Dont worry about getting enough protein.Courtesy of Olives for Dinner

If youre trying to become a vegan, rich sources of concentrated protein include beans, soy products like tofu andseitan, quinoa, nuts, and hemp seeds, says Moran. Plus, there are vegan protein powders you can add to water and shakes. As long as you include these staples along with protein-rich veggies like asparagus, cauliflower, and broccoli, you should meet your daily requirements.

Pictured: Spicy Fava Bean Falafel on Olives for Dinner

Many who claim to be vegetarian or vegan are really starch-atarians filling meat voids with pasta, fries, bread, and other non-plant substitutes, says Ashayla Patterson of the bakery Sweet Artique. Try to eat more healthy, whole foods to give your body the vital nutrients and antioxidants it needs.

When you remove animal products you lose a lot of the fat and salt, which is often what contributes to the cant-put-it-down taste, says Kroecher. He likes to add rich, complex flavors with walnuts, avocados, pine nuts, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, fresh basil, cold-pressed flax seed oil, and unrefined grey or pink sea salt. Other ingredients to consider include nuts, dried fruits, protein powder, chia or hemp seeds, and Spirulina, a protein-dense freshwater algae.

Pictured: Vegan Apple Tart on 86Lemons

Many staples of a vegan diet like grains, beans, and nuts are cheap, and they usually store well if you buy them in bulk. Bechter also suggests you join a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture); shop at farmers markets an hour before closing for discounts; and visit VeganCuts.com for dailydeals and discounts on vegan food and lifestyleproducts. You can also find more grocery shopping tips in the bookEat Vegan on $4 a Day, by Ellen Jaffe Jones, or at the site Plant Based on a Budget.

Pictured: Farmers Market Tacos on Sunday Morning Banana Pancakes

Read the original here:

Becoming Vegan: 12 Tips from the Experts | Reader's Digest