For most people looking to go plant-based, protein is always a major concern. There is this notion that’s perpetuated by the mainstream media backed by big meat producers that protein is only found in meat. Well, that’s just not true. Traditional staples such as nuts, beans, oats and brown rice come with a lot of protein.
Often times, nutrients like calcium are also marketed as coming from only animal-based sources. The truth is that foods like kale, broccoli, and almonds contain lots of calcium. Ask yourself this, if calcium comes from meat, then where did the animal get it from? It’s definitely from the greens they eat. The major concern for most plant-based diet followers is usually vitamin B12. B12, for everyone, is usually found in fortified products, especially cereals and plant-based milk.
However, those shouldn’t be relied on to get enough of this important vitamin. The best option is to take a liquid or sublingual vitamin B12 supplement simply; just to make sure that there are no issues. You can adopt a healthy plant-based lifestyle by basing your diet around cooked and raw foods filled with leafy and colorful veggies. These will provide your body with the minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants it needs.
Planning and Stocking Your Pantry A Quick word on Pantry Planning
As you transition into a whole-food, plant-based lifestyle, you don’t have to worry about stocking. Your local farmer’s market or grocery store should provide you with everything you need. Consider getting sets of transparent jars which you will use to store your food. This will make for a presentable look in your pantry. Typically, you will have some shelves dedicated to storage of grains, nuts, beans, spices, herbs and so on.
