Tips for Starting a Plant-Based Diet

It’s the New Year, and if it’s not you, at least one of your friends has a diet-related resolution on their list. One easy way to eat healthy is to opt for a plant-based diet. Try eating plant-based just a few times a week, and as your body adjusts, you can choose to bump up your days. You’ll be glad to know, the sacrifice with meat is supplemented with health benefits such as reducing cholesterol, reducing your risks of heart disease, diabetes, and sleep apnea; and losing weight.

There are a variety of reasons to follow a plant-based diet, mainly for your health. One of our go-to meatless restaurants in town is Café Sunflower. Here, Edward and Lin Sun share tips to starting a plant-based diet.

• Incorporate nutritious leafy greens where you might not expect. Spinach and kale are very versatile, and are fantastic in a morning smoothie. Combine bananas, spinach or kale (or both), and almond milk in a blender to create a wholesome salad-like boost at the beginning of your day.

• Think about the times of day you are normally hungry and have something handy to snack on. Great options are a small bag of raw almonds, carrots and hummus, or cashew butter.

• Eat a balanced portion of protein, fat, and carbohydrates. Protein can be a concern for those on a plant-based diet. Our favorite sources include quinoa, legumes such as green peas, beans such as lentils and garbanzo beans, tofu, and raw nuts.
• Just because something is labeled vegetarian or vegan doesn't mean it is healthy. There is plenty of junk food disguised as seemingly natural snacks. Check nutrition labels for the sugar and additive content before you make a purchase. At home, we have fruit for dessert, and it's a nice way to balance the main course. Slices of apples, pears, oranges are great when in season. We also suggest making a fruit sorbet without adding any sugar.