Making a change to your diet can feel like turning your whole world upside down. For so long, you’ve been eating the same sorts of meals. Maybe the thought of switching it up sounds unsettling? As we grow older, our bodies no longer accept certain foods like they use to; red meats, dairy, egg products etc. We’re fortunate enough to now have plant-based/vegan lifestyles accessible to us and with this, we can adapt to what our body needs!
Switching to a new style of eating can be hard, but when you’re prepared and have everything you need, it’ll soon feel like a piece of cake! If you’re thinking about switching to an all-vegan lifestyle, here’s everything you’ll need in your knew vegan pantry.
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Legumes
Legumes will soon become your best friend in the plant-based world. They’re the main protein in a vegan diet and are so versatile to work with. Not to mention they’re low in fat, high in protein and fibre, and carry essential micronutrients and phytochemicals. There are so many recipes you can make with these ingredients, not to mention the amount of protein you’ll get in each meal. A staple for your vegan pantry. These legumes include:
- Kidney Beans
- Pinto Beans
- White Beans
- Refried Black/Pinto Beans
- Chickpeas
- Black Eyed Peas
- Peas
- Edamame
- Lentils – green, red, black
- Tempeh
- Tofu
Try Making…
French Lentil Soup With Fire-Roasted Tomatoes
Get the full recipe here!
Nuts & Seeds
These are so important in a vegan diet! Nuts and seeds are excellent sources of nutrients that vegans can find challenging to consume enough of in their everyday. Healthy fats like omega 3s, vitamin E, zinc, iron, calcium, and selenium are all found in nuts and seeds. These nuts and seeds include:
- Almonds
- Cashews
- Pistachios
- Walnuts
- Pine nuts
- Pecans
- Chestnuts
- Chia Seeds
- Flax Seeds
- Sesame Seeds
- Hemp Seeds
- Pumpkin Seeds
- Sunflower Seeds
Try Making…
Banana Cream Pie Chia Seed Pudding W/ Coconut Milk
Get the full recipe here!
Pastas
Believe it or not, you can still enjoy your favourite pastas on a vegan diet. There’s so many non-starchy pastas on the market. Some kinds even provide high-protein in each meal and should also be gluten-free. A familiar item to include in any vegan pantry, and great to serve when transitioning your diet. These pastas include:
- Quinoa Pasta
- Brown Rice Pasta
- Spelt Pasta
- Whole Wheat Pasta
- Rice Noodles
- Soba Noodles
Try Making…
Eggplant And Mushroom Rotini
Get the full recipe here!
Grains
All sorts of grains are equally as important in a plant-based diet. They’re high in fibre and protein. Don’t be surprised if most of your breakfast meals are loaded with grains. These grains include:
- Oats
- Quinoa
- Wild Rice
- Brown Rice
- Black Rice
- Basmati/Jasmine Rice (both gluten-free)
- Wheat Berries
- Amaranth
- Barley
- Millet
Try Making…
Creamy Coconut & Blueberry Oatmeal
Get the full recipe here!
Flour
Different types of flour in a vegan pantry is critical in ensuring you can still devour all your favourite sweets; banana bread, chocolate cake, cookies, you name it! These flours include:
- Almond Flour
- Chickpea Flour
- Oat Flour
- All-Purpose Gluten-Free Flour
- Cornmeal
- Whole Wheat Flour
Try Making…
Get the full recipe here!
Nutritional Yeast
Nutritional yeast is in a category of its own because of how much of a role it plays in th plant-based world. Vegan eaters use nutritional yeast to add extra protein, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants to meals. It can even protect against oxidative damage, lower cholesterol and boost immunity. You can use it to mimic the beloved cheese flavour you once knew. A must have in your pantry for vegan bakers.
Try Making…
Vegan Mac and Cheese with Nutritional Yeast
Get the full recipe here!
