Exactly one year ago to date, I vowed to follow a (mostly) vegetarian diet. I was partially motivated by ethics and religion but, mostly, just wanted to see if I could do it. I wasn’t too strict with it: My only guideline was that, as long as I was in charge of what I was eating, I would eat vegetarian. This meant that most — if not all — of my protein would be plant-based.
Plant-based eating and, more specifically, plant-based protein, has a reputation for being boring and bland. People often assume that plant-based eating only includes tofu and beans or no protein at all. Compared to the spectacle of a rare steak or a juicy burger, plant-based protein just doesn’t seem all that interesting or appealing. But after eating (mostly) vegetarian for a year, I am happy to report that plant-based proteins can be just as fun as animal-based ones.
With my year of vegetarianism coming to an end, I’ve compiled a list of all the tools I use to keep plant-based protein exciting. Whether you are looking to try veganism, vegetarianism, or simply eating more plants in 2025, I hope these ideas will help you evade the plant protein boredom. Without further ado, here are my five tips to keep plant-based protein interesting.
- Try eating different kinds of plant protein.
Plant-based protein tends to have less variety, but you cannot rely on tofu and beans for everything. Why not try out some other options? Legumes, wheat gluten, and textured vegetable protein are just a few. Meat alternatives like Beyond Beef and Impossible Meat are also great choices. When I started including all of these protein sources in my diet, I found enough variety to keep me excited for each new meal. I would have lentils at lunch, tofu at dinner, and wheat gluten the next day — each meal more delicious than the last!
- Prepare your proteins ahead of time.
This might seem like the antithesis of keeping things interesting. You might be thinking, “Oh god, another meal prep fanatic telling me to eat the same meal every day.” Look, I won’t lie — I do find meal prepping to be very helpful. However, I’ve found that it doesn’t have to be boring, especially if you are prepping in parts. That’s why I encourage you to try just cooking your proteins ahead of time. This way, you’ll not only save time but also have a variety of meal options. Think of it like this: if you pan-fry or marinate your tofu on Sunday, you have endless tofu-centered possibilities throughout the week. I like to throw it in everything, from stir-fries and soups to sandwiches and salads! The constant tofu won’t feel repetitive because you’re putting it in so many different dishes with different flavors. Even more, the time you save will give you the opportunity to experiment with more new recipes! This brings me to my next tip …
- New recipes are your friend.
As college students, it is easy to get stuck in a cycle of making the same foods on repeat. While delicious, eating only mac n’ cheese, pizza, and Japanese curry is not a sustainable diet. Add a plant-based diet into the equation, and you’ll be even more limited. That’s why I encourage you to cook plant-based recipes you’ve never made before. There are about a million of them on Instagram and even more on Google. Try making plant-based versions of your childhood favorites, or if you aren’t a fan of meat substitutes, search for dishes that are traditionally plant-based and try them out! Some recipes that I’ve tried this year include black bean enchiladas, drunken noodles, and tofu wonton soup, all of which tasted amazing. Whatever you decide to cook, new recipes are a great way to make your meals more interesting. Even better, if you’re like me, you might even develop a new hobby — cooking!
- Get creative in the kitchen.
When I came up with this list item, I was immediately reminded of @tanara.mallory on TikTok saying “Everybody’s so creative!” While I shudder to think about what she would say if she saw any of my experimental cooking, I do think that — when eating a plant-based diet — creativity is vital. Using plant proteins in nontraditional ways allows you to adapt some of your favorite animal-protein-based comfort foods or lead you to create something new altogether. A few months ago, I tried shredding tofu to put in tacos, and it ended up being so delicious that I made it again the following week! While some endeavors might feel like culinary sacrilege, the more you try things out, the more meal options you’ll have. Either way, it keeps the kitchen interesting.
- It isn’t that serious.
While protein is important, it isn’t more important than the other macronutrients, your mental well-being, or your quality of life. If you find yourself becoming obsessed with protein, dieting, or “healthy eating,” don’t be afraid to step back. It’s okay for some of your meals to have less protein than others. Even more, it’s okay for some meals to not have any protein at all — I’m looking at you, Annie’s boxed mac n’ cheese. Keeping your proteins interesting, whether they be plant-based or not, should be a joyful endeavor, not a stressful one.
I hope these tips make eating plant-based protein feel less boring and, beyond that, inspire you to get into the kitchen and cook. So, have fun, eat well, and find a new love for your veggie-filled life!
Disclaimer: This is not medical advice. Do not make any major dietary changes without consulting a healthcare professional.
