How to eat less meat
We’ve heard it for years - we need to eat less meat. For the health of our bodies and our planet, this one action can make a massive impact. You don’t have to become a vegan overnight, but that’s what I did.
Here’s how I did it.
Step one: Don’t buy meat or dairy
Seriously, this is the first step. Seems obvious, but the day after I decided to become vegan I went to the store and…didn’t buy any meat or dairy. Instead, I bought beans, a package of tofu, coconut yogurt instead of dairy, and non-dairy milk. Without the temptation of a wheel of brie in the fridge or chicken breasts to fall back on, I started to explore new recipes and discovered you don’t have to eat endless salads and carrot sticks to be vegan (unless that’s your jam - then go for it!)
Step two: Eat delicious food
There are so many resources now to help you eat delicious food without the meat and dairy many of us are conditioned to cook with. I’ve included some of my favorite recipes and resources below, but there are so many cookbooks, Instagram accounts, and food blogs to help you find what you love.
After a few months of playing around with vegan recipes, I realized that I could sub in certain non-animal products to make my favorite meat or dairy based dishes vegan. I found that figuring out what plant-based ingredients are going to work well in a recipe is a great way to unlock my creativity and have fun in the kitchen. But don’t worry, if you hate cooking there are now plenty of meal prep companies and other resources to help you out.
Some of my go-to substitutions:
Butter: Use vegan butter or olive oil
Cream-based sauces: Blend beans, olive oil, and spices to replace cream-based sauces
Cheese: Blend cashews with various spices, peppers, and even potatoes to make creamy cheese-like sauces and dips
Step three: Make it work for you
A lot of people have one or two beloved foods that prevent them from adopting a plant-based diet. For some it’s cheese, for others it’s a rack of ribs from a favorite bbq spot.
Here’s a secret: you can make this a lifestyle that works for you. If that means you have a rack of ribs a few times a year or enjoy a cheese plate when you’re at a winery - GO FOR IT!
For me, it’s baked goods. I’ll eat a croissant from my favorite bakery and feel no shame while enjoying those buttery layers. I don’t have one every day, but by not denying myself that occasional flaky pastry, I am free to enjoy my favorite parts of being a vegan and not resent my choice for keeping me away from tasty pastries.
Try it out.
You don’t have to become vegan. Try incorporating a few plant-based meals a week and see how it feels!
Tasty recipes to try
Favorite Cookbooks:
