Plant-Based Eating Is Easier Than You Think—If You Avoid These 7 Mistakes

Not Easing Into Plant-Based Eating

Oftentimes, an alarming headline about climate change, a documentary about factory farming, or an unexpected health scare can motivate someone to go fully plant-based overnight. “While we know that a plant-based diet is a healthy, sustainable, and compassionate way to eat, making changes abruptly may not be the best course of action,” says Dr. Shah. “For starters, if you are someone who eats a low-fiber diet, increasing fiber too quickly can lead to GI upset.” Additionally, an initial burst of enthusiasm can fade if you put too much pressure on yourself and your family to make changes all at once. Instead, the experts recommend moving forward at a pace that seems reasonable. Remember, you are in it for the long haul.

Obsessing Over Protein

Where do you get your protein? is likely the most common question posed to those following a plant-based diet. “What comes as a surprise to many people is that vegetarians and vegans almost always meet or exceed the RDA for protein,” explains Davis. “Omnivores tend to consume close to double the RDA. This applies to children as well. One of the great benefits of getting protein from plants is that it supports health and longevity better than protein from animal foods.” Many of the veggie substitutes for meat, chicken, and fish contain about the same amount of protein as the animal products they are replacing. Other protein-rich plant foods include lentils, beans, tofu, tempeh, seeds, and nuts.

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Not Considering Potential Nutritional Shortfalls

Our dietary guidelines and food fortification systems are based on diets that include a significant amount of animal products. “While most major dietetic and medical organizations support the claim that well-planned plant-based diets are safe and adequate during all stages of the life cycle, this does not mean that we don’t have to consider specific nutrients such as vitamin B12, vitamin D, and iron (all of which can be nutrients of concern for those following an omnivorous diet as well) as well as other nutrients including iodine and omega-3 fatty acids,” Davis explains. With a little bit of care, but not too much fuss, a well-planned plant-based diet can cover all of our nutritional bases through a combination of plant foods, fortified foods, and supplements when indicated.

Replacing Seafood and Eggs With Pasta and Bagels

According to Dr. Shah, replacing animal products with refined carbohydrates does little to ensure nutritional adequacy of the diet or minimize the chronic disease risk. “While pasta and bagels can be a part of a healthy diet, we want to be sure to replace animal products, such as meat, poultry, and fish, with foods that provide protein, iron, and zinc,” she says. This means including legumes and products made from legumes (e.g., tofu, veggie meat alternatives) as well as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds.

Avoiding Fortified Foods

Sometimes, in an effort to eat plant-based whole foods, we may avoid foods that have added nutrients such as fortified non-dairy milks. “It can be much easier to achieve the RDA for calcium, vitamin B12, and vitamin D when we do include these fortified products,” Davis explains. Remember that most omnivores drink vitamin D-fortified cow’s milk, eat grains that are fortified with folic acid, and consume iodized salt. Including fortified foods can help fill gaps that can occur in different dietary patterns.

Not Finding a Sense of Community and Support

“When you make a dietary shift that is different than that of the people in your circle of family and friends, it can feel quite isolating,” says Dr. Shah. Connecting with a community that shares similar values around food choices can be a source of education, inspiration, and companionship.

Focusing on Perfection Over Progress

Perfection is overrated. Every small step you take on a path to a more ecologically sustainable, kinder, more healthful way of eating is a step worth celebrating. Be patient with yourself, and with your family. We all need to move at a pace that feels safe and comfortable to us.