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Enjoy Nostalgic Southern Comforts, Discover Vegan Weight Loss Delights!

Plant-Based Weight Loss For Women

Author: Plant-Based Susy

It's normal to feel nostalgic about your time before going plant-based. If you miss animal-based foods or meals after switching your lifestyle, nothing is wrong with you.

We grow up enjoying certain foods, and it's understandable if you once loved those flavours or find yourself stuck reminiscing about times spent eating these foods. Sometimes, it's easier said than done, but the key is to lean into making new memories and trying new dishes.

Navigating nostalgia and plant-based weight loss can be just as tricky. When you're stuck in our old ways of eating, you'll probably eat lots of plant-based junk food instead of filling your plate with healthy options. But now, you too can enjoy nostalgic southern comforts, discover vegan weight loss delights, and feel the holistic health benefits, too.

Cutting out meat and dairy but sticking to the same unhealthy food choices outside these ingredients is simpler than starting completely fresh. Many people make this mistake. If you're switching to a plant-based lifestyle to lose weight, you must be stronger than your old self.

Learning how to enjoy nostalgic southern comforts, discover vegan weight loss delights, and feel fitter in yourself can be so much easier than it sounds.

Dealing with Others' Judgments Is the Toughest Part of Going Plant-Based!

People assume you're missing out on your favourite foods when you go plant-based. One of the most popular questions when you switch to a vegan lifestyle is, "Do you miss eating meat?" or "Do you miss eating cheese?" Similar questions or exclamations of how you're so strong for giving up things and that they could never do that will follow.

This thought process has always followed those new to living a plant-based lifestyle. When you give up something for your health or go gluten-free because of a celiac diagnosis, no one makes these comments. Instead, they understand where you're coming from and know you're making a decision that's right for you.

You likely won’t get the same positive and understanding reaction when going plant-based. That said, more and more people are tuning into the personal health benefits of eating more plants, and tuning out the never ending background noise.

Don't let FOMO on nostalgic favorites and future treats stop your plant-based journey!

Is there a specific meal that comes to mind when you think about your life before you tuned into veganism? You likely miss the memory of that moment rather than the food itself. Maybe you miss being surrounded by family or your childhood. Sure, you enjoyed the taste of that dish a lot, but there's a way to veganize just about anything.

When you feel nostalgic about family recipes or a favourite dish you can no longer have, try to dig deeper. Who were you with when you ate it? Did a family member prepare the dish for you? Those are the things you need to lean into.

Try recreating the dish with vegan ingredients or get together with the people who come to mind when that nostalgia hits. Your loved ones would be happy to jump on board and experiment with you in the kitchen.

Lean into making new memories

You may not be able to have the same dishes you once loved, but you get to spend the rest of your life trying new things and making new memories!

If you go on to have kids someday or already have them, you can leave them with new memories to fuel future nostalgic cravings. Bake plant-based desserts together or try to cook something new.

Consider seeking out plant-based groups online. Facebook is a great place to find these local groups, so consider using a vegan-specific friendship or dating app. Through these groups, you'll find like-minded people facing the same struggle. They may have recommendations for you, including new restaurants to try or dishes to cook.

Years from now you'll feel nostalgic about the plant-based dishes (not to mention the bonus years) you’re adding to your life.

How to make the switch to a plant-based lifestyle easy

Changing from an animal-based lifestyle to a plant-based one can be difficult initially, but it doesn't need to be. Here are some tips to help you navigate this new journey without stress.

Make the switch gradually

The easiest way to make the switch to veganism is to do it gradually. This also helps you navigate the nostalgia.

Cutting out one or two things at a time takes much of the stress out of this transition.

Once you're used to ordering food and cooking without your selected item, choose the next thing to ditch. Each time you cut something out, picking out a few tasty recipes that follow your new restrictions is fun.

Learn about essential nutrients and plan for success

It's essential to do some research before going vegan. Some nutrients are trickier to get on a plant-based diet. Vitamin B12 is the most commonly missed nutrient when first making the switch. You can supplement this or consume fortified foods, like soymilk.

Getting all the nutrients you need on a plant-based diet is relatively easy, but it's good to think about it anyway. Ensure you get all the vitamins and protein you need in your diet. This can quickly be done by eating various nutritionally dense plant-based foods.

Create a vegan grocery list before you head to the store. Making a list before you purchase ingredients will help you stick to plant-based choices, especially in the beginning. It will also allow you to prep meals in advance and pick out fun new recipes.

Think about what you're getting from your plant-based lifestyle instead of what you're giving up

Focus on the benefits of the plant-based diet rather than what you give up. Some perks of this lifestyle include managing diabetes and alleviating joint pain, but the complete list of the positive things you'll get out of the switch is vast.

You're also doing good for the planet and its beings. Hold onto those things and focus less on what you miss. If all you think you're missing out on is tasty food, we promise you can still have that while being plant-based.

Being vegan is somewhat trendy now, and there's less judgement surrounding it. Many people are eager and willing to prepare a plant-based dish or two for their cookout or party.

Some will already be on top of it, while others might need you to tell them you're vegan or going plant-based. Feel free to prepare a dish, whether that's a small portion just for you or a big side dish to share.

Don't get stuck thinking going plant-based is difficult

Following a plant-based lifestyle doesn't have to be complicated. It may be a little challenging initially because it's something new for you, but this feeling won't last. Living a plant-based life can be better and more accessible than the way you lived before.

Restaurants tend to post their menus online, so it's easy to pick vegan-friendly restaurants in advance. You can also connect with vegan groups online and find ones that meet in person near you.

It's hard to lose weight when you're trapped in nostalgia

Did you switch to a plant-based lifestyle because you were stuck in a rut of making unhealthy decisions? If that sounds like you, then it's time to embrace this new version of yourself and stop focusing on the things you used to eat so much.

Switching to a plant-based lifestyle requires changing your thoughts and habits. We understand why you'd want to continue consuming your comfort foods, but it might be time to find new ones if they're not serving you anymore. There are plenty of healthy snacks that taste just as good to choose instead.

Following a plant-based diet can allow you to make healthier versions of dishes you already love. Switching out animal products for plant-based alternatives can also improve a meal, aiding in weight loss.

Holiday nostalgia and sticking to your weight loss goals

Thankfully, being plant-based during the holidays makes sticking to your weight loss goals more manageable. Many dishes you once enjoyed during family gatherings likely won't be plant-based, so you will have to ditch some unhealthy items in favour of new delicious ones.

Being plant-based, you should still be able to enjoy some of your favourite sides, like sweet potatoes and green beans. But now you'll get to create healthier versions of the holiday dishes you once loved.

Southern comforts and sticking to your weight loss goals

When you think about Southern food, you probably think of lard and fried entrees. Southern comfort foods like chicken and waffles or corn pudding aren't always the best for losing weight. There are plenty of other tasty foods the South has to offer, and when you make those foods vegan, you're in even better shape when it comes to weight loss.

Vegan southern comfort foods include soy curls and grits or gumbo. There are plenty of ways to dress these up into healthy plant-based bites.

Vegan Macaroni and Cheese

With vegan mac, instead of indulging in loads of dairy and butter, the cheese sauce can be replaced with a cashew-based option. Delicious options that combine beans, vegetables and nutritional yeast are also available.

Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy and nutty flavour to your dishes. This ingredient packs many benefits beyond the tastiness and vitamin-B12. These include supporting the immune system, reducing cholesterol levels, and promoting healthy skin, hair, and nails.

Vegan Tofu Scramble or Breakfast Casserole

Breakfast casseroles are a typical Southern comfort. These days, tofu scrambles are taking the place of high cholesterol egg breakfasts. Dress up your tofu scramble by turning it into a tasty casserole.

Add tofu, nutritional yeast, vegetables, and some potatoes or tots to a casserole dish. You can easily bake a delicious, nutritious plant-based casserole with a few other spices and ingredients.

Vegan Country-Fried Steak

A plate with plant-based chicken, gravy, and mashed potatoes makes the perfect Southern comfort meal. For an even healthier kick, add green beans or collard greens on the side.

Seitan is one of the best chicken replacements for plant-based eaters, especially those who avoid soy. It is high in protein and low in fat and carbs. It's also a good source of selenium and iron. We have a delicious vegan chicken recipe available in our recipes section.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are popular Southern foods?

Southern food is associated with fried foods and sweetened drinks, like iced tea. Meat is a big part of this cuisine. Many Southern meals incorporate bread as well.

Popular Southern dishes include mac and cheese, collard greens, fried chicken, cornbread, biscuits, and gravy. Desserts include sweet potato pie, pecan pie, and banana pudding.

How do I handle cravings for non-vegan comfort foods?

Recreate those dishes with vegan ingredients or find healthy plant-based alternatives.

Are vegan soul food recipes healthy?

Yes, when made with whole plant foods, they can be nutritious and delicious.

How do you make Southern foods plant-based?

It’s easy to make a vegan-friendly version of Southern favourites, from casserole to fried chicken. Chicken substitutes include seitan, tofu, mushrooms, chickpeas, tempeh, and cauliflower. Other dishes may require a range of substitutions, like dairy-free milk, cashew cheese, or an egg replacer.

Is Southern food unhealthy?

In a word, no. A traditional Southern is not necessarily unhealthy, when compared to The Standard American Diet (SAD). However, if a traditional Southern diet is mixed with a SAD diet, this cannot be healthy for us.

The Southern Diet is high in trans fats, nitrates, salt, and sugar. Eating many Southern foods can cause issues with blood pressure and the heart. There is also a connection between the Southern diet and chronic diseases.

This diet is typically full of high-fat animal-based foods and loaded with butter, cheese, and grease. Animal products can be harmful to the human body.

It makes sense that a world-famous diet known for its indulgent ingredients and rich flavours wouldn’t always be the healthiest. With that in mind, Southern food is fine in moderation, and if you’re making plant-based versions of these dishes anyway, they’ll already be much healthier for you.

The Bottom Line

Being a foodie, growing up with multi-cultural street-food options, enjoying cuisines from all around the world, and being a Southerner is in my blood, too: South of the river, South London, Southern England. It's another reason why I'm so drawn to nostalgic, comforting Southern foods and soul food.

Giving up our tasty favourites is hard, and we shouldn’t have to. Eating delicious Southern bites now and then is okay. As long as you’re not overindulging on these dishes all the time, you should still reach your body goals.

If you enjoyed Southern delights before being drawn to veganism, it might be hard to imagine preparing these dishes in this new way. However, you can still have those tasty Southern flavours while cooking dishes that are much more healthful.

It’s time to enjoy your favourite southern comforts with a plant-based kick. In most cases, switching up ingredients and replacing them with vegan alternatives is a sure-fire way to transform something that may be slightly unhealthy into something that fits perfectly with your soul and weight loss goals.

💚 "Happy Plant-Based Eating & Exercising!" 💚

Plant-Based Susy

Plant-Based Nutrition Professional & Weight Loss Coach

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