Going plant-based but not sure where to start?

Many of my clients want to start eating more plant-based meals, but they don’t really have any idea on where to start. Here are a few tips!

Before we start, I want to clarify what this term really means…

Plant-based diet is an eating pattern made up of mostly plant foods, like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, oils and legumes. You don’t need to be vegetarian or vegan to eat a plant-based diet. You can incorporate a bit of the idea on your every-day meals.

As a dietitian, I do not believe a 100% plant-based diet is for everyone. However, I do think that having one meatless meal at least once a week is a great step in the right direction!

Here are a few meatless products I give 5 stars: they are delicious, packed with nutritious clean ingredients, and are not highly-processed like some meatless products on the market tend to be.

• Hillary’s Veggie Breakfast Sausages – a delicious healthy way to replace bacon/ham. You may eat them on their own, add to an egg white omelette with veggies

• Morningstar Black bean burgers – a great way to replace a meat burger; or can also be mixed with chopped tomatoes and veggies to make a veggie-chili!

• Simply Zero Vegan Protein Powder – with 16 grams protein, 0 grams of sugar, and 5 grams iron; this option is a great way to add protein to your morning smoothie! Or blend a scoop with edamame, avocado, and spices for a high protein vegan guacamole avocado toast!

Happy healthy eating! More tips to come…

Nilou, Registered Dietitian at Legacies

Nilou completed her Bachelor of Science in Dietetics from UBC. She is registered Dietitian with 19 years’ experience, and is passionate about helping people with digestive and other chronic health issues such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and weight management that can impact one’s life.