WHITE BEAN SALAD & TIPS ON LIVING MORE PLANT BASED

This salad is so easy and nice to have on hand in the fridge. I usually gather some of my inspo from my Pinterest account and just create my own version of things based on what I have in the fridge. This is how this salad came about. Pinterest is so rich in ideas and if you’re transitioning to a more plant based lifestyle I’d encourage you to take a peak at my Healthy Eating/Veganizable Food Board–the options are endless. Everything from light dishes to good old comfort favourites.

I love having different ways to make sure Harlow is trying all the different herbs and spices to hopefully prevent a picky child in the future (though I know children seem to have a mind of their own–I’ll try my best!).
It tastes so fresh and it honestly takes minutes to create so I hope you enjoy it. I’m trying to soak up all my favourite summer dishes before fall is here. The leaves are already falling and I am so not ready for that.

Some of my most asked questions are tips and tricks to becoming more plant based and here are some suggestions from us:

-Find a replacement for all your old favourites. Almost everything can be found in a plant based version now a days. You can check out this post where I mention some of my favourites that can be found here in YYC.

-Be patient with yourself and don’t feel bad if you can’t do 100% of it over night. I know that this worked for me but doesn’t work for everyone, so embrace that. It’s hard to change your whole entire life over night especially when it comes to your diet.

-Find your why and run with it. For myself it was an emotional decision based on the ethical treatment of the animals but as time went on I learned about the affects the meat/dairy industry has on our environment as well as the health benefits. If you know WHY you’re doing it, it’ll come a lot easier to make the changes.

-Try not to GAF (give a fffffff..) what everyone else thinks. I have heard it all honestly. You’re going to die, you’re unhealthy, that’s stupid, animals are meant to be eaten, they were put here for us humans, you’re going to kill your baby, you can’t be pregnant and healthy and vegan, you can’t build muscle, you won’t be strong….etc. You do you with confidence.

-Make sure you’re getting all your vitamins so you FEEL GOOD. Vitamin B12 needs to be supplemented whether that is in your fortified non-dairy milks, meat alternatives, nutritional yeasts or a supplement. The better you feel the more likely you’ll continue.

-Try not to let extreme vegans/vegetarians discourage you from living more plant based. This is a huge one. I know a lot of people have come to me telling me they are afraid because when they make mistakes they feel shamed from those who are living a “perfect” plant based life. In my opinion if you’re trying your best and doing your best to make changes that is amazing. Every little bit of change makes a huge difference. NOBODY is perfect and we are all human and we are all going to make mistakes so let’s guide each other with love. We are all learning and growing and I hope to create a space of encouragement and support.

-Find people who you look up to for inspiration and support on living more plant based.

-Watch some documentaries and do your own research. Some of my faves are: Vegucated, Forks Over Knives, Food Inc., What The Health, Cowspiracy, Earthlings, Meet Your Meat.

Hope you girls enjoy this one.