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5 Common Mistakes People Make When Transitioning to a Whole Food Plant-Based Diet (and How to Avoid Them)

Switching to a whole food plant-based diet can be life-changing, but it’s not always easy. While a WFPB diet offers incredible benefits—from weight loss to improved health and energy—many people make common mistakes that hinder their progress.

Here are five mistakes I see often, along with tips on how to avoid them for a smooth, successful transition.

1. Not Getting Enough Nutrients

A common mistake is not eating a balanced variety of plant foods, which can lead to nutrient deficiencies, particularly in protein, iron, calcium, and B12. People often worry they won’t get enough protein, but the real problem is not diversifying their diet with nutrient-rich foods like legumes, nuts, seeds, and whole grains.

How to Avoid: Ensure your meals are diverse and packed with whole foods. Include beans, lentils, quinoa, tofu, leafy greens, and fortified plant-based products. As your health coach, I can create a personalized meal plan to ensure you’re meeting all your nutrient needs.

2. Relying on Processed Vegan Foods

With so many vegan junk foods available, it's easy to fall into the trap of relying on processed plant-based snacks and meals. While these are convenient, they’re often loaded with unhealthy fats, sugars, and additives, which can lead to weight gain and poor health outcomes.

How to Avoid: Focus on whole foods—fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes—rather than pre-packaged vegan options. I’ll guide you through simple and delicious WFPB meal ideas that satisfy your cravings without the unhealthy ingredients.

3. Not Eating Enough Calories

Plant-based foods are naturally less calorie-dense than animal products, meaning you need to eat a greater volume to meet your calorie needs. Many new plant-based eaters find themselves undereating, leading to low energy, hunger, and frustration.

How to Avoid: Make sure you’re eating enough by incorporating calorie-dense foods like avocados, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. As part of my coaching, I’ll help you track your intake and ensure you’re fueling your body properly without feeling deprived.

4. Failing to Plan Meals

One of the biggest obstacles to staying consistent on a WFPB diet is not having a plan. Without preparation, it’s easy to reach for convenience foods or fall back into old eating habits. Meal planning is key to long-term success.

How to Avoid: Plan your meals for the week, prep ingredients ahead of time, and have go-to recipes that are easy to make. I offer meal planning and prep strategies as part of my coaching program to help you stay on track.

5. Giving Up Too Soon

Adapting to a new way of eating takes time, and some people give up too soon due to initial struggles or cravings for old favorites. It’s common to hit obstacles in the early stages, but with the right support, these can be overcome.

How to Avoid: Don’t expect perfection overnight. A health coach can provide the accountability and support you need to stay motivated, even when the going gets tough. Together, we’ll create a plan that works for you and make adjustments along the way.