By Kylee Melo, RDN When people find out I eat a plant-based diet, one of the first questions I hear is: “But where do you get your protein?” It’s a fair question. We’ve been taught to associate protein with meat, eggs, and dairy, so when those foods are removed from the plate, it can feel like something important is missing. The good news? There are plenty of plant-based foods that provide protein. And no, you don’t have to eat tofu every day. From beans and lentils to tempeh

Why This Plant-Based Protein Is Worth Trying If you're looking for an easy way to add more plant-based protein to your meals, soy curls are one of my favorite ingredients to keep on hand. They're chewy, versatile, easy to season, and can be used in everything from sandwiches and soups to tacos, stir-fries, bowls, and salads. But what I especially like about soy curls is how simple they are. Unlike many meat alternatives with long ingredient lists, Butler Soy Curls are made wi

There’s something about fall that makes a warm bowl of creamy pasta sound especially good. This Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta has everything I want in a cozy fall dinner: a silky sauce, roasted garlic, savory herbs, a touch of sweetness from the squash, and plenty of comfort without needing heavy cream or cheese. The secret to making the sauce extra creamy and satisfying? Cannellini beans. They blend right into the roasted butternut squash and give the sauce a wonderf

If fall could fit into a bowl, I think it would look a lot like this. Roasted sweet potatoes, fluffy quinoa, hearty chickpeas, crisp apples, greens, dried cranberries, and crunchy pumpkin seeds all come together with a creamy maple-tahini dressing. It’s colorful, satisfying, and packed with the flavors I start craving as soon as the weather cools down. But what I really love about this bowl is that it doesn’t just look nourishing. It’s built around whole and minimally process

There’s something about fall that naturally changes the way we eat. Crisp salads start sharing the table with warm soups, roasted vegetables, baked apples, hearty grains, and comforting bowls. And that shift can actually be a wonderful opportunity to add more nutrient-dense plant foods to your diet. Fall produce is full of color, flavor, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and protective plant compounds. Even better, many seasonal foods are simple and affordable. You don’t need specia

Fresh, crunchy, colorful, and loaded with flavor, this Chopped Asian Salad is the kind of salad you’ll actually look forward to eating. Crisp green and red cabbage, shredded carrots, protein-rich edamame, green onions, cilantro, and toasted nuts are tossed with a simple homemade sesame ginger dressing. It’s light and refreshing but still satisfying enough for lunch or dinner. The best part? Everything can be chopped ahead of time, making this an easy option for meal prep, wor

Tired of the same old dinner recipes? Want to spice up your meals without sacrificing health or your values? Look no further! Today, we’re unveiling the ultimate oil-free vegan meatloaf recipe that is not just healthy but also deliciously satisfying. Say goodbye to traditional and hello to trendy, all while sticking to your plant-based lifestyle. This meatloaf is packed with flavor, loaded with nutrients, and completely oil-free! Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just explor

Apple crisp for breakfast? Absolutely. There’s something especially comforting about warm apples and cinnamon on a cool fall morning. This Healthy Apple Crisp takes those familiar fall flavors and turns them into a breakfast you can feel good about serving on an ordinary weekday. Instead of building the topping around butter, white flour, and lots of refined sugar, this version starts with rolled oats, walnuts, cinnamon, and just enough pure maple syrup to bring everything to

Sweet Corn Tamale Cakes are a delightful dish that brings together the rich flavors of corn and spices, making them a perfect choice for a plant-based meal. Inspired by the famous Cheesecake Factory recipe, these tamale cakes are not only delicious but also easy to prepare at home. In this blog post, we will explore how to make these scrumptious cakes, along with accompanying salsas and sauces that elevate the dish to new heights. The Allure of Sweet Corn Tamale Cakes Sweet C

Prep Time: 20 minutes Bake Time:40–50 minutes Total Time:1 hour 10 minutes Yield: 9 servings Despite its name, coffee cake doesn't actually contain coffee. Traditionally, it's a tender, crumb-topped cake served alongside a warm beverage. This homemade Vegan Pistachio Coffee Cake is perfect with a rich roasted chicory drink, a soothing cup of herbal tea, or your favorite plant-based latte. Made entirely from scratch, this recipe celebrates the naturally sweet, buttery flavor o

There’s something deeply comforting about a pot of slow-cooked maple baked beans gently simmering away in the kitchen. The aroma alone — warm maple, sweet molasses, tender onions — feels like home. This plant-based version honors the rich, traditional flavor profile of classic maple baked beans while keeping everything wholesome, hearty, and entirely powered by plants. Perfect for weekend brunch, meal prep, potlucks, or a cozy dinner alongside crusty bread, these beans are th

Eating enough protein on a plant-based diet can feel challenging, especially without relying on powders or snacks. Yet, it's entirely possible to enjoy a full day of meals that are both simple to prepare and packed with protein. This post shares a complete day's worth of meals that add up to more than 100 grams of protein, using whole foods you can find at almost any grocery store. These meals are healthy, satisfying, and designed for anyone looking to boost their protein int

Cookbooks | Recipes | About Fresh Eating Made Simple Unlock a simpler, healthier version of yourself this July with expert-backed plant-based nutrition. Designed by Registered Dietitian Kylee, our Simply Fresh collection brings accessible wellness to your kitchen table. Designed for Your Well-being 75+ Easy Recipes Dietitian Tips Ailment Index Simply Fresh Cookbook $24.99 The ultimate physical guide to plant-based health with nutrient analysis for every dish. Simply Fresh eBo

Broccoli cheese soup is a classic comfort food, but traditional recipes often rely on dairy and oil, which can be heavy and less suitable for those following a plant-based or oil-free diet. This recipe offers a creamy, flavorful alternative that uses wholesome plant-based ingredients without any added oil. It’s perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a warm, satisfying soup that supports health and wellness. Ingredients: 4 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped 1 medium onion, dice

If you've ever finished dinner feeling overly full or found yourself snacking all evening because your meal didn't keep you satisfied, you're not alone. The secret isn't necessarily eating less. It's eating smarter. A light dinner that's rich in protein and fiber can help you stay full, support muscle recovery, and leave you feeling energized instead of sluggish before bed. One of the biggest myths about plant-based eating is that it's difficult to get enough protein. In real

Eating a plant-based lunch that is both nutritious and satisfying can be a challenge, especially when aiming for specific nutritional goals like 25 grams of protein, 15 grams of fiber, and about 500 calories. Many people assume that plant-based meals lack sufficient protein or fiber, but with the right ingredients and recipe, you can enjoy a balanced, flavorful lunch that meets these targets. This post will guide you through a delicious, easy-to-make plant-based lunch recipe

Starting your day with a breakfast that fuels your body and satisfies your taste buds can be a challenge, especially if you follow a plant-based diet and want to keep your protein intake high. This High-Protein Plant-Based Overnight Oats recipe offers a simple, delicious, and nutritious solution. It combines creamy textures, natural sweetness, and a powerful protein punch to keep you energized and full throughout the morning. Why Choose High-Protein Plant-Based Overnight Oats

If you've ever tried making vegan chocolate chip cookies, you've probably experienced one of two disappointments: The cookies spread into thin pancakes, or they turn out dry and cakey. After years of baking, testing, and tweaking ingredients, I became determined to create a vegan chocolate chip cookie that could compete with any bakery cookie, vegan or not. Not just a "good vegan cookie." A truly great cookie. The result is a thick, chewy, bakery-style chocolate chip cookie w

Enchiladas are a crowd-pleaser in many homes, delighting families with their warm flavors and adaptability. This plant-based version not only ticks the taste box but also delivers impressive nutrition. With a scrumptious homemade enchilada sauce and a medley of fiber-rich ingredients, these enchiladas offer a healthy meal option that doesn't compromise on taste. In this post, we will highlight the health benefits of each ingredient, the crucial role of fiber in our diets, and

Choosing a plant-based lifestyle can feel overwhelming at first, especially when it comes to making food choices that are both nutritious and satisfying. Small, intentional swaps can make a big difference in improving your diet without sacrificing flavor or enjoyment. As a registered dietitian, I’ve seen how simple changes can support better health, reduce environmental impact, and make plant-based eating more accessible. This post will guide you through practical food swaps