Adopting a vegan diet not only reduces a person’s impact on the environment but is also associated with a range of health benefits, which is no surprise given that the plant-based food movement is on the rise.
“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 indicated that the top motivators for Americans to buy or consume plant-based foods were health (55%), the desire to protect the environment (34%), and a preference for plant-based ingredients (28%). Regardless of the reason you are considering a vegan lifestyle, adopting it is not always easy. In fact, 72% of parents in households with dietary restrictions say that finding ready-made foods that meet the 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 indulge in vegan-friendly cuisines from around the world, like Indian and Thai food. Plus, nowadays, there are plenty of vegan alternatives for various favorite comfort foods, such as enchiladas, pizza, and even mac and cheese.
• 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 adapted to be vegan with a few tweaks. Additionally, check out online resources that offer vegan meal plans, which can help ensure your overall diet is balanced, satisfying, and delicious.
• Look for shortcuts: Preparing meals from scratch isn’t always possible for busy families. In fact, 56% of Americans want shortcuts to 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 do not 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, making it easier to align your diet with your values and desire to eat healthily.
• Be creative: To reduce prep work, follow recipes that start with ready-made vegan foods. Visit amys.com/eating-well/recipes to access 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, rely on solutions that make it easy, convenient, and delicious,” says Chef Fred.
Source: StatePoint