Dana Leigh Smith

2) Versatile soy-based proteins If youre used to having meat with all of your meals, training your brain to sub-in plant-based alternatives might take some time. But things that can be cooked in a similar way, like tempeh and tofu, will make the transition easier. Like animal protein, soy contains all nine essential amino acids that the body needs to support its protein tissues, Ditkoff says. Subsitute either one in place of an animal protein next time you make tacos or stir fries. You can even <a href="https://simpleveganblog.com/tempeh-bacon/" id="bb729031-49ba-3f42-a139-f3d02f74f3a2"> transform tempeh into vegan "bacon" </a> the options are truly endless. bhofack2 - Getty Images

3) Burger alternatives that actually taste good Once upon a time, veggie burgers tasted, well, a lot like veggiesand not in an appetizing way. Recently, though, faux burger brands like <a href="https://www.beyondmeat.com/products/" id="83caba3a-fc75-3263-a111-ad04cca81ef7"> Beyond Meat </a> and <a href="https://impossiblefoods.com/" id="291e3c65-c7db-3582-a47c-26284e627db4"> Impossible Foods </a> have raised the bar. Their new-and-improved products genuinely look and taste like the real thing. (They even gush red when you take a bite to mimic that medium-rare beef experience.) Consider these products must-haves if you want a quick and easy protein option, or you just really love a good burger. Steve Cohen - Getty Images

4) A variety of beans and lentils Not only are beans and lentils packed with protein, fiber, and an alphabet of vitamins, but they also make for versatile meal starters. Chickpeas are great mashed on a sandwich or as a spread or dip. And lentils make an excellent replacement for meat in a soup or chili, Ditkoff points out. Short on time? Ditkoff recommends stocking up on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Steamed-Lentils-9oz-3-packs/dp/B00QKXR0HM" id="107f6f1e-87db-33b6-a6d9-d4c45f2a0f3f"> pre-cooked lentils </a> to simplify meal prep. haoliang - Getty Images

5) A plant-based protein powder If you regularly make a post-workout smoothie or shake, swapping a whey-based powder for one made with a vegan source of protein (like pea or rice) is an easy way to dial back on your intake of animal products. When shopping for a vegan powder, look closely at the ingredient list. Youll want to avoid products with added sweeteners or artificial ingredients, such as colors or flavors, Ditkoff advises. For specific recommendations, check out <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/food/g17047056/best-vegan-protein-powders/" id="65ea5361-be13-3fb7-acf3-538a7a30c96b"> these nutritionist-approved picks </a> . magnez2 - Getty Images

6) A creamy yogurt alternative If you like to kick off your morning with a yogurt, youll def want to stock up on some plant-based alternatives. But before you pick up just any container, scan the nutrition label. Aim for something with 10 grams or less of added sugar per serving, Ditkoff says. If you notice that the yogurt is low in protein, which is often the case with coconut and nut-based varieties, I recommend adding in hemp or chia seeds to up the protein content. Riou - Getty Images

7) Protein-rich pastas Plain pasta doesnt typically contain meat or dairy. But if youre cutting back on meat, youll need to make sure youre getting protein in your diet from other sources. Bean-based pastas, which pack anywhere from 13 to 20 grams of the muscle-supporting nutrient per serving, make this super easy. They serve up a solid hit of the days recommended fiber intake, too. Try topping chickpea-based <a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/page/86CF145E-2038-423E-A447-E315F5B79B54?store_ref=SB_A003531120T366F8IWO3N&amp;pf_rd_p=9420597b-7dad-4cbd-a28d-7d676ac67378&amp;hsa_cr_id=4907614070201&amp;lp_slot=auto-sparkle-hsa-tetris&amp;lp_asins=B01N2GNCKD,B01MYMKYDO,B017VX31V8&amp;lp_mat_key=banza&amp;lp_query=banza&amp;sb-ci-n=shopNow" id="d88e39a0-f076-397f-ae5f-15fcefd998ea"> Banza pasta </a> with garlic, olive oil, and sauted veggies, or baking a casserole with <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Explore-Cuisine-Organic-Lentil-Lasagne/dp/B01H01C55E" id="34ce274a-0b68-3fd3-a4f6-b15e0025e47a"> Explore Cusines Green Lentil Lasagne </a> . Add a homemade <a href="https://www.thefullhelping.com/go-to-cashew-cheese-recipe/" id="d5bc5e73-eddd-3471-ae8a-042d5a0f3750"> cashew cheese </a> for added flavor and a creamy texture. Yulia Reznikov - Getty Images

8) Microwavable whole grains No time to boil water and cook a bean-based pasta? Try microwaveable, pre-cooked brown rice or quinoa. Not only are these options fast and easy to make, but theyre also on point from a nutrition POV, too. Like animal protein, quinoa is a complete source of protein that contains the nine essential amino acids, Ditkoff explains. Brown rice is also a good source of protein, whole grains, fiber, and magnesium, a nutrient that, along with a healthy diet, can <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17645588?dopt=Abstract" id="d9f4fd86-60c5-3300-ac74-3ed5340fe14e"> help ward off diabetes </a> . 4kodiak - Getty Images

9) Vegan ice cream thats better than the real thing If settling in for a night of TV with a scoop of really tasty ice cream is how you unwind, you don't have to ditch the habit. There are lots of dairy-free ice creams that are just as good as the kind made with cows milk. (Yes, seriously!) <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/food/g28121019/vegan-ice-cream/" id="e74ace81-b9db-39bf-a446-8bf0e6532b1e"> Here are 13 options </a> that wowed the Women's Health test-kitchen editors. Barcin - Getty Images

These Plant-Based Groceries Make Eating Less Meat And Dairy SO Much Easier

We asked six women to answer common questions about America's sex habits and contraception use. They rose to the challenge, and had some LOL moments along the way.

Check out the video to finally get the answers to some not-so-dumb questions that have def passed your mind a time or two before.

People Are Having Sex Less Often Than You'd Think

Not everyone is comfortable talking about their sex life-and that's totally okay-but you'd be hard-pressed to find someone who isn't at least a little bit curious about how their sex life compares to everyone else's.

Wait, The Average Person Has Sex HOW Often?!

Check out the video above to see how married couple (and Women's Health and Men's Health contributors) Clint and Kiera tweaked their daily routines to ensure that their relationship continues to feel fresh and exciting. Spoiler: One biggie for them is eating fewer brunches out so that they can save cash for special dates nights. Smart, right?

Worried you'd miss your weekend mimosa and avocado toast too much to follow their lead? To make a delicious home-cooked brunch without spending forever in the kitchen, pile delicious herbs and chopped veggies into a fluffy omelette or reach for something pre-made that still feels special, like a creamy <a href="https://www.chobani.com/products/less-sugar/" id="312f6fa3-2edd-375e-ac03-6d83abab17e8"> Chobani Less Sugar Yogurt Greek Yogurt </a> . (It has 50 percent less sugar than other yogurts*.) And if you want to make it a bit *extra* for the weekend, use it as a base for a parfait and top with almond butter, nuts, chia seeds, and fruit. Um, so YUM!

*Chobani Less Sugar Greek Yogurt: avg. 9 g sugar; other yogurts: avg. 18 g sugar per 5.3 oz serving.

4 Simple Ways This Couple Strengthened Their Bond

Whether you just started dating your significant other or have been together for years, it's always important to put effort into strengthening your bond. Even something as simple as spending more time together without your cell phones (the absolute worst third-wheel, tbh) can have a positive impact on your relationship.

4 Simple Ways This Couple Strengthened Their Relationship

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Dana Leigh Smith

Articles written by the author

These Plant-Based Groceries Make Eating Less Meat And Dairy SO Much Easier

Wait, The Average Person Has Sex HOW Often?!

4 Simple Ways This Couple Strengthened Their Relationship