Your favorite recipes, but with plants!
If you’re just starting out eating a plant-based diet, one of the best ways to make the change is by taking some of your favorite recipes and simply making easy swaps from animal-based to plant-based ingredients! This may seem overwhelming, but the Meal Planner and your Food Coaches are here to help! (To see our tips for your first step in transitioning, see this article.)
Taco Tuesday: Well, who are we kidding, it’s more like Taco Everyday! Tacos are a great family-friendly staple, as they can be extremely filling, quick to make, and versatile. Try seasoning tofu, beans, or beef-less crumbles with your favorite taco seasoning so you can omit the meat but not the taste! These Pinto and Avocado Tacos are a great way to get loads of protein and fiber without the cholesterol that’s found in animal-based ingredients. Want to lighten it up even more? Lettuce does the trick as a substitute for corn or tortilla shells in these Black Bean Lettuce Tacos. Taco night wouldn't be complete without some Nacho Fries!
Pasta: Pasta is a staple that can easily be made plant-based and still be a crowd pleaser! Give these recipes a try and you’ll be pleasantly surprised that you don’t miss the animal products. A hearty main dish, these Lasagna Roll-Ups with Massaged Kale Salad have a fantastic rating in the Meal Planner! Simple Lentil Bolognese comes together quickly and is usually a children’s favorite noodle dish. Need a winter soup? This whole-food, plant-based twist of Pasta E Fagioli is quick and versatile to make! You’ll find the texture of mushrooms makes them a lovely meat replacement when you make this Penne with Mushrooms and Edamame.
Pizza: A go-to staple for busy nights, it’s imperative you have a couple of favorite plant-based pizza recipes on standby to alleviate the temptation to order takeout! Since pizza is typically laden with greasy meats and cheeses, a plant-based pizza can be a welcome change to reaching your lifestyle goals! It may take time to get used to a pizza without grease and loads of salt, but that doesn’t mean you’ll be sacrificing flavor. For example, this Veggie Hummus Pizza makes tastebuds jump for joy! Our Quick Veggie & Tempeh Pizza comes together quickly, and nearly 100% of our members said they’d make it again.
Burgers: We’re gonna be honest: A plant-based burger does not taste like a regular burger. But, that’s because it tastes fresh, bright, and is loaded with healthy nutrients! You won’t feel like you’re missing out when you have these delicious recipes on standby. Navy beans pack the plant-based protein into this Sloppy Joe recipe. Mushrooms give a meaty texture, which makes them into a very satisfying burger in our California Portobello Burger. Want to up the flavor? Marinate the mushrooms in balsamic vinegar ahead of time and then grill them! Pinto beans give a creamy base to these Easy Bean Burgers and make it easy to form them into a burger patty. And yes, you can make a BBQ from fruit! The Jackfruit BBQ Sandwich is a fun twist on a classic sandwich.
We hope these recipes show that you don't need to go out of your comfort zone with something brand new right away. As you get accustomed to this new way of eating, you can begin to get more adventurous! Within the Meal Planner, the Family Plan would probably be the best place to start, as it contains tasty recipes that may be more familiar to you and your palate. And if you ever need help with ideas for how to make your favorite foods work within your new lifestyle, please reach out to a Food Coach! We have a lot of experience in this area. 😊