Time to find some chow! With all the great options in dining out today, it is easier than ever to enjoy healthy, delicious food at restaurants everywhere.
Not every dining establishment caters to plant-based diets, though, so it helps to have some knowledge of how to build a healthy satisfying meal out of a variety of different sources. With the food wheel in mind, think of fruits, veggies, grains, and protein.
Getting plenty of vegetables and fruits is simple on a plant-strong diet. For fruits, enjoy them fresh or in 100 percent juice form to get a full serving. Enjoy vegetables in all their forms, from crisp fresh salads with a light dressing (try a simple blend of sesame oil with a dash of soy sauce for full flavor and light calories), to steamed veggies with a dash of spice.
Calcium comes naturally from plant sources, including dark leafy greens like spinach and kale, and is available to add to the diet in the form of delicious almond, coconut, rice, and calcium-fortified soymilk. For a healthier alternative to the cholesterol and fat in cheese, try nut-based cheeses, made from cashews, macadamia nuts and other sources to satisfy the desire for a flavorful addition to a sandwich or casserole.
Many people think of animal sources when they consider ways to add protein or calcium to the diet. With a plant-strong mentality, it is easy to find plenty of alternatives that add some substance to the meal with all the taste and savor you expect when dining out.