Let’s be real: “how to eat more plants” sounds like one of those well-meaning health goals that often comes with a side of guilt and a plate of sad salad. But eating more plant-based doesn’t have to mean giving up all the foods you love or pretending you enjoy tofu more than tacos.
This is your no-pressure, real-life, you-don’t-have-to-go-vegan guide to eating more plants—and actually enjoying it.
If you’re trying to lower your impact on the planet, take better care of your body, stop feeling blah all the time, or just figure out what to make for dinner that doesn’t involve chicken again, you’re in the right place.
This post is packed with doable tips, mindset shifts, and sneaky veggie hacks to help you eat more plant-based without turning your life upside down.
Oh—and if you’re like, “Just tell me what to eat already,” you’ll want to grab my Meat-Free Made Easy guide, packed with no-fuss recipes and swaps that don’t taste like cardboard. It’s basically your new best friend in the kitchen.
Why Bother Eating More Plants Anyway?
Let’s start with the “why,” because once you know what you’re really doing this for, it all makes a lot more sense (and feels way less like a punishment).
Here’s what’s in it for you:
Eating more plants can help you feel better in your body—less bloated, more energized, and more regular (you know what I mean). You’re giving your body more fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins—stuff it actually needs.
And no, carbs are not the enemy. Plants are full of complex, slow-digesting carbs that fuel your body, not wreck it.
Learn more about plant-based health benefits.
And what about the planet?
Animal agriculture is one of the biggest contributors to deforestation, water use, and greenhouse gas emissions (check out this documentary to learn more). Even cutting back on meat a few times a week can significantly reduce your impact. You don’t have to do it all to make a difference—small changes really do add up.
So yes, when you eat more plants, you’re doing something good for the world and for yourself. That’s a win-win if I’ve ever seen one.
Ease In, My Friend
Going from “I eat meat with every meal” to “I’m now a plant-based goddess” is NOT the vibe we’re going for here.
You don’t need to overhaul your life. Start small. Seriously—ridiculously small. Like, “swap your breakfast sausage for peanut butter toast” small. That still counts.
You could try:
- One plant-based dinner a week (Meatless Monday, if we’re being basic).
- Swapping out milk or yogurt for a plant-based version.
- Replacing half the meat in your chili or tacos with lentils or beans.
It’s about adding in, not cutting out. Small changes that feel easy are the ones that actually stick.
You can try some of these quick and easy vegetarian meals to get started.
How to Eat More Plants (Without the Stress): Simple Shifts That Actually Work
If you’ve ever Googled “how to eat more plants” and ended up overwhelmed by meal prep charts and quinoa you’ve never cooked before… take a deep breath. This isn’t that.
These are real-life, low-pressure tips that make eating more plant-based feel easy, doable, and even enjoyable.
Because the truth is, you don’t need a total lifestyle overhaul—you just need a few smart shifts that fit into your actual day. Let’s break it down.
(Psst- there are more small, doable health and sustainability tips in this post.
Celebrate the Wins (Yes, Even the Tiny Ones)
You had a veggie wrap instead of your usual sandwich? Win.
Your kid didn’t notice the mushrooms in the spaghetti sauce? Double win.
You made a dinner that was meat-free and didn’t end in tears? Honestly, gold medal.
Every single shift is worth acknowledging. Most of us are so focused on what we’re not doing “well enough” that we miss all the small stuff that’s actually working. Don’t fall into that trap.
And if you want more easy wins, my Meat-Free Made Easy guide is your shortcut. It’s filled with practical, tasty, no-BS tips that help you build momentum without burning out.
Hide the Veggies (Yes, It’s Allowed)
This is not about lying to yourself—it’s about making life easier. Sneaking plants into meals you already love is a valid strategy, especially if you have picky eaters (or are one yourself).
Try these:
- Add puréed cauliflower to mac and cheese or mashed potatoes.
- Stir grated carrots or zucchini into pasta sauces and casseroles.
- Throw a handful of greens into soups, stews, or smoothies.
- Use mushrooms as a partial meat swap in tacos or burgers.
You don’t have to announce every vegetable. Just make the food, enjoy it, and carry on.
Love Plant-Based for What It Is, Not What It’s Replacing
Let’s talk about fake meats for a second. Are they helpful sometimes? Sure. But if you’re constantly comparing lentil stew to steak, you’re setting yourself up to be disappointed.
Here’s the better approach: let plants be plants.
Instead of asking, “Does this taste like the real thing?” ask, “Is this delicious on its own?”
Plant-based meals don’t need to be a stand-in. They can shine all on their own—no comparisons needed. A big bowl of roasted veggies with creamy hummus and warm pita is not “missing” anything. It’s just good.
Make It About More Than Food
One of the sneaky benefits of eating more plants? It helps you live more intentionally without going full minimalist-mountain-retreat mode.
When you start to choose meals that are better for you and the planet, you naturally begin to think differently about how you shop, how you cook, and how you care for yourself.
It’s empowering.
Eating this way reminds you that you do have control. You’re not just reacting to the chaos of life—you’re making conscious choices that feel aligned with your values. That’s powerful stuff.
It’s also the whole point of The Balanced Living Guide—my signature framework for living healthier and more sustainably without making yourself crazy. But if you want a baby step before diving into that, Meat-Free Made Easy is the perfect starting point.
Try the “Add, Don’t Subtract” Method
Here’s a mindset shift that changes everything: focus on what you’re adding to your meals, not what you’re taking away.
Instead of thinking: “Ugh, I can’t have bacon.”
Try: “I’m adding fiber, protein, and flavor with this spicy bean dip and avocado.”
Your brain likes more. It hates feeling deprived. So the more you frame your changes as additions—not restrictions—the less likely you are to bounce back into old habits out of frustration.
This also makes plant-based eating feel abundant and satisfying… which it should be.
Build Your Go-To Meals (So You’re Not Starting From Scratch Every Time)
Decision fatigue is real. You know what helps? Having 3–5 go-to meals that are easy, filling, and plant-forward.
This isn’t about being Pinterest-perfect. It’s about knowing you can always throw together a decent meal without overthinking it.
Your list might look like:
- Veggie tacos with black beans, avocado, and salsa
- Stir-fry with tofu, frozen veg, and rice
- Chickpea pasta with a quick marinara and greens
- Lentil soup and sourdough toast
- Smoothie + peanut butter toast for a lazy dinner (no shame)
The point is: have a handful of meals you actually like and keep the ingredients on hand. That alone makes eating more plants feel 10x easier.
Need help building that list? My Meat-Free Made Easy guide has a full section on this—with ideas, mix-and-match formulas, and shortcuts that’ll save your sanity.
Eating More Plants = Living in Alignment (Without Going Full Crunchy)
This isn’t just about what you eat—it’s about how you live.
When you eat more plants, you’re saying yes to a lifestyle that’s better for your body, better for the planet, and better for your mental load. You’re choosing progress over perfection. Ease over extremes. Enoughness over all-or-nothing.
And that’s kind of what The Balanced Living Guide is all about: making sustainable living feel doable, joyful, and like something you can stick with even on your messiest day.
TL;DR? Here’s the Recap:
- Eating more plants helps your health, the planet, and your peace of mind.
- You don’t need a full overhaul—just start small and stack your wins.
- Hide the veggies if it helps. We’re not above a little kitchen trickery.
- Appreciate plant-based foods for what they are—not what they replace.
- This is about alignment, not restriction. More energy, less stress.
- Add, don’t subtract—and have a few go-to meals ready to roll.
And if you’re ready to make plant-based eating simpler, saner, and a lot more doable, download the Meat-Free Made Easy guide today. Your future self (and your future dinner plans) will thank you.
XO – Bailee
If you want to save this post for later, pin it with one of the images below! 🙂
