This is one of the questions that I’m asked most frequently so I decided to share with you in Part 1 of  this blog post my top tips on how to successfully transition to a plant based diet. I offer these tips to you from a health coach perspective and also from my own personal journey as someone who has and continues to implement natural living principles. My transition to a plant based diet was very gradual and definitely a learning process. I grew up on the standard American diet and consumed lots of fast food and lots of processed foods. However,  making the transition is definitely a process and everybody is different and on their own personal wellness journey. Be sure to be kind to yourself and surround yourself with like minded people, but in the meantime try adding in these tips for continued success in eating more plants:

Tip#1 – VEGANIZE YOUR KITCHEN - It is so important to have all of the gadgets that you need to prepare healthy plant based dishes. A lot of people will say that eating vegan is difficult. I like to say that it is not DIFFICULT just DIFFERENT but you definitely have to get into the kitchen and get your hands dirty. Check out my last blog post to get more detail on how to VEGANIZE your kitchen.

Tip #2- EAT ONE LARGE SALAD A DAY – Eating one large salad a day will change your life. Greens are the #1 food that is missing most from the standard American diet but they offer tons of nutritional benefits. Be sure to eat your greens and remember that you are not limited to the lame ice berg lettuce that most establishments try to push. There is a huge variety to choose from (arugula, kale, cabbage, romaine, mixed greens, collards, spinach, wild greens). Mix it up and make it fun and then just add in any additional vegetables that you like. If you are just starting out you can purchase an organic dressing from your local health food store or if you are feeling creative you can make your own. A simple dressing can be made quick and easy witholive oil, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar and minced garlic and a little coconut nectar. I always recommend for people to have your large salad at lunch but whatever you decide be sure to get it in make it colorful.

Tip #3 – CHOOSE ONE DAY OUT OF THE WEEK TO GO MEATLESS - Meatless Mondays is the latest thing that is being promoted in our culture and maybe that day works for you but if not choose a day that works and go meatless, you will definitely see and feel the results.

Tip #4 – DRINK YOUR MEALS- Substituting one of your meals for a fresh juice or fresh smoothie will change your life. I usually recommend that people do this for breakfast. However, it can be done anytime during the day. Drinking your meals is a quick and easy way to get in more fresh fruits and veggies, give your body a break from digesting large complex meals and infuse your body with a ton of vitamins and minerals. Green juices help to gently rejuvenate and restore your body at the cellular level while fruit juices help to cleanse and purge your body of unwanted toxins.

Tip #5 – EXPERIMENT, EXPERIMENT, EXPERIMENT – Experimenting is key!!! Application is the highest form of learning. Therefore it is important to apply your new found knowledge by getting into the kitchen and experimenting with new and exciting plant based meals.Be sure to frequently check back as I will be posting more updated recipes.

Check out my basic salad recipe below, this is my quick and easy recipe when I’m on the go. Keep it simple and enjoy!!! I’d love to hear from you. Please leave me a comment and let me know what tip you will implement this week.

Basic Salad Recipe

Mixed Greens (Spring Mix) or Baby Spinach

Shredded Carrots

Dried Cranberries

Chopped Pecans

Fuji Apple (sliced)

Combine and enjoy w/ Balsamic Vinagarette Dressing or Organic Shitake Sesame Vinagarette Dressing (Annies Organics Is My Favorite)