If you’ve decided to adopt a plant based lifestyle, you’ll need to make some adjustments to your grocery shopping routine. Grocery shopping for a plant based life can be a bit challenging, especially if you’re new to it. However, with a little planning and know-how, it can make the job much easier. To help you get started, we’ve put together some tips on how to grocery shop for a plant based life, including planning your meals, reading labels, and exploring new plant based foods. By following these tips, you’ll be on your way to creating delicious and healthy plant based meals that will keep you feeling energized and satisfied.
- Plan your meals and make a grocery list
Before heading out to the grocery store, plan your meals for the week (or the month) and CREATE A GROCERY LIST based on those meal plans. Make sure to include all the ingredients you will need for each recipe. By planning your meals and creating a grocery list, you will save time, money, and avoid buying unnecessary items.
- Shop the perimeter of the grocery store
The perimeter of the grocery store is where you will find fresh produce, whole grains, and plant based protein sources such as beans, lentils, and tofu. Focus on filling your cart with a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables, such as leafy greens, berries, carrots, bell peppers, and more. This will help you get the vitamins and minerals your body needs to stay healthy.
- Read labels
When shopping for plant based foods, it’s essential to read the labels of packaged foods carefully. Many processed foods contain animal products or animal-derived ingredients, such as gelatin, honey, or milk. Look for plant based alternatives and avoid anything that contains animal products. Additionally, you can check the ingredient list for any added sugars, preservatives, or artificial additives, to eat more healthfully overall, if that is important to you.
- Stock up on pantry staples
Stocking your pantry with plant based staples can help you create healthy, satisfying meals at any time. These may include grains like rice, quinoa, and whole wheat pasta, as well as canned goods like beans, chickpeas, and tomatoes. Having a well-stocked pantry will also save you time and money in the long run, as you’ll always have the basics on hand. Our STAPLES & ESSENTIALS page gives an exact list of those important items you will always want to have on hand as a plant based eater.
- Consider incorporating mock meats
If you’re missing the taste and texture of meat, mock meats can be a great alternative. These products are made from plant based ingredients and mimic the flavor and texture of meat. Some of our favorite widely distributed mock meat brands are GARDEIN, MORNINGSTAR FARMS, and IMPOSSIBLE. Just be sure to read the labels carefully, as some mock meats may contain high amounts of sodium or other additives and may be less healthy overall than whole plant based foods.
- Don’t be afraid to try new things
Trying new plant based foods and recipes can be fun and exciting. Don’t be afraid to try new fruits, vegetables, and grains that you may not have tried before. Experiment with different spices and herbs to add flavor to your meals. You may even discover a new favorite food that you didn’t know existed.
Adopting a plant based lifestyle can be a rewarding and healthy choice. By following these tips, you can make grocery shopping for a plant based life a breeze. Remember to plan your meals, read labels, and stock up on pantry staples. Don’t be afraid to try new foods and experiment with different flavors. By incorporating plant based foods into your diet, you’ll be doing your body and the environment a favor. With a little time and effort, you can make grocery shopping for a plant based life easy and enjoyable. Happy shopping!
