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Embracing the Plant Based Lifestyle with Culinary Nutrition in Mind

Writer's picture: Teal Garden NutritionTeal Garden Nutrition

Updated: Oct 17, 2024

So, you’ve decided to take the plunge into the vibrant world of veganism – welcome to the plant-powered party!


No matter your motivation for being here, seriously just excited to have you here fam! Going vegan is a journey worth embarking on. But hey, we get it – making the switch can feel like navigating uncharted territory at times. That’s why we’re here to guide you through the ins and outs of the vegan lifestyle, with a special focus on culinary nutrition.


Going Vegan Tips: First things first – take a deep breath and remember, you’re not alone in this. Transitioning to a plant based diet is all about making gradual, sustainable changes that work for you. Start by incorporating more plant-based foods into your meals and gradually phasing out animal products that no longer serve you. Experiment with new recipes, explore your fresh foods, and don’t be afraid to get creative in the kitchen. And hey, if you slip up every now and then, that’s okay – progress, not perfection, is the mindful approach to living.


Vegan Diet Plan: One of the keys to success in the plant based vegan lifestyle is planning ahead. Sit down and map out your meals for the week, making sure to include a balance of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. Even mapping out the restaurants and cafes that offer vegetarian and vegan options is A MUST! Especially in large town Shreveport, where there are fewer options than we once had.


Keep it simple – think hearty side dishes, nourishing stews, colorful sautes, and protein-packed bowls. And don’t forget to treat yourself every once in a while – vegan pop ups, vegan options at local restaurants or even a no cheese Papa John's pizza night, anyone?


Without some planning for your plant based lifestyle, regression into fast food, convenience foods (both of which are high in fat, sugar and lack in quality nutrient density) could occur. You couldn't go a block in any direction without some marketing advertisement revealing a juicing animal burger or a sweaty cup of brand sweetened soda.


So, plan ahead. Prepare yourself for the temptations with strength to commit or at least know where you can get a vegan-safe meal.


A women eating well will feel well

Vegan Lifestyle Changes: Going vegan isn’t just about what you eat – it’s a whole lifestyle shift. Take the time to educate yourself about animal rights, environmental sustainability, and the health benefits of a plant-based diet. Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who can offer support and encouragement along the way. And remember, every small change you make has a ripple effect – you’re not just improving your own health, you’re contributing to a more compassionate and sustainable world for all beings.


Plant Based Nutrition Plan: When it comes to plant based nutrition, variety is key. Make sure you’re getting a wide range of nutrients by eating a rainbow of fruits and vegetables every day. Focus on incorporating all macro and micro nutrient sources into your diet. A free online tool to help you choose (and see) how much nutrient quality a food item contains is www.nutritionvalue.org. I stumbled upon this website many many years ago and it's been helpful consistently.


All plant based means is that a food or food product is made from plants. 100% plant based is the best phrasing because there is less risk of there being animal meat or animal by-products in the food or food product.


Macro-nutrients are Fat, Carbohydrates, Protein.


Micro-nutrients are the vitamins and minerals you see listed in the fine print on most food nutrition facts labels.


Most importantly - listen to your body – if you’re feeling tired or sluggish, it might be a sign that you need to tweak your diet to better meet your nutritional needs.


The nutrition plan is setting your health goals and determining the steps you would need to take to achieve those health goals.


For example: A health goals is to lose 20 lbs. Some actionable steps could be

  • to start a journal that allows you to log your routine weigh ins and what meals, snacks and food items were consumed in a day.

  • to embark on a feasible fitness regime and commit to it for a period of time.

  • to release unhealthy eating or dieting habits

  • to release consuming empty caloric foods


Vegan Meal Prep: American life has set the precedent to be stressful and lacking for an easy way to live a calm and healthy lifestyle.


Nutrition becomes a not so fun topic but it's necessary to understand the way our human body is designed and how it operates. The best phrase to explain how the human body operates is like a well oiled machine when it is in a state of balance. Consuming a variety of meals regularly is my tip to all clients, friends, loved ones, strangers I meet. Because doing so increases the chance that you have consumed quality micro-nutrients.


Set yourself up for success by dedicating a little time each week to meal prep. Choosing colorful foods and using fresh, raw foods where possible. Frozen is a great alternative to fresh, raw foods.


Meal Prep is a key term for planned lunch boxes and dinners. The point is so that eating a meal is convenient and affordable.


Meal Prep includes activities such as chopping veggies, simmering grains, and batch-cooking your favorite vegan staples so you always have healthy, homemade meals on hand. Invest in some good quality storage containers and get creative with your meal combinations – the possibilities are endless!


You know, Teal Garden Nutrition offers weekly meal prep plate sales. When I launched Teal Garden Nutrition, the services were focused on packages and plans. Because clients have asked for convenient and affordable ways to enjoy our meal prep only, I set a goal and actionable steps to make it happen. I also am aware that in our market there are a few meal prep services with only one vegan meal prep service. There is a local demand in Shreveport for natural, plant based meals that are appealing, nutritious, and flavorful.


This blog post touches on how you can plan your own meal prep and even do your own due diligence to see how to prepare plant based meals. When you make the conscious effort to make positive progressive changes to the way that you eat, where you eat, the type of groceries you shop and the


A plant based bowl to try for vegan may 2024

In conclusion, the vegan lifestyle is about so much more than just what you eat – it’s a holistic approach to health, happiness, and harmony with the planet. By keeping culinary nutrition in mind and embracing the journey with an open heart and mind, you’ll discover a world of flavor, vitality, and abundance that you never knew existed.


So go ahead, take that leap of faith and book your nutritional consult with me. I look forward to the one-on-one coaching with you to propel you forward.


That's your first step – you're one step closer to achieving your health goals. Make the call (318) 584-4202.


Written by Linda Montgomery

Vegan Culinary Nutritionist & Chef at Teal Garden Nutrition

Published May 7, 2024

Edited October 17, 2024

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