As the calendar turns a new leaf, many embark on the journey of New Year’s resolutions. If you’re considering adopting a plant-based lifestyle, the dawn of the year provides an excellent opportunity for positive change. Your choice to embrace more compassionate food choices contributes to the reduction of animal farming, environmental preservation, and enhanced human health.

So, as you embark on your plant-based journey, here are a few tips to help you stay the course.

1. Set achievable resolutions

Setting realistic and achievable goals is the key to successful New Year’s resolutions. If you’re new to plant-based eating, consider starting small with manageable changes. Swap out meat for alternative protein sources like plant-based meat, tofu, beans, lentils, soy products, and plant-based protein powder.

The four common resolutions include:

  • Meatless Monday
  • Plant-based before 6 PM
  • Plant-based on weekdays
  • Fully plant-based

2. Find your motivation

Before diving into plant-based resolutions, get introspective about your values and aspirations. Identifying your motivations will strengthen your commitment, whether it’s environmental consciousness, improved health, or animal welfare. Going plant-based is a journey aligned with personal beliefs, so align your resolutions with your core values.

One tip would be to follow social media pages or sign up for newsletters reinforcing your beliefs to consistently remind you why you’re choosing to eat plant-based.

3. Mindful meal planning

Strategically plan your weekly meals, incorporating various plant-based ingredients to ensure balanced nutrition. Create a diverse and colorful plate by including a rainbow of vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and plant-based proteins, and experiment with different cuisines and flavors to keep your meals exciting and satisfying.

Engage in batch cooking on weekends to prepare plant-based staples like grains, beans, and sauces, making it convenient to assemble delicious and nutritious meals throughout the week. This approach saves time and fosters creativity in the kitchen, helping you discover new plant-based recipes and ensuring a well-rounded and enjoyable plant-based lifestyle.

Consider following various plant-based recipe creators to help with meal planning.

4. Leverage alternative proteins

Transitioning to plant-based eating is made easier with delicious and flexible alternative protein options. While Beyond Meat and Impossible are excellent options, they tend to cost more than local alternative brands which are just as delicious.

There’s a wide array of options available in most major grocery stores such as Happiee!, Harvest Gourmet, OmniMeat, Nanka, Amala Foods, Unmeat, Green Rebel, etc. All you have to do is read the labels to select a brand with nutritional values that are right for you.

Embracing a plant-based lifestyle in the new year is a journey filled with exciting possibilities. Here’s to a plant-powered new year!

 

This work happened because of the support of people like you. Please consider donating today to build a more humane and sustainable protein supply in Asia.