Nichole Dandrea-Russert, MS, RDN

Have you been curious about plant-based eating but unsure where to start? Or perhaps you have successfully made some plant-based meals, but haven’t yet ventured beyond what you know. In this How to Cook series article, we review our top ten tips (plus a bonus tip!) to getting started — or progressing — in a plant-based kitchen.

Feeling festive this St. Patrick’s Day? Get your greens going from the inside out! Explore traditional St. Patrick’s Day foods and how to make them greener and more plant-based. And get seven tasty, vegan Irish food recipes that are sure to nourish and impress!

Buckwheat’s earthy and nutty flavor makes it a great addition to both sweet and savory dishes. A nutritious, affordable, and versatile food, buckwheat can be used as a gluten-free substitute for commonly used whole grains or as a way to add diversity to your whole foods, plant-based diet. In this article, we share why buckwheat is a true superstar in the plant kingdom and how to use it to create seven delicious plant-based recipes.

Feeling uninspired in the kitchen? Just about any plant-based recipe, new or tried-and-true, can be easily taken to the next level by adding a tasty and wholesome homemade sauce. Below we share some tips and tricks for crafting homemade sauce recipes that will inject inspiration and plenty of flavor whenever you need it. Plus, we’ll leave you with 7 of our favorite homemade sauces to add to your sauce recipe repertoire.

Many of the phytochemicals that give whole, plant-based foods their natural pigment offer heart-healthy antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that foster good health and boundless vitality. Red foods, in particular, have been found to support heart health. In this article, we share seven of the heart-healthiest red foods to include in your diet, along with a variety of recipes to ensure you get plenty of this passionate color that will leave you feeling radiant from the inside out!

Whether your appetite has you yearning for savory or sweet, toast can surely satisfy. A versatile and nutritious food enjoyed by millions across the globe, toast works morning, noon, or night since bread goes well with a wide array of whole food, plant-based ingredients. Yet, with so many types from which to choose, differentiating between the most and least nutritious is essential. Gluten-free? You’ve still got options! In this article, we’ll provide our top tips for creating tempting, whole food plant-based toast, along with seven tasty toast recipes that you can enjoy any time of day.

Beans are one of those foods that you either love or loathe. If you’re in the latter camp it’s probably because you had an experience where you tried to love them, but they didn’t love you back. In this article, we will make our best attempt to show you that beans are a food to love due to their nutritional value, culinary versatility, and economic benefit. And, of course, we will also discuss the various ways of preparing beans so that they love you back by being kind to your belly.

When you’re hungry and want something yummy to eat, bitter foods probably don’t spring to mind. With so many sweet, salty, and savory foods to enjoy, why would you opt for bitter? We’re about to share some reasons bitter may be better (and how you’re most likely already consuming some delicious and healthy bitter food and beverages!). With the plethora of nutritious fruits, veggies, and other plants that can be categorized as bitter, you’re sure to find at least a few you enjoy. And, if the thought of bitterness makes you cringe, we have a few suggestions for you! We’ll share helpful tips on balancing bitter flavors and share seven bitter foods recipes to win over even the pickiest eaters!

Edible mushrooms are one of nature's most versatile, diverse, and health-promoting foods. Their unique umami flavor and meaty texture make them a delicious addition to many plant-based dishes and the perfect meat substitute. You can prepare mushrooms in a variety of ways to satisfy your craving for satiating and savory plant-based meals. And, if you don’t love the flavor or texture of mushrooms, we have tips on how you can still receive their health benefits without eating them whole. Plus, you’ll get seven scrumptious mushroom recipes that are bound to bring more fungi into your life.

Winter is the season when many of us crave hearty, dense meals to provide our bodies (and spirits) with warmth and comfort. Instead of relying on animal products to satisfy your appetite for a hearty meal, choose local or seasonal produce such as squash and root vegetables. When paired with whole grains and legumes (both excellent sources of fiber and protein), they make for nourishing meals that can be enjoyed at family gatherings or as leftovers to satisfy and nourish you throughout the week. This article will give you helpful tips for creating healthy, whole food plant-based winter dinners, along with seven recipes to keep you cozy and cared for all winter long.

While food writers and chefs have snubbed the humble casserole for years, ordinary folks rely on it for easy and inexpensive dinners, potluck offerings, and crowd-pleasing comfort food. In this article, we explore the history, benefits, and drawbacks of traditional casserole recipes, and share seven healthy, plant-based versions of this ultimate “down-home” dish.

Food has a far-reaching impact on our well-being, extending beyond our physical health to our emotional state. Certain foods can trigger nostalgic memories and provide soul-fulfilling warmth and comfort. Unfortunately, many of these foods are often loaded with sodium, refined sugars, unhealthy fats, and animal products that cause harm to our health, leaving us feeling anything but comforted. So, is it possible to enjoy the same flavors and textures you know and love, while also supporting your physical and emotional health? In this article we’ll explore why that answer is, “Yes!” Plus, you’ll get seven plant-based comfort meal recipes that will wrap you in warmth and love!