Embrace Your Inner Vegan Superchef: Tips for the Vegan-Curious and Going Plant-Based
We jokingly call ourselves the Vegan Superchefs because if we can do it, anyone can! Ha, ha! Picture this: dinner time with three tired/loud/crying kids and two begging/barking dogs. Yet, somehow, we’ve figured it out. The wise words of Colleen Patrick-Goudreau, from The Joyful Vegan, always resonate with me: “Don’t do nothing, because you can’t do everything. Do something, anything.” Which recipes are your go-to favorites?
How to Go Vegan: Easy and Delicious Recipe Swaps
If you’re vegan-curious and wondering how to go plant-based, start with your go-to recipes. I used to rely on four or five favorite dishes every time I went to the store. Now, all those recipes are vegan! We started small by swapping ground beef for mushrooms or cauliflower (pulse them in a food processor), simply omitting meat in recipes, or replacing it with chickpeas, black beans, kidney beans, lentils, or tofu. We use coconut oil or other plant-based oils instead of butter for frying (sometimes just plain water or vegetable stock works wonders), and substitute flaxseeds, chia seeds, applesauce, or bananas for eggs.
Going Plant-Based: Dairy-Free Alternatives You’ll Love
I used to be a dairy lover—milk, cheese, yogurt, sour cream, and kefir were staples at every meal. But guess what? There are amazing vegan versions of all of them! It’s incredible! Check out your local store, splurge at Whole Foods, or even make your own if you’re feeling adventurous. We love making our own almond milk—it’s easier than you think.
Vegan Cooking Tips: Creative and Delicious Plant-Based Meals
No matter what type of food you love—whether it’s umami foods, sweet treats, or gourmet French cuisine—there’s always a way to make it vegan with a bit of creativity! (That’s the fun part of the journey!) All you need is curiosity and the right cookbook or blog. Trust me, people have thought of everything!
Discover Vegan Recipes on Pinterest
Pinterest is my go-to for recipes. Just type in whatever you want to make, add “vegan,” and hundreds of delicious options appear. Our favorites include lasagna, spaghetti bolognese, meatballs, alfredo sauce, pesto, grilled cheese with tomato soup, hummus, coconut curries, stir-fries, chickpea gyros, fried rice, pizza, enchiladas, pancakes, waffles, brownies, ice cream, muffins… You name it, we’ve tried it.
Every Meal is a Chance to Make a Difference!
Living according to my heart’s true values and letting compassion guide me is such an amazing feeling. Every meal is a chance to make a difference! Don’t feel like you need to change everything at once if it seems overwhelming. Start small, and let your excitement and curiosity lead you into this amazing new world. Once we saw the benefits for our health, the animals, and the planet, we knew we were home.
Easy Tips for Going Vegan: Reach Out for Support
Here are some more easy tips for going vegan. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or concerns—I’m always happy to help!
Check out this amazing vegan cookbook on Amazon: Unbelievably Vegan: 100+ Life-Changing, Plant-Based Recipes. Highly recommend it!
