Overcoming Plant-based Diet Challenges: Your Guide to a Balanced Start!

5 Solutions for people seeking a vegetarian lifestyle

A lavish yet easy to make Vegan meal from the Sunflower Café in Nashville. Image by Lanita P.

As you may know by the name of this blog, I love plant-based meals and making my own recipes from scratch. It was over twelve years ago when I started on this journey of living a vegetarian lifestyle. However, back then, I had no one to guide me and I had now idea I would get so much joy and pleasure from making the ultimate Lifestyle Calibration to become a vegan.

I did say ‘Vegan’ but, only when good cheese is not on the menu. Photo by Lanita P.

I still struggle with cheese and butter every once and a while but, that is about it. If you are thinking, “I will never stop eating butter, hold your dairy cows…” I have a fondness for Ghee and it has some grand attributes and well. So, let’s be positive about this article and read on.

Overcoming Common Lifestyle Challenges: This is Your Guide to a Balanced, Plant-Based Journey.

Embarking on a plant-based lifestyle can be incredibly rewarding, but it comes with its own set of challenges, and I have overcome many of them. As a Vegetarian Lifestyle Engineer, I've seen all of my clients struggle with issues like lack of time, inconsistent habits, limited knowledge on the subject, social/peer pressure, and the unspoken cravings. Here, I’ll share practical solutions to help you overcome these common obstacles and thrive on your plant-based journey.

1. Lack of Time to Make a Meal Plan and/or Exercise Work for You!

The Issue/Problem: Busy schedules often make it difficult to find time for meal planning, preparation, and exercise.

Solution:

• Meal Prep: Dedicate one or two days a week to meal prep. Chop vegetables, cook grains, and prepare protein sources in bulk. Store them in portions to easily assemble meals throughout the week, or prepare full meals.

• Quick Recipes: Seek simple, quick recipes that take less than 30 minutes to prepare. There are plenty of plant-based options that are nutritious and time-efficient.

• Exercise Efficiency: Incorporate high-intensity interval training (HIIT) or circuit workouts that can be done in 20-30 minutes. These can be just as effective as longer workouts and fit more easily into a busy schedule, plus 2-20min. Cardio days as well.

• Plan Ahead: Schedule your meals and workouts just like any other important appointment. This helps ensure you dedicate time to these essential activities.

(Be one of the first! Access to my Lifestyle Transition Recipes ebook, coming August first)

2. Inconsistent Habits: Building and Maintaining Healthy Routines!

The Issue/Problem: Difficulty maintaining consistent healthy habits amidst varying daily routines.

Solution:

• Set Realistic Goals: Start with small, achievable goals that fit your current lifestyle. Gradually increase the intensity and frequency as you build consistency.

• Create a Routine: Establish a daily routine that includes set times for meals and exercise. Consistency is key to forming lasting habits.

• Accountability: Find a workout buddy or join a community of like-minded individuals for mutual support and accountability.

• Track Your Progress: As I always tell my clients and friends, keep a journal or an app to log your meals, workouts, and how you feel. Seeing your progress can motivate you to stay consistent and prove you are making progress.