This past year, I decided to switch up my diet to include more natural, plant-based meals. After watching documentaries on Netflix like "Vegucated," "What the Health," and reading "Thug Kitchen," a book that basically verbally abuses you into a healthier diet (in a good way of course) I knew I needed to make some lifestyle changes. 

Switching to a plant-based diet feels like a great thing to do for my body. Not only is it a great way to incorporate more veggies into my everyday routine, but it’s also better for the environment. With this change comes a lot of sacrifices, including several recipes and meals I would usually eat. I was lost as to what I would make for regular meals (a girl can only eat so many salads, am I right?), so I picked up some #BlackGirlBossUp cookbooks for some healthy snack ideas as well as some inspiration for this new lifestyle change.

If you are looking for some #vegetarianinspiration to help you get started on this journey, check out my top four cookbooks that should really be on your shelves ATM.

1. Sistah Vegan: Black Female Vegans Speak on Food, Identity, Health, and Society

Photo: Amazon

This cookbook is full of vegetarian recipes from a diverse community of North American black-identified vegans. Every recipe is relatively easy to make, and are for meals that I would want to eat on a regular basis. I feel like this is an excellent option for beginners, people who have type-2 diabetes, hypertension, high blood pressure, or anyone just wanting to begin living a healthier, plant-based lifestyle.

2. Smith & Daughters: A Cookbook (That Happens To Be Vegan)

Photo: Amazon

Have you ever heard the saying that all plant-based books are boring? Well not with this cookbook. Shannon Martinez and Mo Wyse from the famous restaurant, Smith & Daughters, have a recipe book packed full of vegetarian recipes that are abundant in small dishes, salads, sweets, dressings, and drinks, which I am immediately drawn to of course. 

I feel like sometimes it’s an easy way out to give up animal products and instead just eat french fries. That's why I knew I had to get this read to help diversify it up in the kitchen.

3. Ageless Vegan: The Secret to Living a Long and Healthy Plant-based Life

Ageless Vegan: The Secret to Living a Long and Healthy Plant-Based Life by [McQuirter, Tracye]

Photo: Amazon

This isn't another one of those cookbooks that is filled with a bunch of fancy recipes that I’m never going to make. This book is all about “feeling ageless,” and breaking down the basics of veganism in the kitchen and giving that pantry a vegetable overload. It includes recipes like Thai Coconut Curry Soup, Cajun Quinoa with Okra and Tomato, Vegetable Pot Pie, Citrusy Dandelion Greens Salad, and Perfect Pecan Pie, to name a few. 

4. By Any Greens Necessary: A Revolutionary Guide for Black Women Who Want to Eat Great, Get Healthy, Lose Weight, and Look Phat!

By Any Greens Necessary: A Revolutionary Guide for Black Women Who Want to Eat Great, Get Healthy, Lose Weight, and Look Phat by [McQuirter, Tracye Lynn]

Photo: Amazon

Not only is this cookbook gorgeous, but with more than forty delicious and nutritious recipes, the inspiration to get me into the kitchen is endless. 

5. A Southern Girl's Guide to Plant-Based Eating: Recipes from the Vegan Soul That Won't Make You Broke

A Southern Girl's Guide to Plant-Based Eating: Recipes from the Vegan Soul that Won't Make You Broke by [Hill, Cametria]

Photo: Amazon

My final cookbook recommendation is a little more on the cost-effective side. While it does include a bunch of yummy recipes, it focuses on how you can enjoy a vegan lifestyle without breaking the bank. If you are looking for some Southern soul-infused, plant-based cooking, this book embodies just that.

What are some plant-based cookbooks you recommend?


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