As time goes by, more and more people are opting for a plant-based diet, for various reasons. Some are concerned about animal’s wellbeing, while others prefer to eat less meat due to health concerns. Being a college student is an exciting period in one’s life, full of excitement and fun, so it’s important to eat the right diet. 

If you’re a college student, then you know what it’s like planning meals while attending lectures and studying. Opting for a plant-based diet can save you a lot of money while boosting your health along the way. So, in order to make this easier, here are some helpful tips for plant-based living as a college student.

Organize your meals in advance 

When you become a vegan or at least switch to a more plant-based lifestyle, then preparing meals becomes a new reality. Studying in college requires a lot of discipline and spending money on takeaway food should be a way to treat yourself, not your main food source. So, if you’re struggling with meal prep, then consider organizing your meals in advance. For example, take one evening off and prepare a few simple dishes that will last you for a few days. Then, you can pack those meals in reusable boxes and bring food to your next class.

Make your own milk 

There are debates whether plant-based milk should be considered milk at all, but if you’re living plant-based, then you’re using it anyway. However, even though plant-based milk is tasty and cruelty-free, it’s still much pricier compared to regular milk. This can pose an inconvenience especially if you’re on a tight college budget. So, the perfect solution would be to make your own milk. You just need a blender, and almonds, rice, or anything else that’s generally used for milk. Feel free to add vanilla extract, cocoa, or any other sweet spice to boost the flavor. Homemade vegan milk is creamy, delicious and the perfect alternative to store-bought plant milk.

Find a like-minded group of people

Changing your diet in such a drastic way isn’t easy, therefore, finding a support group of like-minded people can be of great help. Nowadays, there are a lot of plant-based forums and online communities that offer valuable tips to those who’re just starting out. This can be super useful if you’re far away from home without anyone else to give you a hand. 

Stay away from junk food 

Starting a vegan diet can be tricky, mainly if you’ve accustomed to eating junk food on a regular basis. But, if you’re switching to such a diet to turn your life around, then it’s essential to stay away from junk food and other unhealthy snacks, despite the vegan label on the packages. Such types of foods contain a lot of sodium, artificial flavors, and sweeteners which is definitely harmful to your health. In case you have a sweet tooth, then consuming healthier options is a better solution. Things like stevia or monk fruit are really helpful, as they contain very few calories and don’t affect blood sugar levels. There are a lot of recipes that use such ingredients instead of regular sugar, so feel free to check them out.

Start slowly until you get used to it 

When you switch to a plant-based diet, it’s helpful if you could start slowly, at least until you get used to your new way of eating and living. For example, you don’t need to completely remove meat, as long as you get rid of dairy products, or vice versa. That will allow you to find your own pace which is the most important thing in this case. 

Get ready to experiment 

Starting a new dietary regimen is a big step, therefore it’s important to expand your horizons and try new things. This is extremely important when switching to a plant-based diet because there are so many vegetables and fruits that deserve your attention, so it would be a pity to omit them from your menu. Instead of eating the same meals, try to experiment with interesting recipes, and if you’re creative, feel free to tweak them, so they’ll be more accommodating to your personal preferences. 

Conclusion 

Going to college is a huge life change, so starting a new way of eating will surely boost your energy levels and make you more self-confident. These tips will help you get started, but if you have a friend, a classmate, or a relative who eats similarly, don’t be shy to ask them for some help. That way you’ll feel more comfortable and supported which will positively influence your academic output, which is the most important thing when you’re a young college student.