When Zeta Rhodes went vegan, the hardest part wasn’t giving up cheese or finding alternatives to old favorites—it was standing in the grocery store with no idea where to begin. “I thought I needed exotic ingredients and a big budget,” she says. “I felt overwhelmed before I even started.”
But instead of quitting, she decided to simplify. Zeta went back to basics and created her own beginner-friendly grocery list—one that focused on familiar, nourishing staples instead of trendy substitutes.
She bought oats, canned beans, brown rice, fresh produce, nut butter, and a few key spices. “I started with what I already knew how to cook,” she explains. “Then I built from there.”
The more she shopped and cooked, the more confident she became. Her meals were simple: bean stews, roasted veggies, grain bowls—but they were satisfying. Affordable. Repeatable.
What surprised her most wasn’t how much she saved, but how good she felt—physically and mentally. “I didn’t need perfection. I needed a plan that worked for me.”
Now, Zeta shares her story with others starting out. Her message? You don’t need to overhaul your kitchen overnight. You just need a list that makes it easier to begin.
