The vegan diet has become a lot more mainstream over the years, and plenty of people are intrigued by the idea of removing animal and dairy products from their diets. If you’re interested in trying it out for yourself, you’re probably wondering, “well, what do I even buy”? The thought of just walking into the grocery store with an entirely new diet and lifestyle in mind can easily be overwhelming! But, it doesn’t have to be. I’m sharing some items that should definitely be on your beginner’s shopping list when going vegan. It goes well beyond fruits and veggies!
Seasonal vegetables are a great way to save money. But I also keep my fav vegetables on hand always, these are:
- Romaine hearts: I love the crunch in my big salad
- Persian cucumbers: I snack on them plain with sea salt and add to salads
- Celery: It’s great to cut up and have ready for snacking / dipping
Seasonal fruits are another great way to save money. I always make sure to have berries on hand to add to oatmeal, coconut yogurt, or just snack on them.
Fresh herbs: Herbs are my favorite way to add abundant flavor into any dish I’m making and it always makes everything taste more appetizing.
Nut butter: My favorites are almond and macadamia nut butter. These add healthy fat to any meal so you can get in enough calories and feel satiated for longer.
Milk alternatives: Pick your favorite whether it be almond, oat, coconut, or any other plant milk, and always keep it on hand! I go through nut milk like CRAZY because I add it to oatmeal, smoothies, and even drink it on its own sometimes.
Healthy whole grains: Think oats and quinoa. Both of these make an amazing breakfast, but quinoa is also great to add to stir-fries and soups.
Sweet potato: I probably eat sweet potato at least 3-4 times a week. It’s a great staple to add to any meal and is both grounding and satiating.
Lemon & lime: This is a necessity! I flavor everything with these two and use them daily to make dressings and sauces for my meals!
Condiments: When it comes to sauces, I try to get ones with whole ingredients like coconut aminos, for example.
- Bragg’s aminos
- Tahini
- Coconut cream
- Olive and avocado oils
Spices: Any and everything is great when it comes to spices but make sure to look on the back to ensure there are no anti-caking agents or additives. When it comes to salt, I recommend Celtic sea salt!
To get more information on healthy living and nutrition, visit Dr. Mona Vand’s website and follow her on Instagram.