneficial for you + the environment. Either way, you go! I will be giving some tips + tricks to entering into a diet + lifestyle that can be a little intimidating. I went vegan 6 years ago when I decided that I wanted to help with the environment, animals + try to make myself feel better by cutting out all the products that could be limiting my health.

Plant based Living Includes: No Meat, Dairy, Eggs, Honey, Wool, Leather, Animal-tested Products, basically nothing that comes from an animal or harms an animal in any way.

Number one!

This is the most important step. Do your research! Please don’t just jump into it by eating french fries + salads. You will regret it + feel SO sick. Trust me, I speak from experience. Nutrition is number one and doesn’t have to be bland (because that’s all you’ll hear from someone who isn’t vegan) or cost you a fortune (also, another point you’ll hear a hundred times). Making meal plans that include fruits, vegetables, legumes, seeds (Flax, Chia, etc.), Proteins (Tofu, Beans, etc.) is not only going to save you a ton of time, but is beneficial to making sure that you’re including all food groups to a healthy diet.

Resource: forksoverknives.com

This is a great website that will not only give you articles on how to begin grocery shopping (with a checklist, yes!), but gives meal ideas that are delicious + super good for you.

Number two!

Checking labels will now be your new norm. This was one of the biggest obstacles I faced when starting out because not only do certain companies sell both vegan + non-vegan items, but some labels will say vegan + you read the ingredients to find out there’s milk fat or chicken stock included. Let’s just say that sometimes, the word vegan isn’t clear for everyone. There are always some ingredients that you wouldn’t normally worry about but Gelatin + Whey are two that you’ll see often and are definitely not vegan.

Gelatin: Gelatin is a yellowish, odorless, and nearly tasteless substance that is made by prolonged boiling of skin, cartilage, and bones from animals.

Whey: The watery part of milk that remains after the formation of curds.

Resource: Is it vegan?

This is an APP you can download (for free!) where you go into the grocery store, scan an item, and it will tell you in seconds whether that brand or item is vegan. I’ve used it + it’s super helpful when you aren’t sure after reading through ingredients.

This is true with not only food products but with beauty, household, toothpaste, soaps. Many ingredients that you want to look for with these types of products is if they have the “no animal testing” symbol or just simply state that they don’t test on animals. Some great brands to try are Toms (deodorant, toothpaste), Lush (Soaps, toothpaste tabs, skincare, lotions), Elf (Makeup).

Resource: PETA.com

This is a website that you can really find a lot of different information including a complete list of companies that are cruelty-free.

Number three!

Now you have some resources and tips for eating + buying products that are cruelty free, now let’s talk about no plastic! You’ve definitely seen the need to stop using plastic as it’s not only destroying our planet + oceans, but animals are taking on the effects in the most impactful way. You can’t avoid the images + stories that surround ocean animals and the way that they are dying at a scary rate. How oceans are looking more + more like dumping sites. This step is an awesome way to take plant based living to the next level.

Resource: myplasticfreelife.com

This blog is super helpful as it provides information + tips on how to go plastic free.

Get rid of plastic bags + cups! Buying two or three reusable bags (1$ at most) + a few reusable cups (3$ at starbucks!) is what I’ve been doing. Make sure to keep a bag in the car in the instance you have an emergency trip to the grocery store or are in need or a new pair of shoes. These bags have literally replaced all other bags in my life + It makes you feel that much more empowered.

I’ve been working hard to get rid of plastic water bottle purchases by making sure I fill up at places that have water readily available for free. Places including Whole Foods, have water coolers that are open to the public. It’s best to fill up some glass jars (Mason are cheap!) to bring home and fill up your reusable cup as you go!

Number four!

My favorite! Seriously, the step that will save you money, do good for your community + the most enjoyable. Farmer’s markets will become your best friend. This is where you can buy straight from local famers. Skip the pesticides that are in grocery store fruits + vegetables. The cost is super low and the quality isn’t even comparable. Buying from local growers is the best for your health + your community. If you haven’t been, please please please, find one near you! I promise it’s worth the trip.

Hopefully, I’ve provided you with a little understanding + provided tips on how to make a switch into plant based living an easier one. There is SO much information out there and with this becoming a more inclusive option not only cost wise for shopping, but companies are coming out with more options than ever, you can literally find anything you’re looking for. Make sure to look on sites that are accredited for plant based information + you should be on your way!

Resource: VegNews.com

xoxo,

Cat