5 Tips That Make Plant-Based Eating Easy and Fun

Eating a plant-based diet always seems to be at the top of the list of ways to better the planet. It often requires less land and water usage, reducing the overall carbon footprint. It can also be great for your health. But despite the impact of ditching meat, dairy, and other animal products, it might not be the most popular solution.

A recent survey from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Oxford University—which involved more than one million participants ages 14 to 18—looked at the climate crisis and 18 different solutions for it. While the results overwhelmingly showed climate change as a front-of-mind issue, the least popular solution was surprising.

The most popular solutions included conserving forests and land, using solar wind and renewable power, and using climate-friendly farming techniques. But here's the twist: Switching to a plant-based diet was only backed by 30 percent of the participants, making it come in last on the list.

Researchers concluded that the key to raising favorability toward plant-based diets on an international level is to raise awareness surrounding its impact. Simultaneously, that's driving more traffic to worldwide plant-based alternatives and products. Another method? Using plant-based diet tips that make cooking meatless meals easy and fun.

Plant-Based Diet Tips to Know About

1. Experiment with New Recipes

Eating plant-based doesn't mean having to eat a salad at every meal. Make it your mission to get more creative in the kitchen, trying new ingredients and recipes. If you want some inspiration, look through these recipes. Or, flip through a cookbook like Sweet Potato Soul or Chloe Flavor, where you'll find everything from Sweet Potato Pecan Cinnamon Rolls to Sriracha Tempeh Alfredo.

2. Grow Your Own Vegetables

Starting a garden can be such a fun way to add a little pizzazz to your new diet. It's super rewarding (especially when harvest season comes around), and it's also a great way to immerse yourself in nature.

There's just something about having a staring contest at eye-level with a caterpillar that gets you excited about all the creatures inhabiting the world we live in. To help you get started—whether it's a few plants in your kitchen or a full-blown backyard garden—check out our guide.

3. Try a Plant-Based Meal Subscription Service

Trying out a plant-based meal subscription service is a great way to get hyped about the latest plant-based cuisine. It does wonders at exposing you to some of the best plant-based swaps out there. It also gets you excited about which plant-based meal you're going to make next. Plus, it makes you look forward to opening the night's mystery dinner box, just like you saw the pro chefs doing on Chopped.

4. Be One With the Seasons

What's cool about eating a plant-based diet is that you can get even more pumped when your favorite fruit or vegetable is finally in season. Picture this: Summer is right around the corner, and local strawberries are finally about to become the star of the supermarket.

You pull up one of your favorite plant-based recipe blogs or cookbooks and start marking strawberry recipes, challenging yourself to make them vegan whenever possible. You happily rush to the market to get a prime batch. Then your friends come over for a plant-based meal. By the end of your dinner, they're practically begging you for the recipes.

5. Join Our Ambassador Program

When you join our free ambassador program, you'll get the opportunity to talk to other other people who are already eating a plant-based, vegan, or vegetarian diet. This is a great way to pick up some handy new tips that will help you on your journey. To learn more about our program and how to get involved, click here.