TIPS FOR PLANT BASED COOKING:

 

• Plant based milks are often interchangeable, and there are many to choose from. Do a taste test to figure out what you like, and then use what you enjoy/have on hand.

 

• Oil can often be simply omitted from recipes. It can also be replaced with water/vegetable stock when sautéing, or mashed fruit when baking. Why avoid oil? Learn more here. 

 

• Nutritional yeast is often used to add a cheesy flavor to foods and is full of vitamins.

 

• Ground flaxseed is not only full of omega-3s but is also great for binding as it gels up in water, making it a great egg replacer. Aquafaba (chickpea liquid) is also a great egg replacer for baking or whipping.

 

• Taste buds change as we start to remove excess salt, oil, and sugar from the diet. Don't be afraid to keep trying new foods. You might find that you enjoy something you weren't fond of a few weeks earlier. 

 

• Many of the flavors that make our food taste good come in the form of herbs and spices. Try flavoring your food with these rather than salt, oil, and sugar. Not only does this give your taste buds a chance to reset, but herbs and spices like parsley, cilantro, basil, cinnamon, turmeric, and cloves are full of micronutrients.

 

• Although the healthiest diets are based in whole, unrefined foods, the best way of eating is one you can actually stick to. If you need to add a bit of sweetener to certain recipes, black strap molasses and date sugar are the most nutritious options. If you need a bit of salt, trying adding it on top of your food before eating instead of during the cooking process.