Truthfully, becoming a vegetarian is one of the best decisions I have ever made for myself. It has completely altered the way that my body looks and feels on a daily basis, and at this point, I don’t think that I’ll ever go back to eating meat.
My body feels so much lighter and I’ve visibly lost a little extra “fluff”, which is definitely a plus in my eyes!
Six years ago on Thanksgiving day, I didn’t think that the cheesy, stuffed chicken that my mom cooked for us would be the last time that I’d be eating meat FOR GOOD. What started out as a 1 week trial run at cutting out meat, turned into a complete lifestyle change.
Becoming a vegan, vegetarian, or plant-based foodie can sound extremely appealing at first considering the amazing benefits that they offer. But carrying out the mission and completely cutting out a food group that you’ve been consuming for years is not always easy. Especially in the beginning. It takes a lot of intentionality and willpower.
Vegetarian vs Vegan Diet
A traditional vegetarian diet mainly consists of plant-based foods and excludes meat, poultry, seafood, or by-products of animal slaughter. But, there is SOME flexibility in vegetarianism. Veganism is by comparison, more strict. Some vegetarians have a plant-based diet but still choose to consume animal products such as eggs, milk, and honey while others completely exclude all animal products.
A vegetarian diet also allows for processed, refined, and fast foods. Which comes in handy when it’s 11pm and you’re craving potato tacos from Taco Bell.
Unlike vegetarians, vegans do not eat seafood, or dairy products of any kind. It is a lifestyle that excludes all forms of animal exploitation and cruelty. According to Healthline, veganism is centered around animal rights, so many vegans avoid animal products ENTIRELY for that reason; from their food, to their clothing and personal products.
What is a Plant-Based Diet?
A plant-based diet consists mostly of whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, legumes (beans, peas, and lentils), unsalted nuts, and oils. Unlike vegans, some plant-based eaters still choose to consume animal-derived products. They don’t completely subscribe to the vegan lifestyle.
Your diet is truly what you make it. Some people combine a plant-based diet with vegetarianism, and others choose to be more strict when it comes to what they will or will not consume; sometimes, this is due to health or religious reasons.
It can be really fun to experiment with different eating habits to find out what works best for you; as long as you aren’t putting yourself in danger.
*I would like to mention that lifestyle changes such as these require planning. You want to make sure that you’re always getting the nutrients that you need!
Since becoming a vegetarian, cookbooks have become my saving grace! When asked for tips on making a lifestyle change like becoming a vegetarian, I always suggest getting a few cookbooks. Cookbooks do a lot of the thinking for you, which I love. Cooking shouldn’t be stressful or scary! They typically guide you through the entire process of making meals from start to finish.
It was vegan cookbook recipes that introduced me to a variety of meat substitutes, making my transition to vegetarianism so much easier.
Whether you want to include more plant-based meals into your diet, or desire a lifestyle change like going vegan, I created a list of “must-have” cookbooks that I feel would be a great place for you to start! They are all plant-based or vegan cookbooks, so no matter which eating habits you choose to adopt, you’ll have plenty of recipes to choose from that will keep you excited about your new lifestyle change.
Cookbooks You Must-Have in Your Collection
The beautiful photos in “PlantYou: 140+ Ridiculously Easy, Amazingly Delicious Plant-Based Oil-Free Recipes”, make every single dish exciting to try. Whether you are craving a delicious bowl for lunch or interested in adding a new sauce to your favorite dish, there’s a recipe for that! From the cooking equipment you’ll need handy, to the much-appreciated list of ingredients to include in each dish, “PlantYou” is the perfect cookbook for newbies, AND for those looking to switch things up.
2. Vegan Soul Food Cookbook: Plant-Based, No-Fuss Southern Favorites
You shouldn’t have to miss out on soul food because you don’t eat meat or dairy! With “Vegan Soul Food Cookbook: Plant-Based, No-Fuss Southern Favorites” by Nadira Jenkins-El, you won’t have to. This is the perfect cookbook to pull out around the holidays if soul food is the holiday season go-to for you and your family. Nadira’s recipes include soulful dishes like creole fried rice, peach cobbler, and gumbo. The recipes she includes are both healthy, and delicious!
3. Be A Plant-Based Woman Warrior: Live Fierce, Stay Bold, Eat Delicious
There are beautiful photos throughout “Be A Plant-Based Woman Warrior: Live Fierce, Stay Bold, Eat Delicious” that instantly bring all of the good vibes. I really appreciate the small notes about how the recipes contribute to health, such as “heart disease friendly”. And it is so nice to have recipes on-hand for the popular meat substitutes, tempeh and tofu.
4. Eat Plants, B*tch: 91 Vegan Recipes That Will Blow Your Meat-Loving Mind
If you’ve never heard of Slutty Vegan, where have you been! Slutty Vegan Founder Pinky Cole is back with 90+ vegan recipes that are accessible to everyone, and satisfy our comfort food cravings. I was super excited to find out that she included a vegan recipe for mac and cheese! I’ve been on the hunt for one since starting my vegetarian journey. This might be it!
My eyes are easily drawn to books with the word “budget” on the front, let’s be honest. “Plant-Based on a Budget Quick & Easy: 100 Fast, Healthy, Meal-Prep, Freezer-Friendly, and One-Pot Vegan Recipes” by Toni Okamoto has plenty of “budget-friendly” plant based recipes to choose from. If you love an air fryer dinner situation like me, or find yourself with little time to prepare delicious and healthy meals, you should give this cookbook a try. She’s created shopping lists for you, and takes your wallet into account on every page.
Tabitha Brown’s creativity and joyful spirit jumps off of the pages of her new plant-based cookbook, “Cooking from the Spirit: Easy, Delicious, and Joyful Plant-Based Inspirations (A Feeding the Soul Book)”. Tab teaches and entertains simultaneously, keeping the reader’s experience fun and engaging. The Yam Halves recipe was the first one that caught my eye! It’s such a unique alternative to the traditional yam recipes that we’re all used to.
7. The Plant-Based Cookbook: Vegan, Gluten-Free, Oil-Free Recipes for Lifelong Health
Plant-based, gluten-free, and oil-free? Count me in! “The Plant-Based Cookbook: Vegan, Gluten-Free, Oil-Free Recipes for Lifelong Health” is essential for anyone managing dietary restrictions or food allergies. You won’t miss out on a thing! Ashley Madden’s recipes encourage creativity with ingredients, ensuring that you never have to sacrifice flavor again!
8. Vegetable Kingdom: The Abundant World of Vegan Recipes
Bryant Terry’s “Vegetable Kingdom: The Abundant World of Vegan Recipes” is one of a kind. He starts off with explaining how he’d like for you to utilize this cookbook, and acts as a guide from beginning to end, making the experience so much more interactive and educational. Bryant includes a soundtrack with all his recipes, and these recipes are no different. The music he suggests will enhance your experience with these Afro-Asian vegan creations.
Let me know which cookbook you’re most excited to try!
