When you hear the words “plant-based diet,” what are your initial thoughts?
I asked my personal training clients this very question. In no particular order, here’s what they said:

• Rabbit food
• No protein
• Expensive food
• Food with no flavor

But all of these assumptions couldn’t be further from the truth! Here are 4 plant-based diet myths – crushed!

1. All You Eat Is Rabbit Food

While you can gorge on just about as many fruits and vegetables as you want, eating plant-based does not mean these are the only foods you eat.

Plant-based diets incorporate whole grains, healthy fats, tofu, beans, legumes, nuts and seeds in addition to fruits and veggies.

I wrote the SBH Plant-Based 21-Day Meal Plan & Nutrition Guide to help my clients understand that you can still enjoy your favorite foods – just in a healthier way!

Some of the recipes in the meal plan include burrito bowls, pancakes, pasta, pesto noodles, Thai noodle bowls, mashed potatoes, casseroles and so much more!

2. Plant-Based Diets Lack Protein

A majority of people fail to understand that protein is found in more than just animals.

While animals are an easy go-to protein source and offer all essential amino acids, it doesn’t mean they are the healthiest. Diets high in animal consumption can result in high blood pressure and cholesterol, and therefore lead to heart disease, stroke, diabetes, etc.

Healthier alternatives to meat are foods like quinoa, oatmeal, lentils, tofu, beans, seeds, nuts, spinach, and broccoli. All of these foods are high in protein and some even include all amino acids!

3. Plant-Based Food is Expensive

If you stock up on staple items (especially when they’re on sale!), they will last for a very long time. Staple items include whole grains, beans and legumes, nuts and seeds, etc.

For example, a 20-pound bag of rice costs anywhere from $15-$20 depending on the brand and type of rice you buy. This bag of rice can yield 220 cups of cooked rice!

If you had 2 cups of cooked rice per day, the bag of rice would last nearly 4 months. And if you bought the $20 bag of rice, then you would roughly spend 16 cents on rice per day.

To help reduce the cost of fresh fruits and vegetables, you always want to buy what’s in season as it’s typically cheaper. To find what produce is in season, check out this seasonal produce guide.

Keep in mind that by eating plant-based, you are also investing in your long-term health. As Hippocrates said, “Let food be thy medicine.” By taking action today, you can save on health costs later.

4. Plant-Based Food Has No Flavor

The beauty of a plant-based diet is that it’s full of flavor! By learning different methods of cooking and experimenting with new herbs, spices and seasonings, your meals can be absolutely delicious.

The first week or so of eating plant-based may be frustrating as you learn to cook with new foods. But once you get the hang of it, there’s no turning back!

Also, your taste buds will change about a month into eating plant-based. You will find that “heavy” foods – those high in fat and sugar – really don’t appeal to you or your taste buds anymore. If you start eating them again, then you may feel lethargic.

If you’re ready to give plant-based eating a try, I highly recommend starting with these Strong.Bold.Healthy recipes!

If you’re already eating a plant-based diet, what assumptions or comments about this eating style have you received from friends or family? Let me know in the comments!