My Advice: If You Are "Going Plant-Based"
Getting Started with Plant-Based Eating
(A Few of My Favorite Resources)
If you’re curious about eating more plant-based foods, the good news is that there are so many incredible resources available today. When I first began exploring this way of eating, these were some of the websites, books, and tools that helped me the most.
The biggest key is simple: plan ahead and keep things delicious. When plant-based meals are flavorful and satisfying, you truly won’t miss meat or dairy.
Below are a few of my favorite places to start.
Recipes
These websites are fantastic for creative and approachable plant-based meals:
• https://www.nomeatathlete.com/vegetarian-recipes-for-athletes/
• https://www.hummusapien.com/recipe-index/
• https://www.thissavoryvegan.com/recipes/
They offer everything from quick weeknight dinners to meals that feel a little more special.
Plan Ahead (This Makes All the Difference)
One of the most helpful habits when transitioning to plant-based eating is planning your meals for the week.
At first, it may require a few extra grocery trips, but once you get the rhythm down, it becomes second nature.
Some people also find it helpful to:
• Use a plant-based meal delivery service
• Work with a private chef for a few meals per week
• Batch cook a few staples on the weekend
Having a few meals handled each week can make the transition much easier and more enjoyable.
Cookbooks I Love
If you enjoy cooking, these cookbooks are fantastic:
• https://minimalistbaker.com/everyday-cooking/
• The Forks Over Knives cookbooks
• The recipe sections in many plant-based doctors’ books (listed below)
These are filled with simple, nourishing meals that make plant-based eating approachable.
Watch
If you haven’t seen it yet, the documentary Forks Over Knives is a powerful introduction to the science behind plant-based nutrition.
https://www.forksoverknives.com/the-film/
It was one of the films that inspired millions of people to rethink how food affects long-term health.
Read
Some of the most influential doctors in lifestyle and plant-based medicine include:
• Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn – http://www.dresselstyn.com/site/
• Dr. Colin Campbell – http://nutritionstudies.org/the-china-study/
• Dr. Joel Fuhrman – https://www.drfuhrman.com
• Dr. Neal Barnard – http://www.pcrm.org/media/experts/neal-barnard-books
• Dr. Doug Lisle – http://www.healthpromoting.com
• Dr. Dean Ornish – http://deanornish.com/books/
• Dr. Garth Davis – http://proteinaholic.com
Each of these physicians has contributed important research showing how nutrition can dramatically affect long-term health and disease prevention.
Listen
For ongoing inspiration, I recommend listening to Dr. Jamie Dulaney’s podcast, which shares practical tips and success stories from people following plant-based lifestyles.
Helpful Products During the Transition
The goal is to eat primarily whole foods—grains, legumes, vegetables, and fruit.
However, a few products can make the transition easier, especially on busy days.
If you love cheese, there are some wonderful plant-based alternatives, including:
• http://www.treelinecheese.com
• http://www.kite-hill.com
Simple prepared options like Amy’s burritos can also be helpful when you need a quick meal.
Additional Resources
• Chef AJ – http://chefajwebsite.com/index.html
• https://www.22daysnutrition.com
Both offer helpful inspiration and practical guidance for plant-based living.
A Simpler Way to Begin
All of these resources are wonderful, but I’ve also learned that too much information can sometimes feel overwhelming when you’re trying to make a lifestyle change.
That’s actually one of the reasons I created The Blue Reboot.
It’s a simple five-day reset inspired by the Blue Zones, where we focus on a few powerful habits—nutrition, movement, mindset, and connection—to help you begin creating your own “little blue zone” right in your everyday life.
Instead of trying to figure everything out on your own, the reboot provides structure, support, recipes, and simple daily action steps to help you get started.
Because sometimes the easiest way to begin a healthier lifestyle…
is simply to take the first small step.