Staying Motivated: Plant-Based Diet Edition

Staying motivated on a plant-based diet can be challenging, especially when eating with friends and family who may not be following the same diet. It's important to remember why you started this diet in the first place, whether it was for ethical reasons, health reasons, or both. It's also helpful to watch documentaries and read books on the benefits of a plant-based diet to remind yourself of the impact your diet has on the environment and your health.

- Connect with a community of people who are also eating plant-based.

- Plan your meals in advance to make sure you always have plant-based options available.

- Find plant-based alternatives for your favourite meals.

- Set realistic goals and celebrate your successes.

- Remember that it's okay to make mistakes and that you don't have to be perfect.

Remember your reason for going plant-based

It's important to remember why you decided to go plant-based in the first place. Draw on that initial spark of motivation and remember how strong it was at the beginning. If you chose a plant-based diet for ethical reasons, remind yourself of the impact of animal agriculture on the planet and animal welfare. If you chose it for health reasons, remind yourself of the health benefits you'll be reaping.

If you're ever tempted by animal-based foods, remind yourself of the reasons you chose a plant-based diet. Think back to the emotional state you were in when you made the decision and remember those feelings.

It can be helpful to record a video or write a letter to yourself, especially if you're speaking from a point of sickness. Explain how you feel, what you struggle with, and why you want to get better. If there's something driving you towards change, include it. For example, perhaps you want to be alive to see your grandchildren graduate, or maybe you want to walk your dog without running out of breath. When you're feeling uninspired, watch your video or read your letter to remind yourself of your reasons for choosing a plant-based diet.

It's also a good idea to find a community of people who eat plant-based diets and spend more time with them. This could be in person or even just virtually. Seeing how well plant-based diets have worked for others can be motivating and help remind you of your reasons for choosing this diet.

Get inspired by others

Staying motivated on a plant-based diet can be challenging, especially when your dietary choices differ from those around you. However, there are many ways to stay inspired and motivated. Here are some tips to get inspired by others:

• Watch transformation stories on YouTube: Hearing stories of others who have successfully adopted a plant-based diet can be inspiring and remind you of your reasons for choosing this lifestyle. Whether they have overcome health issues or achieved weight loss, their stories can provide valuable motivation and encouragement.
• Record a video or write a letter to yourself: This may seem unusual, but it can be a powerful way to reconnect with your reasons for choosing a plant-based diet. Record a video or write a letter from the perspective of your past self, expressing your struggles and your desire for change. When you're feeling uninspired, revisit this video or letter to remind yourself of why you started.
• Host a movie night: Invite your friends over for a movie night featuring films that highlight the benefits of a plant-based diet. Movies like "What the Health," "Forks Over Knives," and "Cowspiracy" are not only informative but also entertaining. They can spark meaningful conversations and reinforce your commitment to this lifestyle.
• Read books and blogs: Dive into books and blogs written by authors who share your interest in plant-based diets. Their stories, insights, and recipes can provide a wealth of inspiration and help you stay motivated. Some recommended reads include "How to Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease," "The China Study," and "How Not To Die."
• Follow social media accounts: Curate your social media feed to include accounts that align with your plant-based journey. Follow influencers and communities that share delicious recipes, offer support, and provide educational content. This can help you stay inspired and connected to a like-minded community.
• Join online support groups: Remember, you're not alone in this journey. Joining online support groups specifically for those on plant-based diets can provide a sense of community and encouragement. You can connect with others who share your interests, exchange recipes, and find support to stay motivated.

Involve a community

Involving a community is a great way to stay motivated on a plant-based diet. Here are some tips to help you do that:

• Spend time with like-minded people: Surround yourself with people who share your dietary choices and beliefs. If you don't know anyone personally, join online communities, forums or support groups specifically for those on plant-based diets. That way, you can connect and interact with people who understand your choices and can offer support and encouragement.
• Use social media as a source of inspiration: Follow social media accounts or YouTube channels that promote plant-based lifestyles and recipes. Accounts like Pick Up Limes and Avant Garde Vegan are great for finding delicious and achievable plant-based recipes. However, be mindful of the accounts you follow—use social media as a source of inspiration, not demotivation. If certain accounts make you feel bad about your choices or tempt you to fall off the wagon, unfollow them.
• Share your food with non-vegans: Every meal you share with non-vegan friends and family is an opportunity to show them how delicious plant-based food can be. You don't have to be preachy or pushy about it—simply let the food speak for itself. Some easy wins with non-vegans include desserts, sweet treats, and hearty side dishes. Impress them with cashew cream and charred corn cobs, or decadent salads with dry-fried stone fruit and crispy chickpeas.
• Set a positive tone: If your loved ones are accepting and appreciative of your dietary choices, it will be much easier for everyone. Try to be chill and non-judgmental about your own food choices, and others are more likely to follow suit. Remember, you can set the tone and lead by example.
• Find a way to enjoy your food: The way you talk to yourself about your food has a huge impact on your motivation. Focus on the language of possibility and embrace the things you 'get to eat' rather than what you 'have to eat'. Acknowledge and celebrate your progress, no matter how small.

Watch documentaries

Watching documentaries is a great way to stay motivated on a plant-based diet. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of this strategy:

• Choose documentaries that align with your values: Opt for documentaries that resonate with your reasons for adopting a plant-based diet. For example, if you're motivated by ethics and animal welfare, documentaries exposing the treatment of animals in the food industry may be particularly impactful for you. On the other hand, if health is your primary concern, documentaries highlighting the health benefits of plant-based diets or the dangers of animal-based foods may be more effective.
• Select documentaries with compelling narratives: Look for documentaries that feature personal stories, transformations, or scientific research presented in a compelling and engaging way. These narratives can make the information more relatable and memorable, increasing their impact on your motivation.
• Vary your sources: Don't limit yourself to one streaming platform or channel. Explore documentaries available on YouTube, Netflix, Amazon Video, or other streaming services. By diversifying your sources, you'll be exposed to a wider range of perspectives and information.
• Take notes and reflect: As you watch the documentaries, take notes on key points that resonate with you. After watching, reflect on these notes and consider how they reinforce your decision to follow a plant-based diet. This reflection will help solidify your motivation and commitment.
• Re-watch documentaries periodically: Motivation can wane over time, so it's important to revisit these documentaries periodically to refresh your memory and reignite your passion. Spacing out your viewings can also help you absorb new information or nuances that you may have missed previously.
• Discuss documentaries with others: Engage in conversations about the documentaries you watch. Join online forums, support groups, or communities where you can share your thoughts and experiences related to the documentaries. This social aspect can enhance your motivation and provide additional perspectives.

Read books

Reading books is a great way to stay motivated on a plant-based diet. Here are some tips on how to do this effectively:

• Read a variety of books: There are many books available that can provide insight and inspiration for staying motivated on a plant-based diet. These include cookbooks, memoirs, scientific studies, and books on ethics. Diversifying your reading material can help keep you engaged and motivated.
• Find books that resonate with you: Look for books that align with your interests and values. For example, if you are passionate about

Frequently asked questions