Following a vegan diet not only reduces a person’s impact on the environment, but it is also associated with a range of health benefits, which is no surprise given the rising trend of plant-based foods.
“With over 100,000 internet searches per month for ‘vegan recipes’ and ‘vegetarian recipes’, it’s clear there is a high demand for plant-based meals,” says Chef Fred Scarpulla, Chief Culinary Officer at Amy’s Kitchen, an organic and vegetarian food company.
A recent national survey commissioned by Amy’s Kitchen and conducted by Atomik Research reveals that 52% of Americans are curious about veganism, with men being even more inquisitive, as nearly 3 in 5 express interest in eliminating animal products.
Each individual may have their own unique reasons, but the survey revealed that the most common motivators for Americans to buy or eat plant-based foods were health (55%), the desire to protect the environment (34%), and the preferred taste of plant-based ingredients (28%). No matter why you are considering a vegan lifestyle, adopting it in practice is not always easy. In fact, 72% of parents in households with dietary restrictions say that finding prepared foods that meet their family’s needs is very or extremely challenging.
“Reducing meat consumption and incorporating more plant-based foods into your diet doesn’t have to be complicated or restrictive,” says Chef Fred.
Whether you are transitioning to a vegan diet, incorporating Meatless Mondays into your routine, or simply curious about meatless cooking, Chef Fred offers the following tips to help you get started:
• Don’t restrict yourself: While going vegan may seem like it’s about eliminating foods, it’s actually an opportunity to explore new flavors and ingredients you may not have tried before, and to delight in vegan-friendly cuisines from around the world, such as Indian and Thai food. Plus, these days, vegan alternatives for various favorite comfort foods, like enchiladas, pizza, and even mac and cheese, are abundant.
• Keep it simple: As you build your repertoire of favorite vegan meals, take a mental inventory of your family’s favorite dishes. Many of them may already be vegan, or can be made vegan with a few adjustments. Additionally, check online resources that offer vegan meal plans, which can help ensure your overall diet is balanced, satisfying, and delicious.
• Look for shortcuts: Creating meals from scratch isn’t always possible for busy families. In fact, 56% of Americans want shortcuts for plant-based meals. Fortunately, there is a growing number of convenient vegan meal options available. Amy’s Kitchen, for example, was founded on the principle that everyone should be able to enjoy a delicious and convenient meal, even those with dietary restrictions, which is why they don’t use meat, peanuts, fish, shellfish, or eggs in any of their recipes, and offer gluten-free and kosher options.
The brand, which works with farmers who use organic and regenerative farming practices to reduce their impact on the planet, has an expanding vegan menu that includes snacks, breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, making it easier to ensure your diet aligns with your values and your desire to eat healthily.
• Be creative: To reduce prep time, follow recipes that start with already prepared vegan foods. Visit amys.com/eating-well/recipes for access to Amy’s Kitchen’s library of healthy vegan recipes.
“Whether you’re opting to go fully vegan or simply wanting to incorporate more plants into your diet, count on solutions that make it easy, convenient, and delicious,” says Chef Fred.
Source: StatePoint