How to Start Eating More Plant-Based Meals (Without Going All-In)
Introduction
When people think of plant-based eating, they often picture strict rules and overnight transformations. But the truth is, small, intentional changes can make a big impact — both on your health and the planet. You don’t have to give up everything you love or commit to an entirely new lifestyle to start making progress.
I’ve been vegetarian for over two decades, and my goal through Fettling Fine is to make plant-based cooking approachable for everyone. Whether you’re curious about cutting back on meat, trying a few new recipes, or looking for ways to eat more sustainably, this post is here to show that progress matters far more than perfection.
My Approach to Plant-Based Eating
I’m a lacto-ovo vegetarian, meaning I still eat dairy and eggs, but the recipes I share on Fettling Fine are begin as fully vegan versions. Over the years, I’ve experienced plenty of criticism about my choices, but I’ve learned that everyone’s path is personal. That’s why my eBooks include vegan, vegetarian, and flexitarian versions of each recipe — so no matter where you are on your journey, you can enjoy the same delicious dishes.
My hope is that everyone, from longtime vegetarians to dedicated meat eaters, can find something they love in my recipes. Even small swaps, like trying a plant-based protein or using a dairy-free condiment, can make a difference.
Why I Chose This Path
My commitment to plant-based eating began when I was just seven years old. Even at that age, I recognized the cruelty animals faced, and decided I didn’t want to be part of it. My passion for animal welfare has only grown stronger over the years, and so has my awareness of how our food choices impact the environment.
Today, I work in renewable energy focused on reducing food waste, and I’ve seen firsthand how animal agriculture contributes to an unsustainable future. Shifting toward plant-based eating is one small, powerful way we can all make a difference.
Small Changes That Make a Big Difference
The best changes are the ones that last. Drastic overnight transformations rarely stick, but small, thoughtful adjustments can reshape your habits for good.
Here are a few easy ways to start:
Swap out your favorite dressing, condiment, or sauce for a plant-based version.
Try “Meatless Mondays” and explore new recipes one day a week.
Choose one favorite dish and find a way to make it plant-based — like using lentils in tacos or chick’n in your favorite pasta.
Keep experimenting until you find plant-based meals that you genuinely enjoy.
Think of plant-based eating not as restriction, but as expansion. You’re not removing options — you’re adding new ones.
Learning to Cook for Yourself and Others
When I first went plant-based, I was the only one in my household to do so. My parents weren’t interested in making the switch, and they didn’t want to cook separate meals. That meant if I wanted to eat differently, I had to learn how to cook.
It took plenty of trial and error, but I discovered that I loved experimenting in the kitchen. Later in life, I faced a new challenge — creating meals for friends, family, and partners who didn’t think they’d ever enjoy plant-based food. I wanted to show them that it could be just as satisfying and flavorful as anything else on the table.
Through those experiences, I developed many of the recipes I now share here and in my eBooks. They’re approachable, flexible, and designed to bring people together, no matter their diet.
A Family That Eats Together
When I first met my husband, he never imagined himself eating plant-based meals. Now, he absolutely loves them and often prefers them over anything else. While he still eats meat occasionally when traveling for work, at home our meals are primarily plant-based — and he’s the first to say how good he feels because of it.
Our son is growing up surrounded by diverse, wholesome foods, and I hope that sense of curiosity and balance stays with him and shapes the choices he makes for his diet in the future.
Food, after all, should never be about guilt or judgment. It should be about connection, nourishment, and joy.
Making It Sustainable for You
There’s no single “right” way to eat plant-based. What matters most is finding a rhythm that works for your lifestyle. Start with what feels manageable. Maybe that’s swapping one ingredient, trying a new recipe, or focusing on one meal a day.
Over time, you’ll discover what works for you and your family. The goal isn’t to become perfect — it’s to become consistent. If you’re eating more plants today than you did yesterday, that’s a win.
Final Thoughts
Plant-based eating doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing commitment. It’s about progress, not perfection. Each meal is an opportunity to nourish yourself, care for the planet, and explore new flavors. Whether you’re making small swaps or big changes, you’re taking a step in the right direction. I am happy to help anyone with any questions they have about the plant-based lifestyle, I will continue to share recipes, cooking tips and swaps you can make, or feel free to reach out to me directly.