A Delicious Shift Toward More Plant-Based Eating

We chatted with Portland chef Rajiv Harry of Plant Bomb about how adding more plant-based ingredients can support healthier meal planning this year.

January is here, and those New Year's resolutions are in full effect. If you've resolved to eat a healthier, more balanced diet this year, adding more plant-based (aka vegan) foods is a great place to start.
 
Plant-based meals are not only nutritious, but they’re also considered to be a more environmentally friendly way to eat.

So how do you start adding more plant-based meals without overhauling your whole routine? To answer that, we enlisted the help of chef and health and wellness coach Rajiv Harry, owner of Plant Bomb plant-based sauces in Portland, OR.  

NSM: At New Seasons, we like to focus on striking a balance when it comes to eating healthy without cutting out all the indulgences. How do you find balance with your diet and lifestyle? 
RH: My mantra when it comes to food is to eat foods that love you back. Developing a different relationship with food where you value and prioritize how it makes you feel internally will help you not feel like you’re missing out when you refrain from indulging. And if you want to indulge, make it from scratch and as natural as possible.  

NSM: Is it important to you that the foods you make are good for people and the planet? If yes, how so?
RH: Yes. As a health and wellness coach and plant-based advocate, my mission for the people I serve, and the planet, is longevity. Often short-term health goals only focus on the present, but what we choose to put on our plate each day is preventative for our health in the future. It's my goal to educate, create awareness, and invite people into plant-based living. I find the more conscious you are about what you put into your body and where it comes from, the more aware you become of its impact on the planet. It’s a beautiful phenomenon once it clicks.  

NSM: What’s the best part about eating a plant-based diet? 
RH: Exploring and creating with the vast varieties of plant foods and mixing and matching flavors, textures, and nutrients to make delicious, nutritious meals.  

NSM: Embarking on a plant-based diet is intimidating for some. Do you have any advice on how to ease into it?
RH: Develop your WHY. Define the reason why you're making the switch or incorporating more plant foods. Your WHY will be your North Star when you feel overwhelmed or like giving up. Start with an add-and-subtract model instead of going cold turkey (no pun intended!). Add in more whole-plant foods and subtract some animal foods.  

NSM: What would you tell someone trying plant-based for the first time?
RH: EXPLORE! There are so many great recipes out there to support your journey. A simple online search can broaden your horizons and your palate. Plan and prepare. Plant-based cooking will be new to you, so create a game plan and schedule for weekly meals to fit your needs and taste buds. Lastly, invite friends to do it with you. More support = more fun = enhanced experience! 
 
Here’s to healthier eating this year!