4 Ways Going Vegan Can Save You Time

The vegan diet has steadily increased in popularity over the years. Some people are drawn to the lifestyle because of the health benefits, such as a reduced risk of chronic diseases. For others, this decision is based on ethics, sustainability, or the environment.

What you might not have known is that veganism can also be a practical diet that makes grocery shopping, meal preparation, and cooking more convenient. Here's a closer look at how adopting a vegan diet can save you time.

Simple Grocery Shopping

Gathering ingredients can take up quite a bit of time when you have to decide which items are healthiest and which brands are both inexpensive and safe to buy. But because a vegan diet is rich in fresh foods like fruits and vegetables, you can simply shop the perimeter of the grocery store and bypass the meat, dairy, and processed foods sections.

Plus, you won't have to spend time looking at nutrition labels, scouring for information on added sugar, sodium content, and ingredients. You already know that the foods you're shopping for are healthy and will provide an adequate amount of vitamins and minerals.

No Meat Concerns

Raw meat can contain harmful bacteria such as E. coli or salmonella, so it's important to cook it thoroughly in order to avoid getting sick. A vegan diet, on the other hand, doesn't include meat, so you won't have to spend time slaving over a stove to be sure that your meals are safe to eat.

Quick, No-Cook Recipes

That brings us to another way eating vegan saves you time: many vegan recipes don't involve any cooking at all. Salads and smoothies, two classic vegan options, are particularly easy to prepare. All you need to do is blend the ingredients together.

Try a buckwheat salad by tossing together some mixed greens, buckwheat, tomatoes, onions, pumpkin seeds, and cranberries. Then top it off with rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, and black pepper. The whole meal takes no more than 15 minutes to make!

Alternatively, smoothies are a great option when you're rushing out the door. You can mix some fruit and protein powder for a nutrient-packed meal on the go. Check out this list of our favorite smoothie recipes to get you started. We're big fans of the refreshing Spirulina Smoothie recipe, which takes only two minutes to whip up. Bonus: you can freeze smoothies into an extra refreshing summer treat.

Easy Meal Storage

Preparing meals in advance is a huge time saver. You don't have to waste time deciding what to make, and when you're feeling hungry, you can grab something to eat right away. Vegan meal prep is especially efficient: chopped veggies take up little room in the fridge, and because many vegan recipes don't require any cooking, you won't have to heat up your meals later.

Want to prep meals, but not sure how to begin? Our handy guide will help you plan and prepare a week's worth of vegan meals.

Adopting a vegan diet can make your life more convenient. With a little planning, you can save time shopping and cooking, and spend it with friends and family instead.

Looking for some quick and healthy meal ideas? Browse our collection of vegan recipes.

Photos: Isidor Emanuel, leonie wise, freestocks.org