Going Vegan means choosing to eliminate animal products from your diet. This includes meat, eggs, yogurt, even honey. Many people choose to go Vegan for ethical purposes, but others report feeling better when they primarily eat a plant-based diet. If you are Vegan or are looking to give Veganism a try, here are six Vegan meal prep tips to set you up for successful Vegan meals.

#1 Focus on the Foods You Can Eat

Many people shy away from Veganism because of the foods they can’t eat. Instead, focus on what you can eat! Hearty legumes, fresh fruit, seasonal vegetables, grains, nuts, seeds and natural sweeteners are all Vegan approved. Here is a helpful list of 50 grocery staples for a Vegan diet. Psst! Most of Simple Mills products are vegan or can be prepared vegan.

#2 Replace Animal Protein Sources

When meal prepping for Vegan meals, eliminate all animal protein sources and swap them for Vegan approved options like legumes, vegetables or occasionally, tofu (if you’re okay with soy). Not sure what to whip up? Try this Vegan Chicken Salad or bake up a batch of sprouted tofu stir-fry.

#3 Spice Things Up

Spice things up with some spices and seasonings. Spices are incredibly useful when making Vegan soups, nut-based sauces or dishes like marinated tofu or tempeh. For some seasoning and spice ideas, check out the ultimate spice guide for Vegan cooking.

#4 Make Baking Swaps

Replace dairy with store-bought or homemade baking alternatives. Trade in eggs for bananas or make a flax egg. Simply mix together 3 tablespoons of water with 1 tablespoon of ground flax seeds (or chia seeds) until well combined. Place mixture in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to chill and use as you would an egg in any of your baking recipes. Want to make our mixes vegan? View our recommendations for how to here. 

#5 Ditch the Dairy

When it comes to Vegan meal prepping, you will have to ditch the dairy, but don’t worry, there are plenty of Vegan cheese alternatives available including almond cheese, cashew brie even macadamia nut queso fresco. Here are 25 Vegan cheeses you may enjoy. Another great dairy alternative is nutritional yeast, which can be found in the baking aisle of your local health food store.

#6 Stock Up on Vegan Snacks

We’re all in favor of never having to  miss out on your favorite snacks. The Vegan market is booming with brands offering a variety of Vegan snacks, but if you prefer to whip up your own Vegan snacks at home try some Vegan Cauliflower Buffalo Bites or this beautiful Thyme Pistachio Cranberry Vegan Cheese Ball. Other great Vegan snacks include  roasted sunflower seeds, homemade hummus with a side of vegetable sticks, fresh fruit topped with your favorite nut butter or a delicious chickpea sandwich.
 
Remember, going Vegan doesn’t have to be intimidating or complicated. Use these seven tips the next time you meal prep your Vegan meals and be sure to tag us @SimpleMills so we can see all of your delicious Vegan recipes.