Vegan & Plant-Based Recipes
The trend toward eating meat-free more often
Meatless mondays. Cauliflower rice. Plant-based snacks. Have you noticed the trend?
Research suggests about 80 percent of Americans are actively trying to eat more plant-based foods.
Over ten years ago Journalist Michael Pollan summarized years of nutritional research in the pithy statement, "Eat food, not too much, mostly plants." That sentiment has been part of a larger movement away from highly processed food-like-products, guiding us to absolutely celebrate the plants on our plates.
What’s the difference?
According to the most recent Gallup polls, approximately 3 percent of Americans currently identify as vegan and 5 percent as vegetarian. More people are moving toward plant-based diets today, so we wanted to clarify some terms. .
Veganism
Vegans do not eat any animal, animal products, or food products derived from animals, such as eggs, dairy, bone broth, or gelatin. Reasons for eating vegan often stem from ethical concerns about the humane treatment of animals as well as environmental and health concerns.
Vegetarianism
As you may know, vegetarians do not eat animal meat. But eggs, dairy, and fish may or may not be included in their diet. Reasons for adopting a vegetarian diet are similar to those given for a vegan diet in that they may be driven by a quest for better health, ethical objections to eating animals, or concerns about environmental sustainability and the carbon footprint, among others.
Plant-Based
Plant-based diets are exactly that -- mainly plants, with some exceptions. People following plant-based diets or eating plant-based products may eat meat. However, many are cautious about their meat sources and may limit intake of meat overall. The idea of plant-based eating is to get as close to the farm as possible.
What does that mean in practice? There is a wide spectrum of what plant-based eating entails. Some vegetarians eat a lot of macaroni and cheese, while others are generally eating a variety of fresh vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.
Wherever you stand, the good news is that you can start where you are and look for ways to optimize the approach that feels best for you at the moment. You can explore ways daily to make your meals just a little bit more nutritious than the day before. Over time, you’ll find an increasing sense of vitality from what you eat.
Why does it matter? Well, contrary to popular belief, the body is not a machine. Our bodies work naturally and organically, through a system of collaborative reactions and systems. Food may be an energy source, but we respect it as much more than that. In many ways, we see food as a sacred path toward good health and vitality.
A few benefits of eating a Plant-Based Diet
From a health perspective, there are many benefits of a truly plant-based diet. These include enhancing immunity, reducing inflammation, maintaining a healthy weight, and helping to prevent many types of disease.
Enhance immunity. Plants are packed with vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals, and antioxidants. This helps your immune system regulate itself to fight off infections.
Reduce inflammation. Plants can help you resolve chronic inflammation caused by pollution, processed food, bacteria, viruses. The antioxidants in plants help neutralize toxins from free radicals in the body.
Stabilize weight. While highly processed foods and fatty meats can add pounds, focusing on a plant-based diet helps you to find your natural healthy body weight. Plant foods are full of water and fiber that typically curb overeating.
Avert disease. Eating mostly plants has been show to reduce risk of cancer, heart disease, stroke, diabetes and even certain mental health problems.
So now that you know what it is, and why to do it, let’s look at how.
Our favorite plant-based and vegan recipes
Have we mentioned that we love food? While we’re a supplement company, all of our products are made of whole, natural foods and designed to be eaten with whole, natural foods--nutritious and delicious.
Breakfast Choices
If you’re ready for a breakfast that will absorb toxins and flush them from your system, Chia Seed Matcha Pudding is a gorgeous option. It’s tasty and functional.
Try our Kasvi Matcha Latte for an extra boost in the morning caffeine free. (It’s also a great answer to fight off the 3pm slump later in the day).
Snack Options
In search of plant-based savory snack fare? You can’t beat the Fennel and Farrow Bowl with Coconut Cashew Hummus. We love to mix arugula with hummus.
Jonesing for a sweeter treat? Try whipping up a batch of these Chocolate Chip Kasvi Protein Balls.
Smoothie Inspirations
If you’re looking to detox, this Green Detox Smoothie has all the good stuff.
Our nutrient-dense berry flavored Avocado and Berry Smoothie is an equally fab option.
Entree Ideas
The Kasvi Synergy Burger features black beans, beets, walnuts, mushrooms, and a zesty mix of spices in its burger patty. We love how well it cooks on the griddle and dresses up nicely with avocado and traditional burger toppings.
Our Raw Cauliflower and Walnut Tacos are your best bet for feeling great about your Taco Tuesday.
Looking for something warm and hearty? The Vegan Peruvian Sweet Potato Stew could be just what you’re craving.
And more!
That’s just the start. For some cocktail inspiration or more of our latest recipes here. Be sure to send us your favorites.
Our favorite books on plant-based and vegan diets
Plant-Based Diets
In Defense of Food, Michael Pollan
Vegan Diets
Eating Animals, by Jonathan Safran Foer
Have you been eating vegan, vegetarian, or plant-based? Send us your favorite books and recipes that help you enjoy plant based foods in your meals. We’d also enjoy knowing how you use Almeda products in harmony with your food. We’d love to hear from you! Drop us a line anytime.