By Sara
When initially going plant-based, there are some common mistakes to avoid. I remember them all too well. It’s a rough transition when you are unfamiliar with so much, trying to learn what things like miso and tempeh and coconut aminos are. Then you must figure out where in your grocery store you can find these things! It’s like a whole new vocabulary. I remember the overwhelm all too well. Grocery shopping was more of a challenge– I was learning so many new foods, because I wanted to try so many new dishes.
So what are some things I wished I knew back then? What are some things I should have asked about? What missteps could I have avoided? I hope this helps you recognize mistakes to avoid when new to plant-based eating on your journey.
“Mistakes are often the best teachers.”
–James Anthony Froude
Mistake #1: Thinking you have to go completely plant-based at once.
You can take your time and go at your own pace. Overnight change isn’t always the ticket to success. In fact, if you transition more slowly, you allow your body to better get accustomed to the change, and often have a less uncomfortable transition. This can help with overall long-term results.
Mistake #2: Fretting too much about getting enough protein.
Don’t worry, if you are eating a varied, colorful whole food, plant-based diet, and eating enough calories, you are getting enough protein. Repeat after me: “Plants have protein too”. Unless you are body building, chances are you do not need any supplementary protein.
Mistake #3: Forgetting to drink enough water.
With the increase in fiber that you’ll be consuming, you’ll also need to drink plenty of water to keep that fiber moving through your body. This will also help to reduce stomach upset as your body adjusts to the higher amounts of fiber that you are eating.
Mistake #4: Not eating enough.
If you are newly plant-based and feeling hungry all the time, or feeling tired in addition to feeling hungry you may not be eating enough calories.
Remember, when you are eating whole plant foods, you will eat more than you did on a standard American diet to keep yourself full. Because of the lower calories in most plant-based foods, you can eat more without gaining weight. In fact, you may even lose weight with this eating pattern.
Mistake #5: Not using herbs and seasonings to add flavor to your meals.
By using these extra flavorings to their full power, you won’t become bored with your meals. Having incredibly healthy and flavorful meals makes this lifestyle more sustainable over the long term. Additionally they add extra antioxidants and phytonutrients to your meals, making them even healthier.
Mistake #6: Not having a support system.
Whether this is a friend or family member to make the switch with, or an online support system, the buddy system is important for long-term success.
Or if you’d like to really go big, make the transition at a plant-based immersion program, or consult with a plant-based nutritionist or dietician. The more support you have, the better, since going against mainstream nutrition ideas is often lonely. You can join our free Facebook group here for support.
Mistake #7: Blurring the difference between “plant-based” and “vegan” foods.
Food marked “vegan” is not necessarily healthy. If you stick with foods as close to their natural state as possible, i.e. unprocessed foods, you will feel much better than if you choose to eat mainly vegan junk food.
Plant-based foods are whole plant foods that are minimally (if at all) processed. Whereas vegan just means you are avoiding harm by not eating meat, dairy, eggs and honey. Veganism goes beyond just a diet, it is a lifestyle.
I choose to blend the two; I eat a whole food plant-based diet, but also live a vegan lifestyle, only purchasing products that are both vegan and cruelty-free.
Mistake #8: Eating too many fatty foods.
When you’re plant-based, you are overall getting much less saturated fats. Just don’t overdo the avocados, nuts and nut butters, seeds, and oils. Plant based fats can be included in your diet, but are unnecessary at every meal. These easily add calories, so if you are looking to lose weight, limit these foods.
Mistakes to avoid when new to plant-based lifestyle? I’ve made nearly all of the above! Just remember health is a journey, not a destination.
Can you think of any mistakes you made when you initially decided to embrace a plant-based diet? What was the main stumbling block you had when going vegan? Let us know in the comments below. We appreciate and welcome your input! Please follow us on Instagram to see more plant-based lifestyle posts and motivation.
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