Eating healthy consists of changing your eating habits, which is easier said than done. You have to evaluate the food that is coming into your kitchen and being used in your dishes to determine if you’re really eating as healthy as you could be. To make this plant-based food journey easier for you, I have compiled a list of 11 foods you can add to your shopping cart.
Starting with these plant-based essentials will help create a foundation for your future grocery shopping.
These healthy foods are inexpensive, versatile, and nutrient-rich, making it much easier to pursue a healthy and balanced plant-based diet.
Avocados
First and foremost, we have the amazing fruit, the avocado. Avocados are a source of healthy fats and vitamins C, E, and K. They can help lower your overall cholesterol levels thanks to their monounsaturated fat content.
You can make many dishes from avocados, such as salads and the famous guacamole. You can also use it to replace butter or mayonnaise in your sandwiches by mashing it and spreading it over bread.
Collard Greens
Collard greens are a good source of vitamins A, C, and K. They also contain calcium, iron, and magnesium too. This leafy green is the perfect recipe for healthier, stronger bones.
You can have them on their own or in a salad to enjoy them best. Thanks to their larger surface area, you can even replace bread with collard greens when making healthy wraps. Stuff them with fruits and veggies you like, coat them with mashed avocado, and enjoy!
Lettuce
Lettuce contains both vitamin K and A and is also quite hydrating! It’s very easy to use in recipes and has a standard taste that allows it to be partnered with various types of foods.
Spinach
Spinach contains vitamins C and E, magnesium, and iron. It’s great for you and quite well known as one of the more popular leafy greens. You can add it to your smoothies, steam it, stew it, make salads with it, or even top your pizza with spinach!
Kale
The king of leafy greens, kale is a robust and chewy leaf that contains vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin K. It also contains folate and alpha-linolenic acid, which is a type of omega-3 fatty acid.
Kale is great in soups and salads and can easily be enjoyed on its own. Simply add a dressing of your liking and you have a hearty dish with the king of leaves.
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are an excellent replacement for white potatoes. They have fiber, protein, iron, calcium, vitamins, and minerals! There is no stopping sweet potatoes!
No matter the recipe, if it involves potatoes, then these veggies are the way to go for a healthier meal.
Cruciferous Veggies
When I say cruciferous veggies, I am referring to broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and even brussels sprouts! They are a rich source of antioxidants to help keep you youthful and energized!
All of these veggies can be enjoyed raw or steamed, depending on your preference.
Olive Oil
Extra virgin olive oil is a healthy oil for dressings and flavoring. You can sauté and cook with it but do try not to overdo it when you use olive oil. My preference is extra virgin olive oil which is non-GMO.
Curry Powder
Finally, we have curry powder. This is a blend of different spices that contribute to a healthy diet. The key component you’re looking for is turmeric powder. This powder can be used in salads, dressings, and stir fry that you make throughout the week. It has a versatile flavor that will find companionship with other ingredients easily.
And there you have it! 11 healthy plant-based foods you can add to your diet!
If you want more quick reads such as this, then check out my website plantbasedeva.com or look at cooking videos for easy, plant-based, gluten-free recipes and tips!
Stay healthy,
Eva