In 2013, I decided to stop eating yogurt and try more of a vegan diet. I was a vegetarian at the time. Now, I consider myself a plant-based eater or a 99% vegan. I eat primarily plants, but I occasionally have dairy depending on the situation (like a birthday party where the cake has already been baked).

This blog is for people who want to make better eating choices, who want to eat more plant-based and need resources. I am not interested in making people feel excluded or like they need to be perfect. I often wonder if the more militant vegans understand that their tactics actually turn people away from veganism. I am interested in helping people eat less meat and dairy (or none at all!), not scaring them away from the vegan message of compassion.

In order to change your eating habits, you need to know what the heck you can eat! I assure you that there are SO MANY options; you just have to look and learn!

That’s Earth Balance Vegan White Cheddar Mac n’ Cheese up there, yummm.

Are you interested in eating a more plant-based diet? Here are some food products that helped me transition from vegetarian to 99% vegan.

Manitoba Harvest Hemp Seeds and Powder

Hemp is a complete protein, and I rely on hemp seeds and powder to put in smoothies several times per week. I like the brand Manitoba Harvest.

 

Squarebar Protein Bars

I like the protein bars from Squarebar because they’re soy-free and made with brown rice protein, packing 10-12 grams of it, depending on the flavor. The cocoa cherry and cocoa mint flavors are delicious!

 

Earth Balance Mac n’ Cheese

I love mac n’ cheese, so when I tried Earth Balance vegan mac n’ cheese, I knew I could make a plant-based/99% vegan diet stick. This stuff is just as easy to make at the version I remember from childhood, and it tastes cheesy, too! I add peas to mine.

 

Daiya Cheese

I ate Daiya Cheese on sandwiches and wraps at the various vegan restaurants I visited this year. Though I have never liked cheese very much except in mac n’ cheese, I enjoyed the taste of Daiya on my restaurant-made vegan sandwiches, like this sandwich from Cincinnati green store and lunch counter, Park + Vine. Daiya cheese is a great product to help you stop eating cheese and transition to a cruelty-free diet.

Hampton Creek Just Mayo

Hampton Creek Just Mayo is another product I had on sandwiches at various vegan restaurants and cafes. It’s delicious! I just bought my first jar this week so I can use it at home.

Image: My Recipes

Vegan Cuts Snack Box Service

With this service, I get a monthly box of vegan snacks delivered to my door. Vegan Cuts is a great way to try vegan food products and sample the new snacks that are on the market.

Graze

Graze is a subscription snack box service that comes right to your door every week. Check out these eight reasons why I like Graze for easy eating.

Vigilant Eats Oatmeal

Add water, stir and eat. It’s super simple to prepare Vigilant Eats oatmeal, and it’s made with superfoods.

Love this stuff! Healthy, organic superfood oatmeal — and it’s vegan!! Espresso maca mulberry yumm #healthyeating pic.twitter.com/jUunanyuNV

— Alexandra Evans (@avamarieevans) April 3, 2014

 

Eli’s Earth Treasure Bar

I had reservations about going full vegan because I have  sweet tooth and love chocolate in particular. But guess what? There are plenty of vegan candy bars and sweets on the market. I feel confident that I can eat a vegan diet while still enjoying desserts. Eli’s Earth makes delicious candy bars that taste like the milk chocolate, and they taste great!

Image: Go Dairy Free 

Cold-Pressed Juices

Drinking my nutrients feels pretty nice, and cold-pressed is the way to go. I’ve developed a green juice addiction in 2014. My favorites are the classic green blends from  Blue Print, Evolution Fresh and Off the Vine in Cincinnati, OH.

Have you tried any of these products? What did you think?

Psst…are you in Cincinnati, OH?

I went to high school in Cincinnati, Ohio, and my family lives there, so I have a huge spot in my heart for the city. Two restaurants there, Park + Vine and Melt Eclectic Deli, have bangin’ vegan sandwiches. Check out my post on Cincinnati Restaurants That Have Tasty Vegan Meals on the Menu.