Eating more plant-based doesn’t mean you have to give up the foods you enjoy. The flexitarian diet is all about a balanced, flexible approach. Here are some simple tips on how to add more plant-based foods to your diet while still leaving room for your favourite meals.
If you’ve ever thought about eating more plant-based but felt put off by the idea of giving up your favourite meals, you’re not alone. Many people shy away from vegetarian or vegan diets fearing they might be too restrictive. The good news is that you don’t have to go “all in” to make a meaningful difference. Adopting a flexitarian diet is an achievable way to adopt a plant-forward way of eating that is flexible, enjoyable, and surprisingly easy to stick to.
Here are some plant-based eating tips on how to make the shift, without feeling like you’re missing out.
Start with What You Already Love
Instead of overhauling your entire diet, begin with meals you already enjoy. If you are looking for ideas on how to reduce meat in your diet, one easy trick is to adapt some your favourite meals, not to banish them.
Love spaghetti bolognese? Try swapping half (or all) of the mince for lentils or finely chopped mushrooms. Enjoy a classic curry? Many are naturally plant-based or can be made so with simple tweaks like chickpeas, tempeh or tofu instead of chicken. Jackfruit is great at mimicking pulled pork or chicken.
Try the Turkey Enchilada Skillet from my cookbook.
This approach keeps things familiar while gradually increasing the plant content of your meals with no drastic changes required.
Think “Add More”, Not “Take Away”
As I mention in my cookbook “Less Meat, More Plants“, a common mistake is focusing on what you’re cutting out. A better mindset is to think about what you can add in.
Add an extra portion of vegetables to your stir-fry. Toss spinach into pasta sauces. Include beans or grains in salads to make them more filling. These small additions build balanced, satisfying meals without leaving you feeling deprived.
Make Easy Swaps
You don’t need to reinvent the wheel, simple swaps can make a big difference. Here are some easy ways to eat less meat, fish and dairy:
- Go plant-based one day a way and build from there
- Swap dairy milk for oat, soy, or almond milk
- Try plant-based yoghurt or butter alternatives
- Use beans, lentils, tempeh or tofu in place of some or all meat in recipes
- Choose veggie versions of familiar favourites like sausages or burgers
Start with one or two changes and build from there.
Build Flexible Meals
One of the easiest ways to cater to different preferences (including your own) is to create easy plant-based meals that can be customised.
Think build-your-own dishes like:
- Tacos
- Grain bowls
- Pasta dishes
- Salads
- Pizzas
- Baked potatoes
Prepare a plant-based base, then add optional extras like cheese, eggs, fish or meat if you want them. This keeps meals inclusive and low-pressure.
Focus on Flavour and Texture
One reason people worry about eating less meat is losing flavour or satisfaction. In reality, plant-based meals can be just as rich and comforting when done well.
Use herbs, spices, garlic, and umami-rich ingredients like mushrooms, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, miso, nori, preserved lemon or olives for example (see page 44 of my cookbook for a more complete list of my favourite flavour boosters).
Combine textures (creamy, crunchy, hearty) to keep meals interesting and filling. Think nuts, seeds, lentils, beans, wholegrains etc…
Keep It Realistic
You don’t need to eat plant-based 100% of the time to see benefits. Even a few meat-free meals a week can make a difference for your health, your budget, and the environment.
Try:
- Meat-free Mondays
- Plant-based lunches during the week
- Cooking one new vegetarian or vegan recipe each week
Small, consistent steps are far more sustainable than drastic changes.
Plan for Convenience
Busy days can make it tempting to fall back on old habits. A little planning goes a long way. Batch cooking will help you save time and keep you on track.
Keep your flexitarian pantry stocked with easy staples like:
- Tinned beans and lentils
- Pasta, rice and wholegrains
- Frozen vegetables
- Simple sauces
With these on hand, you can quickly put together a plant-based meal without much effort.
Let It Evolve Naturally
Your way of eating doesn’t need a strict label. Some weeks you might eat mostly plant-based; other times, less so. That’s perfectly fine.
The goal isn’t perfection but progress. By gradually shifting your habits, you’ll likely find your tastes changing too, making plant-based choices feel more natural over time.
Eating more plant-based doesn’t mean giving up the foods you love. It’s about adapting, experimenting, and finding what works for you.
Start small, keep it flexible, and focus on enjoyment. You might be surprised by how easy and satisfying it can be.
Other Things You Might Enjoy Reading
Leave a Reply