How to Switch to a Plant-Based Diet: 7 Steps

Did you know that 1/3 of Americans consider themselves flexitarian? One of the easiest ways to support a plant-based diet is with a meat substitute alternative.

From someone with a fully plant-based vegan diet to someone with a flexitarian diet who wants more options, these alternatives work for everyone.

If you're wondering how to switch to a plant-based diet, keep reading to learn more!

1. Start With One Plant-Based Meal a Day

The all-or-nothing approach is usually what makes switching to a plant-based diet too difficult. If you're having meat in every meal, the easiest way to stop is to slowly phase it out.

Start with one plant-based meal per day. This doesn't have to be the same meal every time. In fact, it's better if you switch it up! This way, you can experiment to find plant-based meals that work for you.

2. Adopt the Meatless Monday Habit

Meatless Monday is a global campaign where people try to reduce their meat consumption by not eating any on a Monday. This is a great way to expand your meal variety and try out some new things!

Participating in a group activity means there's more accountability to keep you from caving and eating meat. Get your friends, family, or even your co-workers to participate in Meatless Monday with you.

3. Find Replacements for the Foods You Already Love

Swap out your favorite meal's meat with a plant-based alternative. This way it doesn't feel like you're changing anything.

Most plant-based meat alternatives these days are so similar in texture and taste, that you can't even tell they aren't the real thing!

For example, if you love chicken nuggets, check out our Chik'n Nuggets.

4. Stop Worrying About Protein

Hint: there is plenty of protein in plants and plant-based products!

There's a big misconception that meat is the only good source of protein. This simply isn't true. Good plant protein sources include beans, nuts, wheat, chia seeds, and more.

5. Start With Meat Substitutes and Go to Dairy After That

Trying to drop meat and dairy at the same time can be difficult. Focus first on swapping out the meat, and then once you've got a handle on that, you can drop dairy.

6. Don't Stress if You Mess Up

Remember that you're switching to a plant-based diet for yourself. This means you don't have to worry about messing up!

If you cave and have some meat or dairy, it's okay! What's important is to go back to your plant-based diet afterward.

7. Stock up on Frozen Ready-To-Eat Foods to Combat Spontaneous Hunger

One of the most common reasons you're going to have a "cheat" is that you're hit with spontaneous hunger. When this happens, it's easy to default back to your usual diet.



Prepare for these by stocking up with plant-based alternatives that are ready to eat. Alpha Burritos are a great choice because they're ready in just two minutes, and they taste delicious!

How to Switch to a Plant-Based Diet

Now that you know how to switch to a plant-based diet, you can start making the changes you need to get there.

The biggest thing to remember is that you can take your time. If you make mistakes, that's fine! You can always start over.

Make your transition to a plant-based diet easier with our tasty plant-based alternatives! Use our store locator to find Alpha Foods in a store near you.