How To Eat More Plants In 2020
If you’ve decided 2020 is the year for you to start incorporating more plant-based foods, we’ve got tons of tips and tricks for you to try and stay as plant-based as often as possible!
I know it’s not that simple to eat more plants or become plant-based, so I’m writing this post to help you with all of the ways that helped me when I decided to abstain from animal products 9 years ago. Yes, I get enough protein. No, I don’t miss meat.
Eat what you love
The simplest piece of advice I have is to look up the things you’re craving and find a recipe (or a restaurant) that offers it. Scroll down to see my favorite vegan chefs and their amazing recipes, and download the Kompas app for when you’re out and about.
Be patient
It’s unrealistic for many people to completely cut out meat and dairy without transitioning away from these highly addictive foods. Try eating plant-based once a week, then once a day, then start to eliminate meat and dairy as you begin to understand more of the plant-based foods that work for you.
Plan ahead
If you don’t have time to cook an elaborate meal for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, there are thousands of resources for meal prepping and meal delivery services that will make your life simpler. If you’re big on eating out, download the Kompas app to check out plant-based menu options at restaurants nearby.
Health Focused Plant-Based Recipes
One common misconception is that “plant-based” or “vegan” automatically means healthy. But you can still enjoy a fat Western Bacon Cheeseburger and not harm any animals if that’s something you’re into. With all of the innovations in the vegan food world, lots of processed foods are becoming great alternatives for when you’re craving meats and cheeses, but the best foods are minimally processed whole foods. These lovely people make it simple [and delicious] to get your daily dose of wholesome foods!
The Yummy Plant
One of my favorite humans spends each and every day helping humans be the best version of their selves. Aria has published eBooks and an app that simplify the process of eating and living to feel well. Her latest eBook, Mealprep is Your New Superpower, makes it simple to nourish your body and soul with time and money saving recipes. She just released her app, Vito, to the App Store, to help you track your water, nutrient, and energy throughout the day and inspire you to lead a balanced life of wellness.
Currently Craving: Chickpea “Crab” Cake
Vegan Richa
Richa Hilsen, aka Vegan Richa, has been publishing vegan recipes since 2008 - so she definitely knows a thing or two thousand about plant-based cooking. Her plant-based recipes are inspired by her Indian upbringing and include tons of options for all you gluten-free, soy-free, and oil-free people. Her latest cookbook, Vegan Richa’s Everyday Kitchen: Epic Anytime Recipes with a World of Flavor, is filled with creative, flavorful recipes and helpful techniques to make sure you actually enjoy the meal you’re *trying* to create!
Currently craving: Vegan Cauliflower Tikka Masala
Plant-Based Blonde
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Caroline, Plant Based Blonde, is a goddess and we’re all so lucky to share this planet with her. She speaks out for our planet and all of its inhabitants and She’s a Certified Plant Based Nuritionist and Wellness Coach. Caroline specializes in turning traditional meals into healthy, wholesome recipes for everyone to enjoy on her site as well as her social platforms.
Currently (always) craving: Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
Elsa’s Wholesome Life
Every single aspect of her life has a filter of serenity and wellness that I just can’t help but envy. From her vibrant, wholesome recipes in her bestselling cookbooks, to her effortless fashion, right on down to her pure passion for our planet - she’s here to help you live your life to the wholest.
Currently craving: Exotic Buddha Bowl
Comfort Food Plant-Based Recipes
Hot For Food
Admittedly I have a huge girl crush on Lauren Toyota. This rockstar cooks up some incredible food and is real. She cusses and laughs at herself and makes cooking vegan food fun! Her debut cookbook Vegan Comfort Classics is a necessity in any kitchen where bland and boring are unnacceptable.
Currently craving: Vegan Breakfast Lasagna
Eat Figs Not Pigs
Eat Figs Not Pigs is ran by a vegan couple who share the names Ashley & Ashlee, a love for animals, and a passion for incredible food. The Ashleys create some of the most mouth-watering vegan comfort food you’ll ever find on the interwebs. Ashley makes frequent appearances on her local news channel to showcase their one-of-a-kind dishes like Vegan Broccoli Cheddar Biscuit Pot Pie (😍), Vegan Beignets, and Sopa de Albóndigas. Browsing through her recipes is like taking a trip around the world with all of her vibrant recipes paying homage to various cultures.
Currently Craving: Asian Inspired Ramen Bun Burger with Kimchi Slaw & Wasabi Mayo
Rabbit and Wolves
Lauren Hartmann is a classically trained pastry chef who started Rabbit and Wolves with an obsession of turning absolutely anything vegan. Yes, she’s even nailed down a vegan steak, ribs, and wings. Her gorgeous photos are sure to have your tummy growling, so be prepared. Grab her free recipe eBook here.
Currently craving: Vegan Quesaritos
Thee Burger Dude
Watson became vegan in March of 2018 and has made it his life’s mission to veganize the entire Whataburger menu (Watsonburger > Whataburger - duh). Enter Thee Burger Dude: he posts some of the most drool-worthy photos and recipes so you can take your crack at making these phenomenal dishes for yourself. Don’t let the name mislead you, Watson also shares breakfast, tacos, burritos, sauces, and sandwich recipes, too!
Currently craving: Vegan McGriddle
Goodlife Cookin
Brian is a former corned-beef hash and spam addict who made the switch to a plant-based lifestyle after watching the award winning documentary Cowspiracy. Now he dedicates his life to helping all living beings with his flavor packed recipes at Goodlife Cookin. Brian’s globally inspired recipes and stunning photos will satiate just about any craving you have.
Currently Craving: Vegan Shaken Beef (Bo Luc Lac)
BOSH!
The guys of BOSH! are total superheroes. Henry and Ian started BOSH to help others create delicious vegan meals that are sure to please any eater. Three bestsellers and 1.5 billion views later, they’re doing just that. Whether you’re looking for quick & easy, super healthy, or just about any type of food you can imagine: purchase any of their bestselling cookbooks or head to their social platforms to start cooking vegan like the pros.
Currently Craving: BBQ Jackfruit Loaded Fries
Quick & Simple Plant-Based Recipes
Rainbow Plant Life
Nisha graduated from Harvard Law School and worked as a lawyer for four years until she decided to go after her dream of working in food and started Rainbow Plant Life. Her website features tons of tips and tricks to meal plan and prep with ease. In June, she released the extremely popular cookbook The Vegan Pot Cookbook: Wholesome, Indulgent Plant-Based Recipes and continues to publish vibrant, wholsome recipes to her website and social platforms on the daily!
Currently craving: Buffalo Jackfruit Vegan Grilled Cheese
Minimalist Baker
Minimalist Baker celebrates simple cooking by sharing recipes that require 10 ingredients or less, 1 bowl, or 30 minute or less to prepare. Just be sure to check the notes for vegan options on any recipes that aren’t labeled vegan! Check out their best-selling, completely vegan cookbook including 101 simple plant-based recipes. On a budget? Grab their free Favorites eBook, featuring 20 of their best rated recipes here.
Currently craving: Noodle-Free Pad Thai
The Vegan Stoner
Before you freak out, The Vegan Stoner isn’t just for stoners. Their recipes are fool-proof, super simple, and easy to follow with their awesome illustrations. You can find recipes on their website, or grab a copy of their silly book The Vegan Stoner to keep on hand when you just don’t have the brain power to think of what to eat yourself.
Currently craving: Soy Curl Calamari
Family Friendly Plant-Based Recipes
It can be tricky to satisfy picky eaters in your family, but these beautiful humans have made it their life’s work to create recipes that are wholesome and delicious for families with young children and growing tastebuds.
Oh She Glows
Angela has been a staple in the vegan community since 2008, and became a household name when The Oh She Glows Cookcook became a New York Times Bestseller, featuring over 100 plant-based recipes using real, whole food ingredients. As a mother, she knows firsthand how to create yummy, nutritious meals for families and makes it easier than ever with her app, Oh She Glows, available on the App Store and Google Play.
Currently craving: Vegan Broccoli and Cheese Soup
Nora Cooks
Nora is a mom of three and shares her family friendly recipes on her site, Nora Cooks. Grab her eBook, Quick and Easy Vegan Dinners which ncludes 4 weeks worth of vegan, kid-friendly, 30 minutes or less dinners along with shopping lists and meal plans.
Currently craving: Vegan Blueberry Scones
Don’t have time to cook?
Check out all of these convenient meal delivery services to help save you time & energy.
What did we miss?
We’d love to hear your favorite plant-based recipes in the comments below. 👇