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Plant Based Diet – First Steps

March 31, 2015

5601112761_11fd629383_zImage Source

Today I am going to share some of the changes I have made to transition to a plant based diet, along with a smoothie recipe. Since I am lactose intolerant, eliminating dairy seemed like the easiest thing to start with.

  • Dairy is Not Your Friend – In the past, I would occasionally eat cheese or have cream in my coffee. I’ve subbed the cream for almond milk.
  • Say No to Eggs – I used to eat eggs every day for breakfast. This change wasn’t half bad since I now get my protein fix from plant based smoothies (see recipe below).
  • Goodbye Red Meat – I enjoy eating meat, but it’s not a must-have. I have eliminated red meat from my diet but still continue to eat chicken.
  • Sweet Treats – instead of doing store-bought treats, I opted to make my own. Making desserts at home is easy and delicious. I have made these No Bake Flax Energy Bites and the No Bake Muesli Nut Bars. Both recipes take very little time to prepare.

Since I’m no longer eating eggs, I needed a solid breakfast option. Everything I read suggested a smoothie. I did a search to find the perfect smoothie and found this article.

Breakfast Smoothie

  • 1 banana
  • 2 small handfuls of frozen fruits (e.g., strawberry, pineapple, raspberries, blueberries)
  • 1 scoop of plant protein powder (I use PlantFusion in Vanilla Bean)
  • 2 tablespoons of flax meal
  • 1 tablespoon of chia seed
  • 1 tablespoon of almond butter
  • 1 tablespoon of flaxseed oil
  • 10 oz of almond milk
  • 2 large handful of greens (e.g., spinach, kale, or both)

If I want to change things up, I swap it out for a piece of Ezekiel bread with almond butter and Chia Strawberry Fruit Spread.

If you missed the first plant based post be sure to check out Starting a Plant Based Diet.

23 Comments · Labels: Health & Fitness Tagged: Eat Clean, Healthy Eating, Lifestyle, Plant Based Diet, Plant Based Smoothie, Whole Foods

Comments

  1. dannie54 says

    March 31, 2015 at 6:52 am

    Loving this post!
    Dairy is certainly not my friend. It is not welcome in our apartment (though this is because, first, of allergies, as I mentioned before). I haven’t eaten it in so long that now if I do when out due to literally no other option, I find I end up with minor stomach aches. Almond milk is the best.
    Regarding eggs, have you ever tried making scrambled tofu? That’s my go-to and it takes about the same amount of time to prep as scrambled eggs with the right amount of knowledge and pre-planning. I’ve been meaning to do a post about that. Maybe I’ll do that sooner than later.
    Those no-bake sweets sound amazing. I’m definitely NOT the baker in the relationship so I am all about easy no-bake things. Definitely going to be looking into those.
    That smoothie sounds amazing. That’s approximately what I do in mine save for the protein powder. Still looking for one that isn’t manufactured in the same facility as whey as even dairy-free powders made in the same facility set off my fiancee’s allergy. One day we will have protein powder. Just not yet.
    I love hearing about your progress!

    Reply
    • Asa says

      April 7, 2015 at 8:57 pm

      Hi Dannie. Sorry for the delayed response. You’re so personable and sweet, I feel like I know you. Thanks for taking the time to comment. I appreciate your constant encouragement.

      I haven’t tried scrambled tofu before. It sounds like it would be a good alternative.

      I am so not a baker, so I feel the same way you do. Let me know if you make any of these recipes.

      That’s a bummer about the protein powder. Your poor fiancee, it would be scary to be that sensitive to dairy.

      Have a good rest of the week.

      Reply
  2. Tania says

    March 31, 2015 at 9:47 am

    I love starting my day with a smoothie. I usually sprinkle cacao nibs or coconut flakes on top for some crunch. Also helps to get the digestive juices flowing. Thank you for the awesome recipe!

    Reply
  3. Jessica Murnane says

    March 31, 2015 at 6:53 pm

    Thanks so much for including my recipes!!

    Reply
    • Asa says

      April 6, 2015 at 6:55 pm

      Thank you! You are the one who inspired me to go plant based. So far so good. 🙂

      Reply
  4. vivian | t w o w a r d says

    April 1, 2015 at 1:44 am

    Hi Asa! Ohh this breakfast smoothie looks so good and healthy too! Thanks for sharing the tips 😉 I also started my diet a few days ago and I have to say it’s quite difficult sometimes..but I’m sure we can eat clean! 😉 Let’s do this together! 😉 Happy Wednesday! xo Vivian

    http://twoward.com

    Reply
    • Asa says

      April 6, 2015 at 6:59 pm

      Thanks Vivian. I’m glad you enjoyed the post.
      That’s awesome that you’re trying to eat clean. I’m impressed, strength in numbers. 🙂

      Reply
  5. Tailored and true says

    April 1, 2015 at 11:39 am

    I am so impressed by all of these changes! Amazing! The smoothie sounds surprisingly great!

    http://www.tailoredandtrue.wordpress.com

    Reply
    • Asa says

      April 6, 2015 at 7:02 pm

      Thanks Caitlin. 🙂

      Reply
  6. Dana says

    April 1, 2015 at 1:00 pm

    Look like a bunch of health. My kind of smoothie, I will be watching this and trying it and coming back for more!!!
    love it and thanks for sharing
    Have an awesome week
    Dana was here
    http://booquepress.com/

    Reply
    • Asa says

      April 6, 2015 at 7:04 pm

      Thanks Dana. I’m glad you enjoyed it and found it helpful.

      Reply
  7. Margaret says

    April 1, 2015 at 5:27 pm

    I am so proud of for the progress and changes you have made. thank you for the smoothie recipe,can’t wait to try it for a different breakfast. One day I plan to make the no bake treats,will let you know how I like them.

    Reply
    • Asa says

      April 6, 2015 at 7:12 pm

      Thanks so much. I appreciate the support.
      Definitely let me know if you try the recipes.

      Reply
  8. Feline Creatures says

    April 1, 2015 at 5:45 pm

    What a great breakfast smoothie! I’ve recently purchased a blender and can’t wait to use it! Thanks for the suggestion Asa 🙂 Enjoy the rest of your week! xo~ Lena
    http://www.felinecreatures.com

    Reply
    • Asa says

      April 6, 2015 at 7:14 pm

      Oh that’s exciting. Do you have any favorite smoothie combinations? I’d love to hear.

      Reply
  9. carrieslifestyle says

    April 1, 2015 at 8:58 pm

    Thanx for sharing!

    Check out my new post on my blog about Waikiki / Hawaii

    http://carrieslifestyle.wordpress.com

    Posts online about Hollywood, Military Style, Pastel Looks, South Africa, Beijing….

    Reply
    • Asa says

      April 6, 2015 at 7:14 pm

      Glad you enjoyed. Thanks for stopping by.

      Reply
  10. Julia @ South by Northwest says

    April 6, 2015 at 6:44 pm

    Welcome to the nondairy club!

    Reply
  11. Asa says

    April 6, 2015 at 6:50 pm

    The cacao nib or coconut flakes sounds delish! I will have to try that. Thanks for the tip.

    Reply
  12. Style Domination says

    April 8, 2015 at 4:53 pm

    Hi Asa! Can I ask, why did you cut out eggs? I have a ton of allergies…are you egg allergic? I eat eggs all of the time, but I wonder if they are making my allergies worse…

    Reply
    • Asa says

      April 8, 2015 at 6:32 pm

      Cutting out eggs is part of the plant based diet. I haven’t read much about why eggs are excluded, but my mom has sensitivities to eggs so I figured it couldn’t hurt. I plan to still eat them occasionally as I don’t find them to be problematic. Hope that helps.

      Reply
  13. Style Domination says

    April 8, 2015 at 6:41 pm

    Ahhhh ok! Thanks!

    Reply
    • Asa says

      April 8, 2015 at 6:54 pm

      Welcome

      Reply

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Lace & Pearls is a style diary where you can find weekly outfit, beauty, and lifestyle post.

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