Maybe you’ve considered adopting a plant-based diet, but it just seems too overwhelming. This is especially true if meat has been a focus of your diet throughout your life.

But the idea of eating plant-based is not something to stress out about. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics states these diets are appropriate for all stages of the life cycle, including infancy, childhood, and athletes.

The key is in the planning.

Build up your comfort

Quitting all animal products cold turkey is tough, so I recommend patients start exploring plant-based foods for a few weeks to develop a sense of what they like in terms of flavor and texture. Plant-based eating is NOT just salads all day. Recognize that adequate nutrition is derived from not only fruits and vegetables, but also whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds.

Experimenting with recipes using these ingredients, even if it’s just once a week, such as “Meatless Mondays,” is a great start. As your confidence and comfort level increases, meal prep days will be crucial. Let’s face it, chopping up vegetables and preparing whole grains and beans can take up a lot of time that no one has during the hectic work week.

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