by Mike Thomas, NBHWC December 7, 2023
In this blog, let’s chat assuming a few things about you. I’m guessing you’re keen on getting healthier, perhaps eyeing shedding a few pounds. And it seems like you, like me, find some hurdles in adopting a plant-based diet, with convenience ranking high on your list.
Nearly 8 Years of Learning
This blog is a personal one, written for me and others who might be in a similar boat. When I kicked off my plant-based journey over 7 years ago, dealing with the inconveniences of plant-based eating was a real struggle for me. I’ve put together a YouTube video (check out the link below) covering 5 ways to make plant-based eating a bit more manageable. However, in this blog, I’m diving into eight more ways to add even more ease to it. Just a heads up, with nearly 8 years on this journey and five years of coaching, I’ve stumbled upon more than just 5 ways to make plant-based eating more convenient. I’m still learning. We all are.
Let’s explore a “What if”… What if you could add more plants to your diet, enjoy the perks of weight loss and better health, and what’s more, it became easier instead of harder because of some tricks you picked up? Would that be something you’d be interested in? If so, then get ready because that’s exactly what this blog is here for! What if, in the pursuit of more plants and their benefits, you didn’t actually have to give up your time or convenience? Sounds intriguing, right? Here, I’m sharing some ideas in no particular order:
#1 An Instant Pot (IP) and/or Slow Cooker (SC)
I really appreciate this tip because it’s all about simplicity. You can spend just 10 minutes preparing beans, veggies, spices, and so on, then toss them into your Instant Pot or Slow Cooker—voila! You’ve got a meal with just 10 minutes of your time! There are plenty of fantastic recipes available online for this, but I’ve included a couple here: Taco Slow Cooker (SC) and Veggie Stew (IP).
#2 Try Grocery Delivery
I have to admit, like many of my suggestions, this one works whether you’re plant-based or not. Personally, along with several of my clients, I engage in this practice every week. Consider this: the average person dedicates 2-3 hours to commuting to the store, searching for and purchasing groceries, and then driving back home. You can do all of this online with grocery delivery in just 15 minutes. I’m not joking! It may cost a bit more, but if you can afford it and value saving 2+ hours every week, it’s worth considering. When I gave it a shot for the first time, I worried about receiving not-so-great fresh produce or greens that would go bad quickly. But that hasn’t been the case. Almost every week when I order groceries, I’m really happy with the service and the quality of the produce.
#3 Try Ordering Meals for Delivery
Nowadays, various companies offer meals that are either ready-made, partially prepared, or as easy as just adding water. This option is great for busy individuals who also want to stay healthy. While it might cost a bit more, the added convenience could be worth it for both your time and well-being. Some companies worth considering include Purple Carrot, Mama Sezz, and LeafSide. I worked with a client to make a video about LeafSide, highlighting its many benefits! In a nutshell, you get reasonably priced food that you can prepare by adding hot water, resulting in a quick, healthy, and tasty meal in minutes!
#4 Make the Most of Ready-Made WFPB Items
While it’s crucial to focus on whole foods, there are now more pre-made Whole Food Plant-Based (WFPB) products available. These include canned beans, canned veggies, whole-grain pasta, and frozen fruits and vegetables. They can save you time without compromising your health. One challenge with fresh fruits and vegetables is that they can go bad after a few days. What’s great about the items on this list is that they remain edible for months or even years without sacrificing nutrition or taste! Frozen fruits and vegetables are usually flash-frozen during their peak season, ensuring their quality is excellent.
#5 Convenient and Healthy Ready-to-Eat Plants!
Many grocery stores now offer pre-cut veggies, pre-washed greens, and other handy options. While they might cost a bit more, these choices can save you time and make Whole Food Plant-Based (WFPB) eating more doable.
#6 Easy Overnight Oats
I really like this one because it’s super convenient. Just mix oats, plant-based milk, and your favorite toppings in a jar or container, and let it sit in the fridge overnight. The result? A ready-to-eat, nutritious breakfast in the morning! Plus, it stays good in the fridge for 2+ days.
#7 Keep Healthy Staples in Stock
Make sure your pantry, fridge, and freezer are filled with WFPB staples like whole grains, potatoes, legumes, frozen fruits and veggies, nuts, and seeds for quick and easy meal prep. As you figure out what you like, your list will become more tailored to your needs. Sometimes, guests at our house comment on the abundance of bananas sitting on my kitchen counter, and it always makes me chuckle! lol
#8 Prepare Your Snacks
When I switched to a plant-based diet, I used to mix up nuts and raisins every few weeks. I stored them in my pantry and carried them in my car for easy access while traveling. This helped to prevent me from making unhealthy choices when I was stuck, hungry, and needed some calories! To try this yourself, get ahead by preparing Whole Food Plant-Based (WFPB) snacks like a handful of nuts, chopped-up fruits, or hummus with sliced veggies. Having these snacks ready to go can help you resist reaching for less healthy options when hunger hits.
As mentioned before, I recently created a YouTube video showcasing 5 additional ways to make Whole Food Plant-Based (WFPB) eating more convenient. Please take a moment to check out this short video. If you find it helpful, feel free to give it a thumbs up, share it, and subscribe. Thank you!
By incorporating these strategies, you can make WFPB eating more convenient and sustainable in the long run. Remember, the key to sticking with a WFPB lifestyle is finding a routine that suits you and adopting habits that make healthy eating enjoyable. The ultimate goal is to achieve lasting weight loss and improved health. Wouldn’t it be fantastic if you could accomplish this while also becoming more efficient with your time?
Talk with Mike
Lastly, if you’re interested in discussing 1:1 coaching, would like to talk about resources that you can dig to learn more or discuss my upcoming 2024 More Plants Less Weight Group Coaching Program scheduled for 2024, feel free to arrange a free, no-obligation call. I’d love to hear from you!
You got this!
Mike
More about Mike: https://linktr.ee/coachmikethomas
This blog is for educational and informational purposes only and solely as a self-help tool for your own use. I am not providing medical, psychological, or nutrition therapy advice. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting your own medical practitioner. Always seek the advice of your own medical practitioner and/or mental health provider about your specific health situation. For my full Disclaimer, please go to CoachMikeThomas.com.