Can I Just Eat Bread?!
I love bread. One of my favorite “meals” (if you can call it that—and I used to) is a crusty, warm baguette with butter. Bonus: Many baguettes are dairy- and egg-free, made with just wheat flour, water, yeast, and salt. No animal products in sight—wahoo!
My mouth is watering…
But is it healthy or balanced? Absolutely not.
When people switch to a plant-based diet, they often lean too hard on carbs. The result? Sluggishness, weight gain, and a body that’s not getting what it truly needs: protein. Carbs alone won’t cut it. Your body needs more than just veggies to thrive.
Why Veggies and Carbs Aren’t Enough
Veggies are packed with vitamins and minerals, but they don’t provide the protein your body craves. Filling your diet with only vegetables and carbs can leave you feeling unbalanced and frustrated—and it’s one reason people struggle to stick with plant-based eating. The good news? Once you figure out how to put all the pieces together, it’s surprisingly easy.
A friend of mine Cara, vegetarian for decades, once told me she found it a challenge to ensure she was getting enough protein. The truth is, it’s totally doable to hit your protein goals on a plant-based diet; you just need the right tools and strategies.
Where to Get Your Protein
Beans and lentils are great protein sources (or so I’ve read), but I don’t eat a ton of them myself, well at least I don’t make them from dried lentils myself. Instead, I rely on plant-based meat substitutes which incorporate lentils into their vegetable protein substitutes. These foods are engineered to deliver optimal protein levels, making it easy to track and plan meals. For me, starting the day with a protein smoothie is a game-changer. It’s an effortless way to hit the ground running and incorporate more plant-based protein into your routine.
Protein packed power lunch!
From there, swap in plant-based meat substitutes where you’d normally use animal products, and you’re off to a solid start.
And Yes, You Can Eat Bread—In Moderation
There are plenty of tasty plant-based breads out there, free of dairy, eggs, and even gluten (if that’s something your digestive system appreciates). Bread can absolutely have a place in your diet, but balance is key.
If you’d like more tips on going plant-based, I’d love to help! It’s so much easier to have a coach cheering you on, helping you navigate the path to a healthy, sustainable lifestyle.
Cheers to being Green, Wild, and Free!
