A Shift to Plant-Based Diets
On January 1st of this year, one individual signed up every 2.4 seconds to commit to eating only plant-based foods for 31 days.
The daily recommended amount of fruit and vegetables is only consumed by one in ten of us. The meat and dairy industries are responsible for over 15% of all greenhouse gas emissions. Plant-based diets are beneficial to both human health and the environment.
Here are a few simple yet efficient reasons that would move more people to shift to a more plant-based diet.
Hassle-Free Plant-Based Meals
In today‘s busy world, it‘s easy to get overwhelmed by the thought of preparing healthy meals every day. Plant–based meals can be a great way to make sure you‘re getting the nutrients you need without a lot of hassle. Here are some tips for creating hassle–free plant–based meals.
Make it a one-pot affair: Plant–based meals don‘t have to be complicated. Instead of spending time prepping and cooking multiple dishes, try to make a one–pot meal. This might mean throwing together a stir–fry, stew, or curry.
Prep ahead: Make the most of your time by prepping ingredients ahead of time. This could mean washing and chopping vegetables, cooking grains, or pre–cooking beans. Having pre–cooked ingredients will make it easier to throw together a meal quickly.
Stock up on staples: Keep your pantry stocked with essential plant–based ingredients like canned beans, canned tomatoes, grains, and nuts. This will ensure you always have something on hand to make a meal.
Climate Factors Influencing One’s Purchasing Power
The effects of climate change on our planet are becoming more and more apparent, with extreme weather events and rising temperatures leading to global concern. These changes are having a direct impact on the way we shop and eat, and the rise of plant–based diets is a direct result of the effects of climate change.
The price of produce is increasing, which in turn affects the purchasing power of consumers. It is becoming increasingly difficult for people to afford the meat and dairy products that have been staples in our diets for centuries. At the same time, the growing awareness of the environmental impact of animal agriculture is leading many people to choose plant–based diets to reduce their carbon footprint.
The combination of rising prices and the availability of more plant–based options is creating an incentive for consumers to switch to a plant–based diet. Studies have shown that when people are presented with more affordable plant–based options, they are more likely to choose them over animal products. This shift in consumer behavior is having a direct impact on the food industry.
Creative Flavours Involved in Plant-Based Diets
Plant-based diets are becoming increasingly popular due to their health benefits, environmental sustainability, and a wide variety of food options available. While many people may think of plant-based diets as being bland and boring, many creative flavors can be enjoyed.
Beans, peas, nuts, and grains all offer different flavor profiles, for you to experiment with different combinations. Try adding cooked lentils to a salad or sautéed chickpeas as a side dish. Common herbs and spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander offer a variety of flavors.
Out-Of-Home Options
h. While many of us are used to the traditional grocery store shopping experience, there are plenty of out–of–home options for those who don’t have the time or the inclination to make a trip to the store. From restaurants to meal delivery services and many grocery stores now offer a variety of pre–made vegan and vegetarian meals and snacks. These can be a great way to quickly grab a meal on the go, while still adhering to a plant–based diet.
Conclusion: Why Is This Shift Important?
For years, people have been switching to a healthier lifestyle by consuming fewer animal products and more plant–based meals. This shift is important for both physical and environmental reasons. Plant–based diets are proven to be beneficial for both health and the planet.
Animal agriculture is one of the leading causes of global warming and deforestation. Plant–based diets require less land, water, and energy than diets high in animal products. This means that, by eating more plants, we can reduce our environmental footprint and help protect the planet.
In addition to health and environmental benefits, plant–based meals can also be delicious and satisfying. There are so many delicious recipes out there that incorporate plant–based ingredients.
