Simple & Delicious Ways to Add More Plants to Your Diet
- Nichole Dandrea-Russert
- Sep 25, 2019
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 18, 2025
You don’t have to go fully vegan overnight to enjoy the incredible benefits of a plant-based lifestyle. In fact, research shows that if you just add more plants to your diet—whether it’s a daily handful of berries, swapping chicken for chickpeas, or adding an extra veggie to your plate—can support better health.
Plant-based eating is flexible, inclusive, and completely customizable. Whether you're already plant-forward or simply curious, a few simple changes can make your meals more colorful, nutritious, and satisfying.
Below are easy, realistic tips to help you add more plants to your routine—one delicious bite at a time.
Simple Ways to Add More Plants to Your Diet
Plant-based eating is an umbrella term that welcomes everyone—from fully vegan eaters to those who simply want to include more whole, plant-powered foods in their meals.
At its core, a plant-based or plant-forward diet focuses on whole grains, legumes, fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and minimally processed plant foods.
And the best part? You don’t have to overhaul your entire life to start reaping the benefits. Small, consistent steps can have a big impact.
Here are some simple ways to begin:
1. Start With What You Already Love
If you enjoy fruits, veggies, nuts, seeds, or whole grains, you're already on the right path.
Choose 3–5 plant foods you already enjoy—like oatmeal, bananas, berries, broccoli, cauliflower, quinoa, almonds, or chickpeas—and intentionally weave them into your meals throughout the week. Building from familiar favorites makes the shift easier and delicious.
2. Make Small, Sustainable Swaps
If you currently eat meat at every meal, try removing meat from just one meal each day.
Swap:
• tofu or tempeh for chicken
• lentils for taco meat
• chickpeas for eggs in a grain bowl
• plant-based sausage (like Field Roast or homemade) for traditional sausage
These small swaps can dramatically increase your fiber intake, improve digestion, and support better energy.
3. Stock Your Kitchen With Fruits & Veggies
Out of sight often means out of mind—so keep fruits and vegetables front and center.
Fill your fridge with pre-washed greens, ready-to-eat veggies, and grab-and-go fruits. When you're surrounded by nourishing options, it's easier to crowd out animal-based foods and unnecessary snacking.
4. Keep Your Meals Exciting With Flavor & Color
Plants shine when you get creative with shapes, textures, and colors.
Build meals like:
• salads with mixed greens, roasted veggies, grains, and crunchy seeds
• grain bowls with farro, quinoa, sweet potatoes, beans, and tahini
• rainbow plates filled with different hues (color variety boosts nutrient variety!)
Adding nuts, seeds, herbs, and spices makes plant-based meals deeply satisfying—and far from boring.
5. Try Easy Everyday Swaps
Simple swaps help build habits that stick.
Try replacing:
• cream cheese → almond or cashew butter
• chicken → tofu, tempeh, lentils, or beans
• dairy milk → oat, soy, or almond milk
• mayo → hummus or smashed avocado
Just one swap a day adds up fast.
6. Read Nutrition Labels (When Needed)
If your goal is to eat mostly or fully plant-based, check ingredient lists for hidden animal products like milk powder, whey, casein, or eggs.
But overall: prioritize whole, minimally processed foods. They’re naturally free from animal ingredients and packed with nutrients that support long-term health.
Progress Over Perfection
Shifting toward a more plant-based diet doesn’t require perfection, pressure, or overnight changes. It’s a journey—one made of small, meaningful steps that grow into long-term habits.
Celebrate progress, stay patient, keep experimenting, and most importantly… have fun with it. The more joy you bring to this journey, the easier and more sustainable it becomes.
If you're adding more plant-based foods to your meals, I’d love to hear what’s working for you—share your favorites below!
Hello! My name is Caroline Williams and I am a dietetic intern in Georgia State's coordinated program. I am studying to become a registered dietitian with hopes to one day work in pediatric weight management. Weight management and choosing more plant based foods go hand in hand, so I have become increasingly interested in a plant-based lifestyle!
