In the twenty-first century, many people have chosen to give up meat in favor of a plant-based diet. Some people choose to do this for ethical reasons, others choose to do this for health reasons, and others think that going plant-based can save them some cash. All three reasons are perfectly valid. What many people tend to do is put too much pressure on themselves to go wholly vegan straight away. Moving from drinking cow’s milk to sipping the almond and oat varieties can be too drastic. Everyone has a different journey when trying out a plant-based alternative diet, so you need to take it easy on yourself.
The Journey
If you are tempted to try a plant-based diet, don’t banish any food that you currently eat. Having a zero-tolerance policy towards certain foodstuffs can make you crave them even more and it can lead to you resenting your newfound love of plant-based cuisine. Instead, start by throwing in some midweek plant-based meals into your eating plan. You might fancy a tofu stir fry with mushroom mock oyster sauce and egg-free noodles. Or perhaps you crave the spice of a vegetable balti alongside brown rice and dairy-free raita. These delicious meals are plant-based, nutritious, and packed full of flavor. Plant-based does not have to mean bland or tepid. The journey that you take is important – don’t go too fast as you might find yourself beating yourself up about eating a bacon sandwich when you thought you’d be tucking into a vegan sausage baguette. Don’t set yourself any sort of target and allow yourself to experiment with plant-based alternatives. Milk is something that people really struggle with. Even the most militant vegan would acknowledge that there is no plant-based alternative on the market that tastes like cow’s milk. Try out some almond, rice, oat, and soya milk. Gently introduce them to your tea, coffee, and cereal. If you are really finding this swap tough, then don’t swap! You can still embark on a plant-based journey with other meals and ingredients. 
The Benefits
If you are seeking a plant-based diet for health reasons, don’t assume that this solely means shifting a few pounds and lowering your cholesterol. Eating less refined sugars by switching to a plant-based diet means that you can enjoy fewer fillings and enamel issues with your pearly whites. If you do have teeth issues currently, you can try out affordable dentures that clip in and can survive the onslaught of a plant-based diet. Fewer root canals can save you time and stress as you get older. Protecting the enamel on your teeth means that your mouth will remain healthy. Weight loss can be a benefit if you wish to explore your new plant-based diet alongside a healthy eating plan. Cut out the refined carbs, fried foods, and fatty meats. Instead, you can eat leaner tofu, pulses, beans, vegetables, and whole grains. This more natural diet will lead to an inevitable health benefit for your weight and energy levels. Alongside the weight benefits, you can lower the bad cholesterol in your blood, lower your blood pressure, and decrease your chances of heart attack and stroke in later life. Being fit and healthy often starts with what we put into our bodies. Opt for the plant-based foods that don’t adhere to genetically modified ingredients and enjoy a more natural way of eating. Eating a plant-based diet may seem expensive. However, you can fill your cupboards with tins of beans and pulses as well as fresh vegetables for very little. When eating out, restaurants across the globe have welcomed plant-based eating with open arms. These eateries understand that vegan eating or a flexitarian diet is here to stay. People are eager to do their bit to save the planet and see eating a more plant-based diet as a means of doing this. Top chefs are now creating incredible vegan pizzas, cordon bleu cuisine, and experimental fusion food for the masses. If you are eager to try out a more plant-based diet, take it slowly and experiment with new ingredients. Many people who are going plant-based for the first time have no idea what tofu is let alone how to cook it. Enjoy opening up some vegan recipe books, heading online for a vlog tutorial, and share ideas in online forums. You are not alone in your quest for a better and more healthy lifestyle which can begin with eating incredible plant-based cuisine. 
