It’s no secret that we should be eating less meat and dairy and be munching on more veggies instead. Not only to keep our bodies healthy and nourished but also from an environmental point of view, the impact that meat and dairy production has on the environment is becoming a catastrophic problem.
Meat and dairy production specifically accounts for around 14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, according to the UN’s Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO).
In order to make big changes, we must first start small, and choosing a mostly plant based diet is a great way to start!
But here’s the thing, with more and more plant-based food ‘alternatives’ being added to our grocery store shelves, are these try-hard ‘replicas’ leaving a bitter taste in our mouths (quite literally) and steering us away from persisting with developing a positive plant-based palette?
These days, you can get everything from ‘meat-free-meat’ to ‘bio cheese’. But is the science behind these faux imitations really steering us in the right direction when it comes to achieving the goal of having a more plant-based diet?
There are a few problems here.
Firstly, the production of these products is a combination of genomics, synthetic biology, and genetic modification… so if we’re really wanting to get back to basics and embrace the vegetable for what it really is, is this the right way to go about it?
And secondly, well… eating something that isn’t the ‘real deal’ often leaves us feeling disappointed and therefore possibly reluctant to persist with our plant-based progression.
Although countless attempts are made by food scientists to get the right textures, consistency, and taste as close to the real deal, we just aren’t quite there yet. If we want cheese, we want the sharp, bold, melty, oozy, creamy delicious taste and texture that we are used to – and well, in the plant-based world, for now… cheese is just one of those things that is super hard to imitate and that’s because we haven’t yet quite figured out how to replicate casein which is the protein that allows real cheese to spread and melt.
So, if you’ve been turned off by trying one or more of these ‘plant-based’ meat or dairy faux fusions, it’s time to get back to basics and embrace the vegetable for what it truly is!
Most of us from a young age have been taught that we need certain products to assist our bodies in ‘growing up to be big and strong’ like milk for calcium and meat protein for muscle development. But in actual fact, if we consume the right amounts of vegetables, nuts, oils, whole grains, legumes, and beans, we can get almost everything we need to grow and function properly.
Plant-forward eating doesn’t mean you are vegetarian or vegan (meaning you never eat meat or dairy), it’s more that you are focusing your diet towards eating more natural earth-grown foods.
Veggies don’t have to be boring – honest! And even if you were scarred for life as a kid being forced to eat your brussels sprouts, never fear because there are so many ways to add vibrancy and variety to your veggie dishes that will not only nurture your body but will also tantalise your tastebuds and have them doing the happy dance with every delicious bite.
Eat the rainbow
Eating a wide variety of fruits and veggies will not only keep things interesting when it comes to plant-based eating but will provide your body with a variety of amazing vitamins and minerals. Feeling sluggish and low on energy? Try adding more iron to your diet like leafy greens or broccoli! Feeling a bit average and fighting a cold? Try some vitamin C boosting foods such as guava or raw red capsicum! Eat the rainbow, your body will love you for it.
Ramp up your recipe repertoire:
Experiment with different cooking methods. Veggies don’t have to be boring and there are so many different ways to prepare them. You can mash, chop, boil, grill, fry, roast, woodsmoke, puree and so much more. The options are endless and experimenting with different cooking techniques will change up the flavours and textures and keep the boredom at bay.
Plan ahead: Pre ordering a fruit and veggie box is a great way to keep
accountable to your plant – forward lifestyle. No one wants to see their money wasted while watching their produce wither away. If pre-ordering isn’t your thing, make time on the weekends to head to your local fresh fruit and veg markets, take the time to select the produce you want and make that trip to the markets a new habit and weekend ritual! Remember, the best way to break a habit is by creating a new healthier one.
Boost the flavour & be ‘condiment curious’:
Herbs and spices are your new BFF’s when it comes to boosting flavours of your plant-based bowls of goodness. Stock up your pantry with herbs and spices and don’t forget, there are heaps of gorgeous condiments you can try that can add everything from extra crunch to to a hit of heat. Pine nuts, sesame seeds, dukka, shredded nori, chilli flakes and other exciting toppings can turn a dish from blah to brilliant with just one sprinkle!