Transitioning to plant-based eating may seem a little overwhelming at first, so think of it as a culinary adventure with delightful surprises. There are a number of things you can do to make your plant-based journey go a little smoother:
- Gather the essential kitchen equipment. This means having a good chef’s knife, paring knife, cutting board, mixing bowls, measuring spoons and cups, saucepans, baking pans, and baking sheets. Consider investing in a heavy-duty, high-powered blender and a food processor. These will help you prepare dressings, frozen-fruit ice creams (see Tutti Frutti Ice Cream), spreads, and sauces in a jiffy. A multipurpose programmable pressure cooker makes cooking beans a breeze. For more ideas, see the comprehensive list.
- Take a plant-based cooking class. Make it a priority to explore what’s available locally or online. A cooking school specializing in plant-based whole foods will familiarize you with ingredients, recipes, and flavor combinations to help you find healthy replacements for your favorite comfort foods and broaden your culinary horizons.
- Find resources that keep your creative juices flowing. Cookbooks, magazines, websites, and videos can inspire and motivate you to try new things. Embrace the adventure.
- Surround yourself with like-minded people who eat plant-based diets. One fundamental requirement for success is finding people who will support you in your transition. Look for plant-based groups, meetups, and events in your area. If local sources are few and far between, find support online.