Embarking on a new dietary journey, such as incorporating more plant-based meals, may seem like a monumental task. However, a more approachable way to this exciting adventure is to focus on what to add rather than what to subtract. By introducing more plant-based foods like beans, greens, fruits, whole grains, nuts, and seeds, you naturally reduce the space for animal-based foods without feeling like you're giving up anything.

Coming from a dairy family, I have worried that the people who love me the most would be judgemental or flat-out offended by my decision to switch to a plant-based eating pattern. They’ve been curious, wondering if eating more plants might help them.

I personally tend to be the type to go “all in” on things. I have a goal, and I stick to it, which is great, but it can lead to self-judgment or anxiety if things don’t go exactly as planned. This is never a good approach to eating behavior, which is ideally pleasurable and physically and emotionally nourishing.

One of the benefits of incorporating plant-based meals or days during the week, of course, is positive environmental impact. There are over 8 billion people on the planet. Only about 1-3% of the world's population eats a totally plant-based diet (www.quora.com). If the remaining 97-99% of people switched a portion of their meals to plant-based, it would have an enormous impact overall.

Eating a more plant-forward diet is a personal decision that can result in many benefits, including living in alignment with values, including love of animals and love of nature. Also, dietary patterns are not in and of themselves religions. Some religions include guidelines about what to eat or when to fast, but you don’t need to take an oath or forsake traditions in order to adjust what you eat. I have found it fun and exciting to make delicious plant-based recipes and honor holidays and family traditions in new ways.

Conclusion: If you want to try eating plant-based food, it’s okay to try it for a meal or a day without giving up a part of yourself. Thinking it’s only an all-or-nothing decision can cause decision paralysis, in which case most of us just stick with what’s familiar. Adding a plant-based day to your routine might even teach you something new, like making a favorite meal without animal products or how your body feels with different nourishment.

How realistic would it be for you to try a new plant-based routine?

*As always, this website and blog information is not medical advice. Please consult your medical professional if you are changing your health behaviors, including starting a new diet or exercise program.