Meatless Munchies: Beginners Guide to Plant-Based Eating

As more and more people seek out ways to eat healthier and reduce their impact on the environment, learning how to eat plant-based meals and snacks more often (or exclusively) is becoming a major trend. There’s never been a better time for it either, as plant based food ideas and ingredients are becoming increasingly common, not to mention tastier than ever! 

You might be surprised by how easy it is to follow a vegetarian/vegan diet—it’s all about finding the right ingredients. While everyone’s preferences and requirements are unique, this guide to a plant-based diet will get you started as you start this delicious and nutritious journey. Follow these simple tips to take your plant-based cooking to the next level.

1. Use Better Versions of Classic Staples

As you explore how to eat plant-based meals more often, you’ll find that simply using higher quality ingredients is one of the best ways to reduce your reliance on meat. For example, instead of your usual box of spaghetti and jar of sauce, you could use Pasta Pappone’s flavored pasta and Tomato Bliss’ heirloom tomatoes to make a pasta dish bursting with fresh, natural flavors.

2. Spice and Sauce It Up

Spices and seasonings and sauces and marinades are absolutely crucial in plant-based cooking! Experimenting with exotic spices and sauces is a fantastic way to add more complex, bold flavors to ordinary dishes. If you don’t feel confident in your culinary skills and are nervous about experimenting as you learn how to eat plant-based, just use a spice blend or a pre-made sauce. 

For example, This Little Goat creates delectable spice blends and sauces inspired by renowned culinary locations all over the world. Whether you’re making rice and beans, stir fry, soup, or a salad, you can get plant based food ideas simply by selecting a region and making a corresponding dish. Making some simple beans and rice? A dash of their Mexican-inspired seasoning blend will add authentic flavors that make your dish pop. It’s that easy!

3. Get Out of Your Comfort Zone

As you learn about how to eat plant-based, you’ll find that an open mind goes a long way. Use your new diet as an opportunity to try new foods you wouldn’t normally eat. You’ll find that your options expand enormously if you’re willing to embrace new flavors and develop your palate. For example, there are so many plant-based Indian dishes out there, and you don’t even need to follow the exact recipes to create something super tasty. Some veggies cooked in coconut milk with some of Tasting India’s spices would make a simple yet incredibly scrumptious and satisfying dish.

Discover Quality Local Ingredients

There’s something for everyone at Here Here Market! Learning how to eat plant-based can be (and should be) a fun and delicious experience, so browse all of our plant-based ingredients and vegan-friendly products to find culinary gems to inspire your next snack or meal. The more you cook plant-based meals, the easier it gets, so stick with it! We hope this guide to a plant-based diet has been helpful. Support local culinary creators—shop Here Here Market now!