Body

Making the Switch to a Plant-Based Diet

How to Incorporate Natural Food Without Going Nuts

By Chelsea Vincent

Looking to get healthier with plant-based eating? Read on to find out where to start and which resources can help!

These days, as one Hollywood actress from days gone by remarked to me, “Everyone’s got an opinion.” She isn’t wrong.

If you pick up a magazine or scroll through the many documentaries on Netflix, everyone seems to have staunch opinions about everything, especially which diet reigns supreme. Yet, from vegans to grandmothers to paleo die-hards, one thing seems to be pretty clear: eating more plant-based food is a win.

Essentially, plant-based diets focus on natural, plant-based sources for food — including fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and nuts — with little to no consumption of meat, dairy, eggs, or other processed or refined ingredients.

I get it — that sounds like sucking all of the fun out of life. But plant-based meals can actually taste awesome if prepared with a little patience. It’s no wonder that the general public is shifting its attitude more toward plant-based options, especially given the scientifically-backed pros that come with eating this way.

What’s In It for Me?

What if we changed our mindset from eating for pleasure to eating to optimize our health? What if we could reduce or eliminate the pills we rely on by focusing on what goes onto our plates a bit more?

Is the work required to change the diets we grew up with worth it?

Switching to a plant-based diet brings a whole host of proven benefits that affect both people and the planet, including:

Talk about some pretty solid reasons to consider — and actually incorporate — change.

What About Protein and Other Essentials?

While many fear that swapping to a plant-based diet means they won’t get sufficient protein, generally speaking, those on plant-based diets don’t develop protein deficiencies. In fact, many are surprised to find out that most developed nations exceed suggested protein consumption, especially with meat.

There are multiple plant-based sources of amino acids — the building blocks of protein (which we need to get from food) — including quinoa, tempeh, lentils, chia seeds, pistachios, or even certain food combinations. Other important nutrients — including iron, vitamins B12 and D, calcium, and fatty acids — can also be gleaned from plant sources. Plant-Based Dietician offers resources that can help you find plant-based, nutritious options.

How to Gradually Add More Plant-Based Items

So, what about actually going for it? If you’ve grown up following the Standard American Diet (ironically shortened to S.A.D.), this sort of lifestyle change can seem daunting at best and impossible at worst. Where does one even begin to look for things like nutritional yeast, and what on earth is a dehydrator?

Not to worry, plant-curious friends. By understanding a few basics, and armed with a few key resources, you’ll be surprised to realize that switching over to plant-based is actually doable. And, just like getting into a new workout routine, while the first month may feel tedious and trying, after a few weeks, you’ll likely find that the new lifestyle has you feeling better than ever.

Make Simple Serving Swaps

Start by swapping out a daily protein source to a plant-based option, like your daily breakfast. Once you feel comfortable with that, try reducing animal products to a single meal each day or week. By making gradual changes, as well as allowing your palate to adapt, you’ll soon realize that plant-based eating really can be done (not to mention taste great). You can look to multiple online resources for plant-based recipes, including Forks Over Knives, the Engine 2 Diet, and One Green Planet (which posts recipes every day).

Focus More on Quality, Less on Convenience

It’s also important to let your mindset shift, as the quality of the plant-based food you consume is important as well. Taking out meat and dairy to eat more refined grains or refined fats isn’t going to do you any favors (and could actually have detrimental health effects). And as much as we think we don’t have time to waste on meal prep, eating well is almost never the same as eating what’s convenient. You can have one or the other.

If you want to focus less on processed and refined foods (most of which are lacking in nutrients, while high in calories, sugars, and/or fat), then you’ll need to shift your attitude toward food preparation. How do the flavors taste different when you take the time to prepare your own food? Begin to consider where your food came from as you take your time eating. Was it grown and nurtured on a farm, or did it come from a lab?

Connect With More Farmers & Local Options

By focusing on eating more plant-based ingredients, which are grown locally, you can further reduce the environmental impacts of what goes onto your plate by limiting the amount of gas and other resources needed to transport perishable items. Additionally, getting to know local farmers will help foster a sense of community, deepening your own connection to where your food comes from (and thus, to your overall eating experience).

Check out the National Farmers Market Directory to find options near you. You can also consider signing up for a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) box, where local farmers deliver boxes to consumers, generally with a subscription or membership. This also helps farmers have a consistent cash flow throughout the farming season. Companies like Imperfect Produce have even taken this concept a step further by delivering odd-shaped produce to reduce food waste.

Embracing the power of plant-based eating doesn’t have to mean going full-out vegan. Yeah, you’ll need to think through what you put in your mouth, but a little mindfulness and personal care always leads to healthier habits.

You’ve Got This

At the end of the day, you don’t need to go cold turkey — or totally sans turkey, as it were — to successfully work your way toward better health, by way of plants. All it takes is a little bit of discipline and careful label-reading to incorporate more plants into your diet while eliminating reliance on animal products. With a plant-based diet, you will feel better, live longer, and help the planet.

18 Comment

Join the discussion and tell us your opinion.

  1. Steve,
    I have been thinking sbout this too for myself. This is a huge transition. But, from all I have read to date and seen from those who are doing it, it is hella positive results all around.

  2. Solid advice on how to start the journey to a plant based diet. I started gradually & after 5 weeks I saw the benefits. Energy and no weight gain during the holidays.

  3. Steve,
    I stopped eating meat, Pork, Beef, Chicken, and Turkey over a year ago. I’m finding it very hard to know what to eat. I do eat seafood but, I fine myself not wanting to eat too much of it.
    So, I’m going to give this plant-based option a try . I will update you with my results.

  4. I want to buy the book will you please give me the name please?

  5. WHAT IS THE NAME OF THE PLANT BASED DIET BOOK FEATURED ON THE STEVE HARVEY SHOW TODAY 01/23/2019

    1. Let us get back to you.

  6. You had a man on talking about a plant based diet does he have a recipe book?

    1. Let us find out! Thanks.

  7. Where can we get the recipes for today’s show?…bbq cauliflower…and plant based sloppy joes

  8. I would really like the cauliflower recipe that was featured yesterday. The burger would be good too.

    1. Check out the recipes on SteveTV.com at http://stevetv.com/search/recipes

  9. Can I please get the recipe for the two items served on Steve Harvey show? The first one was a plant-based burger cheeseburger in fact and the second was cauliflower wings. I think that if I can taste these two items and they are palatable that will be all it takes for me to make a determined effort

    1. Hi Andrea, check out the recipes on SteveTV’s website: http://stevetv.com/search/recipe

  10. I am so proud of you. I am so happy that God has blessed you. So many people are jealous and hating how you have been so blessed. But that’s okay. We have to pray for them. If people would only get that if you rejoice when others are blessed God will bless them also. I am waiting on my blessing. I know it will come. Me and my husband have been married almost 40 years and we have not ever gone on a Honeymoon. But I know one day it will happen. Love you Steve Harvey with the love of the LORD. I am one of your biggest fans. I watch your show everyday. And some mornings I listen to your radio show. I am not a morning person. Keep the faith and stay blessed.

  11. How did Steve lower his cholesterol to that of a child’s?

  12. I would love to have a simple list of foods and recipes to get started. I love Steve and if he’s pleased with this eating program then I’d like to Gove it a try.(typo error above in 1st. line- it should be “sample list”).

    1. Thanks Peggy. Check out our new series with Dr. Roni under Wellness.

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