Plant-based options for really delicious meals!

plant-based diet

With spring here, we are ready to welcome light-as-a-feather, delicious, veggie-rich meals to celebrate the season. Studies show that plant-based eating reduces your risk for chronic disease and obesity, as well as your carbon footprint. During this Earth Month, we can use the motivation to take care of the planet we live in and lighten the load on Mother Earth by moving to a more plant-centric diet.

Just because you are incorporating more plant-based foods, it doesn’t mean you have to give up good taste. Luckily for us, the internet has made it so much easier to find recipes and new ways to use products, so let’s review a few things. First, start by stocking your fridge with spring produce such as asparagus, root vegetables, tender greens and berries.  Then add some lighter, plant-based alternatives, such as tofu, edamame, chickpeas, and plant-based cheeses. Turning these ingredients into tasty, healthful meals you can feel good about is simple.  Here are some tips:

Salads: Sure, everyone knows that salads are the go-to, light and healthy spring meal, but sometimes they can leave you feeling a tad hungry. That’s why I recommend building your plant-based entrée salad with finesse using this formula: Greens + Veggies + Whole Grains + Plant Proteins + Flavor = The Great Plant-Powered Salad

Healthy yogurt parfait: containing protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidant compounds. This simple mix can be a snack or breakfast option. Just spoon half a carton (150 grams) of your favorite plant-based yogurt (watch the sugar content here!) into a dish or parfait glass. Top with fresh seasonal fruit, and sprinkle with your favorite granola. DONE!

Meal prep: some dishes can take a little longer, so set some time aside during the week to help you do 2-3 recipes that can help you during your week. Remember to think similarly to the salad equation!

You don’t have to eat like this every day, but make sure you incorporate at least three days of eating plant-based foods throughout the day each week. This will help you increase diet variety,  add nutrients and ultimately achieve a healthy lifestyle!