Plant Smart Essentials

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These are the tools, products, books, and essentials I personally use and recommend to make plant-based living simple, healthy, and enjoyable.

These are the core tools I use every day to make plant-based cooking fast, simple, and enjoyable.

Vitamix 5200 Blender

A powerful, reliable blender that can handle everything from smoothies and sauces to soups and nut butters. If you’re starting a plant-based lifestyle, this is the one tool that makes meal prep dramatically easier. Its an amazing blender and nothing survives in this thing. Gotta have one.

A great budget-friendly blender that delivers excellent power for smoothies, frozen fruit, and everyday plant-based meals. If you want performance without the premium price, this is the best option for most people. We have one at the cottage and works really well.

Ninja Air Fryer

Perfect for crispy tofu, roasted vegetables, oil-free fries, and quick plant-based meals. This air fryer heats evenly, cooks fast, and is one of the easiest ways to add more variety and texture to your plant-based cooking. My daughter gave me this a s present because she loved hers so much that she thought that I had to have one.

These are the tools I use every week to prep ingredients, store meals, and make plant-based eating faster and more convenient.

Durable, microwave-safe, and perfect for storing batch-cooked meals, lunches, and leftovers. These containers help keep plant-based meals fresh and make meal prep simple and organized. Really, I try never to leave my food in a plastic container as I try and limit my micro plastic exposure. These work great.

These are the plant-based proteins and supplements I use regularly. They’re affordable, clean, and make it easier to stay fueled and support an active, healthy lifestyle.

A smooth, great-tasting plant-based protein with clean ingredients and solid nutrition. I use Vega regularly because it mixes well, works in smoothies, and is one of the best value options on Amazon.

A simple, clean, single-ingredient protein option that’s great for smoothies, baking, and daily nutrition. Pea protein is one of the most affordable plant-based proteins and mixes surprisingly well with fruits or almond milk. Its a bit chalky but packs a powerful punch and great addition to your daily protein intake.

A simple, research-backed supplement that supports muscle strength, recovery, and overall performance. Creatine is vegan-friendly, affordable, and one of the most effective additions to a plant-based fitness routine.

A quick and easy way to boost daily nutrients, greens powders help fill in the gaps on busy days. They mix well in smoothies and offer a convenient source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Books & Learning Essentials

These are the books and resources that have helped shape my plant-based journey. Each one offers practical tips, recipes, and insights to support a healthier lifestyle.

The How Not to Die Cookbook

A fantastic collection of plant-based recipes focused on whole foods, simple ingredients, and long-term health. This cookbook is beginner-friendly and packed with practical meals that fit perfectly into a sustainable plant-smart lifestyle.

Fiber Fueled

A science-backed guide to improving gut health through plant-based eating. Easy to understand, practical, and full of recipes, Fiber Fueled is one of the best books for anyone looking to boost digestion, energy, and overall well-being.

Simple, high-nutrition essentials and plant-based snacks that I use regularly. These make healthy eating easier, affordable, and convenient.

A powerful plant-based staple packed with fiber, omega-3s, and minerals. I use chia seeds in smoothies, oatmeal, baking, and even as a thickener for sauces. Affordable, versatile, and a must-have in any plant-smart pantry.

A top-selling vegan snack that’s high in protein, full of flavor, and perfect for on-the-go. The teriyaki variety is especially popular and makes a great plant-based alternative to traditional jerky.

Nutritional Yeast

A plant-based staple that adds a cheesy, savory flavor to pastas, salads, popcorn, and sauces. It’s packed with B-vitamins and protein, making it a nutritious and delicious addition to your daily meals.

A crunchy, addictive vegan snack made from chickpeas. Hippeas are gluten-free, light, and packed with plant-based flavor. A great healthier alternative to chips and one of the most popular vegan snacks on Amazon.