A Vegan Diet Is Not Restrictive

Yep, you read that correctly. And, I’ll even say it again. A vegan diet is not restrictive. In fact, I eat a wider variety of foods now that I’m vegan than ever before! It is actually a common misconception that you are restricted on a vegan diet. So let’s debunk some misconceptions about a vegan diet! And, I assure you: a vegan diet is not restrictive.

I eat more foods than ever before

Ok, so when I adopted a vegan diet, I essentially gave up:

• chicken and poultry
• beef 
• pork 
• fish 
• eggs 
• milk, cheese, and other dairy
• honey 

That’s it. That’s all I stopped eating.

Now, what did I start eating?

• tofu
• tempeh
• occasionally, other meat substitutes, such as TVP, seitan, and some store bought varieties
• soy milk, coconut milk, cashew milk, hemp milk, etc.
• plant based dairy substitutes 

But hold on, I’m not finished. I started eating a lot more than just these things. Think about it: how often do you eat the same meals over and over again? How often do you eat the same exact vegetables with a chicken breast or hamburger? I, too, was one of those people.

It’s not uncommon to get stuck in the same-old mundane food routines. However, most people who transition to a plant based diet report the opposite. 

• 

• 

New Foods!

Once I got out of my boring food routine, I discovered how many truly amazing plant based foods there are available to us! 

This is not a comprehensive list, because that would be far too long. But, here is just a sample of the new foods I have started eating and cooking with since beginning a vegan diet a year and a half ago:

Beans

(I used to hate beans. However, I got over that really quickly, since beans are a staple in vegan cooking!)

• black beans
• chickpeas (I ate hummus, but that was it!)
• lentils 
• pinto beans and refried beans
• soybeans 
• split peas

Grains

(I kid you not, I was strictly brown rice or white rice only. 🤦‍♀️ Not anymore!)

• amaranth 
• barley 
• black rice and wild rice
• bulgar wheat
• couscous 
• farro 
• millet 
• oats (nope, I didn’t used to like oatmeal or anything with oats!)
• polenta 
• quinoa (now one of my absolute favorites!)

Fruits

• banana (I thought bananas were disgusting. Don’t judge me! 🤣 Now they’re in my smoothies almost every morning.)
• blueberries (here’s why)
• coconut 
• dates (they are amazing natural sweeteners!)
• gogi berries
• jackfruit
• mango 
• pomegranate 

Vegetables

(ok, don’t judge the common vegetables I used to not eat! Turns out, I may have been picky and just didn’t realize it. 😬 )

• artichoke 
• bok choy 
• broccoli (sorry, I just didn’t like it!)
• collards, chard, and lots of other dark leafy greens
• eggplant
• ginger (seriously now one of my most favorite things!)
• kale 
• mushrooms (I used to hate mushrooms, and now I absolutely love them!)
• okra 
• parsnip 
• peas (definitely had to choke those things down as a kid!)
• spinach 

Nuts and Seeds

(younger me didn’t really like seeds or nuts either. 🤷‍♀️ )

• chia seeds
• flaxseeds (this goes in my smoothie every morning!)
• hemp seeds (so, so yummy!)
• pecans 
• pistachios 
• walnuts (a tablespoon of these go in my morning smoothie as well.)

Truthfully, there are still some things I refuse to eat though. I still can’t stand beets, fennel, and rhubarb. Sorry not sorry. 😝

• 

• 

Creative Cooking

Here’s the thing that a lot of people don’t realize. I am able to eat all of the same dishes I used to eat, just without animal products. I still eat burgers, pizza, nachos, and desserts. And honestly, they’re more flavorful (and healthier!) as plant based options!

A vegan diet is all about creativity in the kitchen. I have experimented more with cooking this past year and a half than ever before. And, I have fun doing it! Once you get past the “what on earth will I eat” panic, it’s actually an enjoyable process. 

One of the most common things I hear people say is they could never give up cheese. I used to think the same thing. But, I can honestly say, I never crave cheese. And, I don’t miss it one bit! I have found homemade plant based cheeses to be far more delicious than any store-bought dairy cheese.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with plant based cooking. Accept that there will be failures and triumphs. Trial and error are a must. Be patient and don’t give up. And, have fun! 🌱

• 

• 

A Vegan Diet is Not Restrictive

That I can promise you! Don’t focus on the handful of foods you can’t eat. Think about all of the new and exciting foods you will be introduced to!

I have never once regretted my decision to go vegan. And, there is truthfully not one food that I miss or wish I could eat again.

It’s all about mindset. Think positive, and you’ll get positive results! 

My hope is that you realize how expansive a plant based diet truly is. 💚

Check out some of my previous articles to see just how extensive a vegan diet can be!

Here are some resources to get you started:

• Cooking with Tofu
• Cooking with Tempeh
• Mushrooms into “meat”
• Cooking with Eggplant
• Cooking with Jackfruit
• Eat the Rainbow
• Vegan Food Around the World
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Appetizers and Snacks
• Homemade Vegan Cheese
• Dinner
• Vegan BBQ
• Desserts

• 

•