Plant-Based Tigers

By: Emily Poole

Means the majority of your diet is made up of – you guessed it – plants! That includes vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts and legumes.

Whether you're trying to cut back on meat or go full vegan, plant-based meals can be just as tasty and satisfying as anything else.

. Tons of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, & fiber. . Lower blood pressure and cholesterol. . Reduced bloating. . More energy. . Better for the environment!

Plant-based eating on campus can be tricky, especially if you're limited to a meal plan. Luckily, there are more options than you think.

The Dining Halls at at LSU are surprisingly on top of their plant-based game. and always have at least two vegetarian or vegan options, and staff are friendly and happy to answer questions.

The Union will have more options, but the majority of vendors there aren't catering specifically to students looking for vegetarian and vegan options. Your best bets are the eateries that offer easily customizable meals and have a lot of variety.

Plant-based eating is simple with build-your-own restaurants like and ; both have tons of fresh veggies and other toppings so you can build a healthy meal that fits your taste. also has multiple options: veggie dogs, baked potatoes, sushi, soup and salads. Be sure to check for their meal specials.

My favorite place on campus is , inside Patrick F. Taylor Hall. Ordering via kiosk is easy, and you can filter for plant-based options. Plus, Panera’s Baja Mac ’n’ cheese is to die for.

To check menus ahead of time, visit

It provides daily menus for dining halls and on-campus vendors. Dining hall menus include breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Helpful icons label the vegetarian and vegan options.

Food allergies? Sign up for an account and create a downloadable allergen card with your allergies and emergency contact.

Baton Rouge is not the most vegetarian-friendly city, but with a little digging you can find places with the perfect dish for everyone. No matter where you go, don't be afraid to ask about vegetarian and vegan options.

might not be the first place that comes to mind for vegetarian food, but its vegetarian plate is filling and delicious. It comes with eggplant moussaka, a spinach pie, hummus, grape leaves and feta salad (which I sub out for rice pilaf). The drive-thru also makes it super convenient.

is perfect for a big group with differing opinions on toppings. All diners get a personal pizza made however they please. Plus, Lit Pizza has vegan cheese and sauce. For a fancier restaurant, is a great option in downtown Baton Rouge. Its menu includes gluten free, vegetarian and vegan options. It also has the best of both worlds with internationally inspired dishes and locally sourced ingredients.

On the other side of the price scale, some fast food is easy to make plant-based. is underrated because of its many substitution options. Replace any meat with beans or potatoes, and you've got the quickest vegetarian meal you can find.

When it comes to grocery stores, wherever you already go is probably fine. Meal prepping for the week gets you the most bang for your buck. Make sure to get foods with enough protein, iron and fiber. And try to stick to fresh fruits and veggies!