I know just how hard it can be to make changes. I was the queen of excuses, often finding myself making choices I ‘thought’ were healthy but really weren’t. It’s hard with SO many options out there. Low carb, no carb, no fat, low fat…blah! How the heck are we really suppose to be eating?

If you’ve been following me for awhile now you know my preference in regards to diet, no animal products. Now I’m not claiming to be a dietician or a doctor, just a lifelong enthusiast of health, nutrition and wellness. So, what I share with you is 100% my opinion based off of reading and information that I find. I share these with the hopes that maybe you’ll learn and try something new.

Whether you eat meat and dairy, I highly recommend you know where it comes from and what is in it. This is SO important, not only for your own health but it’s also important to know how the animals are being treated. Can you honestly eat or drink something that comes from an animal know that they’ve lived in tortuous, inhumane conditions? I didn’t think so. It’s time we make a stand and the only way of doing so is making small changes.

I also recommend trying to go animal free one day a week. It’s baby steps and regardless if you eventually want to go animal free or just want to start to incorporate one or two animal product free days a week, it will make a huge impact, not only on your health, but in the animal product industry.

So, today I’m going to share with you the Top 10 Products We Can’t Live Without in our little family. If you incorporate a few or all of these, I guarantee you will start to feel better and make a great impact.

Here you go!

1. Earth Balance Products …

Are a great way to begin to reduce your intake of animal products without giving up the flavors you love. All of their products are vegan, made without artificial ingredients or hydrogenated oils, and are free of gluten, lactose and eggs. Some of their products are soy free too! Their soy free buttery spread and soy free mayo are a staple in our home.

2. Lentils…

Are a serious super food in the plant based diet world. We enjoy them regularly and they are packed full of protein, fiber, folate, B1 and minerals. We make an awesome lentil tacos dish that is seriously to die for…I think I smell a new recipe coming your way!

3. Beans…

Beans the magical fruit the more you eat the more you…are so incredibly healthy! Seriously, we eat beans all the time and my new favorite been is Aduki which is native to East Asia and is commonly used to make red bean paste. If you’ve lived in SE Asia, you are very familiar with this! Aduki beans are loaded with fiber and iron, potassium, magnesium, and folic acid.

4. Rice…

Specifically brown rice, is a staple in our home as well. Whether we are having stir-fry or beans and rice, it’s so filling and the perfect addition to most of our meals.

5. Quinoa Pasta…

Has been a life savor for me. Since I don’t eat gluten we often use quinoa pasta to replace regular and to be honest, I think it taste better. With a slight nutty taste, it goes well with pretty much anything we add to it. I use the spirals or shells when I make my Mac n’ Cheese and it’s SO good!

6. Big Leafy Greens …

Are making a regular appearance on our dinner plate. David and I have been really into sauteed kale, add a little red wine vinegar and salt and pepper and it’s super delicious. You can also do this with Swiss Chard or Collard Greens. You are doing your taste buds and your body a good deed by consuming these guys. Or, you could throw them in a smoothie or juice for an added punch. Either way, you should definitely add these guys to your diet!

7. Nutritional Yeast…

Is a tasty addition to so many things such as popcorn and pastas. It’s the secret ingredient in my Mac n’ Cheese and adds the cheesy and nutty component that’s necessary. It’s loaded with B vitamins and other minerals that all our bodies need. It comes in bulk and even better, is super cheap. We keep a mason jar in our pantry full of the good stuff.

8. Coconut Creamer…

Is seriously the best thing ever! We don’t drink coffee anymore but we do have a cup of English Breakfast tea and the added creaminess of coconut creamer is perfect. I was never a fan of coffee creamers that were laden with artificial goop and flavors. Coconut creamer gives you a clean added creaminess to your coffee or tea. Even their vanilla is awesome!

9. Coconut Milk/Butter…

Is used regularly in our home. Instead of using canola or olive oil, I’ll use a tablespoon of coconut oil or butter. It’s health benefits are out of this world (blog post coming!) Try using it instead of other oils/butters and see what you think.

10. Rice Bread…

Has been a life saver. We all know that I am gluten-intolerant and allergic to potatoes. If you didn’t, now you do! So, this means I can’t have regular old bread OR most gluten-free breads because the added potato starch. In walks rice bread! I eat Food for Life’s brown rice bread and I love how dense it is. Spread a little sunflower butter on it and it’s divine! If you are gluten-free I highly recommend checking out their other products here.

So, do you have an items that didn’t make this list? Do share, I’d love to hear all about them!

Have a great weekend and see you next week!