Vegan Tips

Who Needs Parmesan?

Nutritional yeast makes a great substitute for grated Parmesan! "Good in sauces or sprinkled on popcorn, even. A good structural ingredient for making pesto (mushroom pesto, yum!) or tapenade." -Tyme from Taladega, Alabama

Go to Las Vegas!

Steve Wynn, owner of the Wynn and Encore hotels, is vegan! He made sure every restaurant in his hotels has amazing vegan options. Those are some good odds!

Go Ethnic

Middle Eastern and Asian cuisine restaurants often have more vegan options on their menu and can be accommodating by using tofu or vegetables instead of meat.

Carbs Are Still Your Friend

People sometimes forget that most breads, bagels and pasta are vegan! These can help you for any meal of the day, especially at a restaurant.

Enlist a Friend

Sometimes it's easier to get started on a new track when you have a companion doing it with you. See if any of your friends are willing to give going vegan a try.

Don't Get in a Soy Rut

Soy milk is delicious, but there are also great almond and rice milks worth trying. You're sure to find a milk substitute that you love.

App It Up!

Hummus, guacamole, tapenade — all vegan! Appetizers can be a vegan host's secret weapon.

Sides no More

Even the most challenging restaurants probably offer some amazing vegetables as side orders. Sometimes making a meal out of two or three can be the best meal you never expected to order.

Get Blending

A blender or food processor can be a vegan's best friend. You can make things like cashew cream, amazing juices and all sorts of delicious veggie dishes right at home.

Save the Talk for after Dinner

People love to ask about why you're vegan during a meal, but it's better conversation for when they're not eating a ham sandwich. They'll be more likely to listen if they don't feel like they have to defend themselves.

Soup up a Salad

If there's only a plain salad to be had at a restaurant or dinner party, see what else you can throw in there! Veggies, nuts, dried fruit, seeds and avocado can turn your salad frown upside down.

Bring Your Own

If you're headed to a barbecue, instead of offering to grab some drinks, bring something delicious. You can rock the party by eating your own food and impress everyone with your killer couscous.

Bring a Snack

Good vegans and good moms have a lot in common: they're patient with questions, and they always pack a snack! Make sure you've got something on-hand for those unexpected delays at the auto shop.

Frozen Backups

Find a frozen dinner or easy-to-make dish that you love and keep some on hand for those nights when you just don't feel like cooking and want something easy.