How I Stopped Freaking Out About Protein and Started Loving Lentils (Thanks, Amazon Prime)

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If someone had told me five years ago that I’d be spiraling down an internet rabbit hole about lentils at 11 p.m., I would’ve laughed—probably while biting into a pepperoni pizza. But here we are. I’m a (mostly) plant-based eater now, and I’ve never felt better—digestively, mentally, or grocery-budget-wise.

Now before you roll your eyes and scroll past another kale-hugging wellness story, hear me out. I’m not here to shame anyone. I still love the smell of bacon, I still panic when tofu looks suspiciously jiggly, and yes, I still order fries as a side “salad.” But going plant-based isn’t about perfection—it’s about adding more good stuff to your plate. And I found that a few smart Amazon buys made it a whole lot easier (and tastier).

Let me walk you through what changed my life—and my pantry.

🥣 Breakfast: Oats, But Make It Not Boring

I used to skip breakfast or grab a granola bar that was basically a candy bar in disguise. Now, I’m an overnight oats girlie. It’s filling, cheap, and takes 2 minutes the night before. My secret? A good mason jar and some fun toppings.

Product Plug #1Ball Mason Jars with Lids (12-pack)

Perfect for meal-prepping oats, smoothies, or that one time I tried to make chia pudding and accidentally made cement.

Product Plug #2Anthony’s Organic Chia Seeds

These things are fiber bombs. Just one spoonful and your gut will text you “thank you.”

Product Plug #3PB2 Powdered Peanut Butter

Same peanut butter flavor, less fat, mixes perfectly into oats, and no judgment if you lick the spoon.

And look—I’m not out here pretending oatmeal tastes like pancakes. But with a scoop of cinnamon and a few frozen blueberries, it hits the cozy breakfast spot just right.

🥗 Lunch: From “Sad Salad” to “Dang, That’s Good”

Once upon a time, salads made me sad. Limp lettuce, dry carrots, and that weird tomato that tastes like nothing. Now? I bulk up my salads like a gym bro bulks up protein shakes.

My rule is simple: greens + grains + crunch + creamy + spicy = flavor explosion.

Product Plug #4Lundberg Organic Brown Rice

I batch cook a pot of this every Sunday. It’s nutty, chewy, and makes salads feel more like a meal than a punishment.

Product Plug #5Beina Foods Roasted Chickpeas Snack

Crunchy, salty, and actually satisfying. I throw these on top of everything like they’re sprinkles for adults.

Product Plug #6Primal Kitchen Vegan Ranch Dressing

Look, I love ranch. I grew up in the Midwest. This one is dairy-free, but still rich and creamy—aka the unicorn of vegan dressings.

Also, pro tip: buy pre-washed salad greens even if they cost more. Convenience will win every time over good intentions and a slimy bag of spinach sitting in your fridge.

🌮 Dinner: One-Pot Wonders and Lazy Magic

I used to think plant-based meals meant endless chopping and complicated spices. But the truth? Some of my best dinners happen in one pan with three ingredients and zero shame.

Enter my holy grail: the “Everything Bowl.” It’s like a stir-fry and a grain bowl had a baby and sprinkled it with tahini.

Product Plug #7365 Organic Mixed Vegetables (Frozen)

Frozen veggies save lives (and my energy). These are already chopped and ready to go straight into a skillet.

Product Plug #8Westbrae Natural Organic Lentils (Canned)

Lentils are my protein MVP. Canned = zero soak time and instant comfort food.

Product Plug #9Soom Premium Tahini

This tahini is smooth like butter. Drizzle it with lemon, garlic, and a pinch of salt—boom, sauce made.

I usually just sauté the veggies, toss in lentils and leftover rice, and drown it in that lemon-tahini magic. Ten minutes, tops. No stress. And it somehow feels fancier than takeout.

🍫 Snacks: Because We’re Not Saints

I snack like a toddler. I need crunch. I need chocolate. And I need snacks that don’t make me feel like I just ate packing peanuts.

Product Plug #10: Lenny & Larry’s Complete Cookies

Soft, huge, plant-based, and kind of make you feel like you’re cheating when you’re not.

Product Plug #11Hu Vegan Chocolate Bar

If you need a treat that won’t wreck your stomach or your vibe—this one’s the classy kind of indulgence.

I keep these snacks in my purse, car, and nightstand. Because being plant-based doesn’t mean being joyless.

💊 Supplements: Not Sexy, But Necessary

Let’s be real—if you’re not eating animal products regularly, you probably need to supplement. No shame in that game.

Product Plug #12MaryRuth’s Vegan Vitamin B12 Drops

B12 is essential. This one tastes like berries and makes me feel like I’m taking a tiny wellness shot.

Product Plug #13DEVA Vegan Omega-3 DHA-EPA

Because your brain deserves love too. No fishy burps—just clean algae oil.

🌿 Final Thoughts: Plants Are My People Now

Going plant-based didn’t happen overnight. It was more like… “Meatless Monday,” then “Tofu Thursday,” then “Oops, I accidentally went vegan for a week.” And honestly? I like it.

I sleep better. I poop better (sorry, but facts). I save money. And my skin? Glowing, babe.

So no, you don’t need to throw out all your cheese or write love letters to lentils. Just start small. Stock your kitchen with a few staples. Try one new plant-based recipe a week. Keep snacks on deck. And when in doubt, drizzle tahini on it.

Your gut, your heart, and your Amazon cart will thank you.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases, but this does not affect my recommendations.I only suggest products I’ve personally vetted.

One response to “Plants Over Panic”

  1. I’m transitioning too and loving it. I definitely feel much better and lighter.

    Liked by 1 person

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