Plant-based Nutrition: Where to Start

Are you thinking of going plant-based in 2020 but not sure where to start? Keep reading for the low-down on things plant-based and quick tips to get started.

The Benefits of Plant-based Nutrition

Plant-based nutrition is the movement encouraging folks to incorporate more fresh produce, whole grains, legumes and nuts into their diet. From meatless Mondays to vegan breakfasts, people are beginning to recognize the benefits of plant-based nutrition.

Good for You

A diet that incorporates more plant-based foods is shown to be higher in dietary fiber and lower in saturated fats and calories when compared to diets higher in meat and dairy intake.¹ Eating more plant-based foods may also help maintain healthy heart function, ² blood sugar levels³ and cholesterol.⁴

Good for the Planet

The production of plant-based products has proven to be an environmentally sustainable enterprise. By reducing the production of animal-based products and increasing the consumption of plant-based products, communities can lower greenhouse gas emissions, and reduce waste and energy usage.

Incorporate Plant-based Proteins

You heard that right—plant-based proteins! By incorporating legumes, nuts, seeds and whole grains into your diet you can achieve the recommended daily value of protein. Plus, today there are so many complete, multisource, plant-based protein powders to help you boost your protein intake. On your next trip to Sprouts, be sure to ask our friendly and knowledgeable Vitamin Department team members about the plant-based protein powders that will fit your lifestyle and nutritional needs.

Dairy Alternatives: No-moo Milk

Gone are the days when soy milk was the only alternative.Now you can find all kinds of smooth, calcium-rich substitutions with delicious mild flavor! Soy has been joined by rice, flax, hemp and oat milk. Nut milks made from almonds, cashews, coconuts and even macadamias are tasty,healthy alternatives as well.

Meatless Meats

Filling, flavorful and nourishing, you’ll find lots of great meatless alternatives throughout our store. Craving burgers tonight? From bean and soy burgers in the freezer to pea-based proteins like Beyond Meat in the meat department, we’ve got a burger for you. Family-friendly faves like tuna salad, taco meat and chicken tenders have all been reimagined with plant-based ingredients. 

Simplify! Make Easy Plant-based Meals

So now you’re asking … How easy is it to cook plant-based meals, and are they tasty? The good news is the web is chock-full of delicious plant-based recipes! Below are just a few plant-based recipes from some of our favorite brands for plant-based nutrition. Enjoy!

• Buttermilk Biscuitswith So Delicious Dairy Alternatives
• The Ultimate Green Smoothie with Vega One Nutritional Shake
• Southwest Quinoa Bowl with Silk Dairy Alternatives
• Creamy Cauliflower and Spinach Soup with Earthbound Farm Frozen Veggies

For Your Sweet Tooth

With non-dairy ingredients like almond and coconut milk, there’s no reason to skip dessert! Our selection of irresistibly creamy and satisfying frozen indulgences makes going plant-based a real treat. Try something new! Our Sprouts Mochi Bites are dairy-free and vegan. Based on a traditional dessert for Japanese nobles, mochi combines the chewy goodness of a sweet-rice exterior with a smooth coconut inner.

---

¹ 2015 Scientific Report – U.S. Dietary Guidelines http://health.gov/dietaryguidelines/2015-scientific-report/pdfs/scientific-report-of-the-2015-dietary-guidelines-advisory-committee.pdf ² Current-Atherosclerosis-Reports 2015-Scientific-Report – U.S.-Dietary-Guidelines ³ Diabetes Care – Type of Vegetarian Diet, Body Weight and Prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes ⁴ Vegetarian Diets – Journal of the American Dietetic Association