From ktalnews.com
SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) —As interest in healthier eating continues to grow, nutrition experts say transitioning to a plant-based lifestyle may be more approachable than many people think. From concerns about cost to the belief that vegan food lacks flavour, advocates say many common stigmas surrounding plant-based eating are often misunderstood.
According to research from Harvard Medical School, diets centred around fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and legumes have been linked to lower risks of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers when compared with diets high in red and processed meats. Researchers also note that plant-forward diets rich in whole foods provide fibre, healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals that support overall health.
Despite those benefits, many people remain hesitant to try plant-based eating because they believe it is expensive or difficult to maintain. Linda J. Montgomery, a vegan culinary nutritionist and founder of Teal Garden Nutrition, says her own journey into veganism began out of necessity while she was a college student on a tight budget.
Montgomery studied nutrition at Texas Woman’s University and says her education helped shape her view of food and wellness. While living on a limited college budget, she found that fresh produce from discount grocery stores was often more affordable than buying large portions of meat. Over time, she began experimenting with plant-based meals and realized the transition could be both practical and flavourful.
“People think vegan food isn’t good or that it’s bland, but that’s not the case,” Montgomery said. “It’s really about learning how to build flavour.”
With training in culinary arts, baking, and pastry arts, Montgomery says she enjoys adapting traditional recipes to make them plant-based without sacrificing taste. For example, she substitutes vegetable broth for meat-based broths, relies on aromatics like garlic, onions, and bell peppers for flavour, and swaps ingredients like bananas, tofu, or plant-based alternatives for eggs or dairy.
Nutrition experts say the shift toward plant-based eating doesn’t necessarily mean eliminating meat entirely. In fact, many health professionals encourage a gradual approach. Harvard Health notes that transitioning can begin by incorporating more plant proteins, vegetables, and whole grains into meals while gradually reducing animal products.
Montgomery echoes that approach, emphasizing that healthier eating often starts with small changes.
“It’s not about taking everything away from your plate,” she said. “It’s about inviting more whole foods in, more fruits, vegetables, and nutrient-rich foods that help nourish the body.”
She also believes early exposure to diverse, nutritious foods can play a key role in shaping healthier habits for children. Introducing plant-based options alongside familiar meals can help expand young palates and normalize healthier choices.
As conversations about nutrition, chronic disease, and food access continue nationwide, advocates say plant-based eating doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing lifestyle. Instead, experts suggest it can simply mean putting more plants on the plate and discovering that healthy food can still be satisfying, flavourful, and accessible.
All facts in this report were gathered by journalists employed by KTAL. Artificial intelligence tools were used to reformat information into a news article for our website. This report was edited and fact-checked by KTAL staff before being published.
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