Cutting back on animal products in your diet is one simple step that can have a huge environmental impact.
A recent report from Greenpeace Brazil attributed 80% of the amazon’s deforestation to cattle production. Cincinnati is even encouraging residents to eat less meat to help combat climate change! Switching to a vegan or vegetarian diet is a tremendous way to help reduce your impact on the planet. If cutting out animal products all together seems a little extreme for you, even just reducing the amount of animal products in your diet can make a difference. Here are ten delicious ways to eat lower on the food chain!
- Cook up some chili. This amazing Golden Acorn Squash Chili from Coconut & Lime is so delicious you’ll never miss the meat!
- For an easy crock pot meal, try this slow cooker seitan from Vegan Planet. Seitan is a meat substitute made from wheat gluten.
- Tempeh, another meat substitute, is made from soy and grains. These tempeh sloppy joes are a great kid-friendly dish.
- Have a taco night! Put out bowls of refried beans, diced tomatoes, olives, cilantro, lettuce, and guacamole with hard or soft tortillas for a fun, interactive meal!
- If you’re craving pasta, Kittee’s stuffed shells are sure to hit the spot!
- Try these tasty black bean patties to quell that burger craving.
- For a spicy fix, check out this awesome jambalaya recipe from The Vegan Mouse.
- If rich, comfort food is what you’re after, try my recipe for Mac and Pea.
- Feeling snacky? Eat Drink Better has a fantastic roundup of easy vegan snack foods!
- A simple tofu stir fry is a great, easy weeknight meal option.
Like any change, you want to do things gradually. Maybe start out replacing one or two meals a week with veggie alternatives and go from there. Good luck, and happy cooking!
[Creative Commons photo by Ian Mynard]
