Although these changes are small, if everyone adopted them they would have a dramatic impact on the demand for animal products. These tips are all easy to adopt and I have done each one. My boyfriend is a big guy (6'2, 260lbs) and was hesitant about reducing how much meat we eat. Well let me tell you, he does not notice the difference. Plus, eating more vegan meals has encouraged me to be a more creative cook. I have him eating vegetables now, and liking it!
1. Use the Vegan Option When There is One
Many products come in several varieties, and there is often a vegan
version. For example, buy vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. This is a pretty simple switch and you will not notice the difference in
your recipe.
When it comes to dairy products, the non-dairy market is exploding.
I see new products every time I go grocery shopping. There are tons of
vegan products you can use instead of dairy. An easy one to try is Earth
Balance spread instead of butter. In fact, many margarines are
“accidentally vegan.” I’ve found Earth Balance tastes and bakes like
real butter, whereas margarines can vary.
You can also switch to soy or almond milk instead of using cow’s
milk. My favorite is Almond Breeze sweetened vanilla, I love it on
cereal or in coffee. Unsweetened rice and soy milk work better for
savory recipes. There are also a bunch of other non-dairy milks out
there, like coconut or hemp milk.
2. Meatless Mondays
Try cutting out meat for one day a week. If you think about it, you probably like a lot of meatless meals already. Any pasta
lovers out there? Just combine your favorite shape, sauce, and
vegetables and you’re done! (More recipes if you keep reading to #5).
7 people that do Meatless Mondays have the same impact as one
vegetarian. By cutting out meat once a week, you can make a difference
without giving up your favorite foods.
3. Eat Less Meat
When you eat meat, eat less of it. Many recipes call for a pound of chicken or ground beef. Try using a half a pound. In most recipes, you won’t notice a difference. And besides benefiting animals, you’ll also save money.
4. Switch to Humanely Raised
There are farms that treat their animals well, and farms that don't. Unfortunately, most meat today comes from factory farms. To make sure you're buying meat from humane farms, there are three third party certifications to look for: Global Animal Partnership (GAP), Certified Humane, and Animal Welfare Approved (AWA). GAP certified products are available at Whole Foods. You can search the Certified Humane and AWA websites for where to find their products near you.
To find humanely raised options when you eat at restaurants, there's an app for that! The Humane Eating Project app finds nearby restaurants offering humanely raised, vegan, and vegetarian options. It will be available in March, 2014.
5. Look for Veganized Versions of Your Favorite Recipes
Thanks to the internet, it’s incredibly easy to find and share new
recipes. Someone has probably made a vegan version of your favorite
food. Just google: “vegan [your favorite dish].” Here are some examples
for Mexican food, lasagna, burgers, Mediterranean food, fried rice, and potstickers.
This is especially easy for baking. There are many alternatives to eggs
for baking. Plus you won’t have to worry about whether or not the eggs
have gone bad! You can make any baking recipe vegan by substituting with
Earth Balance and egg replacer. Some recipes are already vegan so you
don’t need to change anything. Here are some great vegan recipes for brownies, fudge, muffins, cinnamon rolls, pancakes, croissants, and even peanut butter cups!
And of course, I will be posting vegan recipes here! I will also post reviews of vegan products.