Want to try a plant-based meal but not sure where to start? Browse through the Eco Eats app and download what catches your eye.
What is a plant-based diet?
A plant-based diet is, as the name suggests, a diet that comprises plant-based food. The diet would be heavy on fruits and vegetables. One can get all the necessary nutrients, minerals, and fibers from plant-based food. However, plant-based foods usually lack calories and proteins. To make up for the deficiencies, plant-based diets would comprise a small amount of skinless poultry, lean meat, and low-fat dairy products.
Plant-based diets lower your risk of any kind of chronic disease like cancer, heart disease, blood sugar, or blood pressure. Even though plant-based diets provide more or less all the necessary nutrients that you need, it might be a good idea to take vitamin supplements by consulting your doctor to make sure you do not miss out on anything.
How to adopt a plant-based diet in your daily life?
If you are wondering how to proportionally divide your meal, you may find the ‘plate model’ as suggested by HealthLinkBC useful. All you need to do is divide your plate into three sections for every meal. Half of your plate should contain green vegetables. The other half of your plate should be divided into two sections, one containing meat and meat alternatives and the section containing food grains.
Some of the popular plant-based recipes in B. C.
Achari Veg- This is your typical chicken soup but replaces bits of chicken with loads of vegetables. You may also add your favorites in an extra amount and you will get a delightful and filling soup.
Creamy Pasta- On a cozy weekend, you can your favorite pasta with an extra helping of veggies. You may add 2 to 3 cups of mushrooms or broccoli to add to the taste of your pasta.
Corn Chowder- With a few cups of vegetable stock and frozen corn, you can prepare a simple and delicious dish of corn chowder. It is easy to prepare and will keep your stomach full for at least a few hours.
Thai Green Curry Pasta- if you want to try something new, you may try a fusion of this Thai- Italian recipe. You can prepare a green curry paste on your own or buy it from a store. Add that fusion to your pasta recipe and you have a delicious, unique vegan meal to jazz up your weekend.
Tofu “beef” sandwich- For this recipe, you can stick to your regular recipe. Just make sure you use a plant-based ground beef substitute in your recipe.
Other than these recipes, you can try implementing plant-based diets by switching to meat alternatives and supplements if you can afford to do so. If you cannot go all the way in, you can try by bringing small changes to your diet. If you drink milk with your cereals in breakfast or your tea/ coffee, try to switch to plant-based milk. You can also start buying beans. Try to eat lots of fruits and salads. In a healthy plant-based diet, one must try to focus on fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains for each of their meals.
A growing interest in plant-based in British Columbia
In recent years British Columbia has displayed a remarkable shift towards plant-based diets in comparison to other provinces. The Insights West study conducted on food and diet trends shows that25 percent of the population of British Columbia has tried a plant-based diet compared to an average of 18 percent of the national population.
Why should you switch to a plant-based diet?
There is no argument one can provide as to why one should not embrace a plant-based diet if one can afford to do so. Plant-based diets are cruelty-free and help to reduce harmful gases emission by the meat industry. They are also low in calories and will, therefore, help you maintain a healthy and fit lifestyle.
So, if you can afford a plant-based diet, then embrace it with open hands and try out these new recipes from your favorite vegan restaurants.
Want to try a plant-based meal but not sure where to start? Browse through the Eco Eats app and download what catches your eye.