How to Go Vegetarian or Vegan – 4 Easy Tips

Thinking about going vegetarian or vegan? You’re not alone. Every year, more people are making the move toward plant-based living to improve their health, support the planet, and take greater control over what goes into their bodies. If you’re ready to jump in but don’t know where to start, we’ve got you covered — starting with a delicious and powerful secret weapon: Navy beans.

Tip 1: Where You Once Put Meat, Use Navy Beans Instead

One of the biggest challenges for new vegetarians and vegans is figuring out what to put on the plate where meat used to be. Here’s the key: Navy beans.
Navy beans are loaded with protein, fiber, and nutrients — making them the perfect substitute for meat in almost any dish. Whether you’re making tacos, soups, burgers, or casseroles, get creative by using seasoned Navy beans. They offer a hearty texture and soak up flavors beautifully.
Forget tofu, soy, or heavily processed meat substitutes — Navy beans are the clean, classic upgrade your meals need.

Tip 2: Look Up Recipes — and Upgrade the Ingredients

Search for vegetarian recipes online to spark inspiration. But here’s the catch:
Many mainstream recipes sneak in processed ingredients packed with high-fructose corn syrup, excessive sodium, or other unhealthy additives.
Solution: If a recipe suggests a store-bought sauce, broth, or brand with sketchy ingredients, simply swap it out for a healthier option. Always choose organic, low-sodium, and naturally sweetened alternatives when possible.

Also, make smart swaps in the recipe:

Replace kale with organic lettuce or baby spinach for a gentler, easier-to-digest green.

Wherever a recipe calls for tofu, soy, chickpeas, or peas, swap in Navy beans instead. They’re less processed, more natural, and better suited for a clean plant-based lifestyle.

Top 3 Vegetarian Recipe Websites to Check Out:

Minimalist Baker – simple, delicious plant-based recipes with easy-to-find ingredients.

Oh She Glows – vibrant vegetarian meals that focus on whole foods.

Forks Over Knives – recipes focused on health, longevity, and plant-based living.

Simple Navy Bean Veggie Burger Recipe
Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups cooked Navy beans (rinsed and drained)
• ½ cup rolled oats
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: fresh chopped parsley or cilantro

Directions:

1. In a bowl, mash the Navy beans until mostly smooth.
2. Add the oats, onion, garlic, olive oil, spices, and herbs.
3. Mix until combined — add a little oat flour if too wet or a splash of water if too dry.
4. Form into patties.
5. Cook on a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown.
6. Serve on whole-grain buns with your favorite toppings!

Tip 3: Be Smart About Dairy

If you’re aiming for vegetarian (not fully vegan) and still consume dairy, be selective:

Avoid conventional cow’s milk, cheese, and butter, which are often loaded with antibiotics, hormones, and high sodium levels.

Always choose organic, low-sodium, and grass-fed versions when available.

Even better, explore organic plant-based milks like oat milk, almond milk, or hemp milk as alternatives.

Tip 4: Filter Your Water — Seriously

Clean water is the foundation of a healthy body.
Invest in a ZeroWater filter. Unlike standard filters, ZeroWater removes fluoride, heavy metals, and a host of other toxins.
When you’re eating clean, you want your water clean too — for both drinking and cooking.

Vegetarian vs. Vegan: What’s the Difference?

Vegetarians avoid meat, fish, and poultry but may still eat dairy and eggs.

Vegans avoid all animal products entirely — no meat, no dairy, no honey, no eggs.

Our Take:

We encourage a vegetarian lifestyle over veganism. Why?
A vegetarian approach gives you the flexibility to include nutrient-dense foods like organic dairy and eggs, which offer important vitamins like B12, D3, and high-quality protein. It’s easier to maintain nutritional balance without relying on heavy supplementation — and it’s more sustainable for many people long-term.

Final Thought:
Transitioning to a plant-forward life doesn’t have to be complicated or extreme. Start simple. Swap smart. Embrace the power of the humble Navy bean. And remember: small steps every day lead to big changes over time.