Growing up a meal wasn’t considered complete unless there was meat on the table. The meat main with a small side of veg was and still is the norm in many Australian households.
But that is slowly shifting as we’re becoming more aware of the impact of eating a meat-heavy diet has on our planet, and our health.
According to one recent study, if every person in wealthy nations like Australia cut our meat consumption by 25 percent, it would reduce annual greenhouse gas emissions by 1 percent.
That might not sound like a lot, but if we all start eating fewer meals with meat each week, we can have a huge impact on our collective health and the health of the planet.
What we eat matters
Eating meat comes with an enormous environmental footprint, with food systems responsible for an estimated 34% of global emissions. Emissions from meat production are largely due to land clearing, including deforestation, to create more pasture and grow feed for livestock.
When it comes to the health of the planet, Adopting a plant-based diet can reduce:
- Food-based greenhouse gas emissions by at least 30%
- Wildlife loss by up to 46%
- Agricultural land use by at least 41%
- Premature deaths by at least 20%
The food we eat is a personal choice, but it needs to be an informed personal choice. Eating a more plant-based diet is one of the biggest ways we have a positive impact.
The only downside is the difficulty of transitioning to a vegan/vego or plant-based diet, is that it can sometimes be difficult. Whether you want to go completely vegan or just cut back on meat and dairy, here are some easy ways to help you start eating more plant-based.
1. Start small
Try going meat-free for one meal a day. Breakfast is a great place to start, it’s a fairly easy swap. Then move up to one whole day a week and commit to cutting out meat for that entire day. From there you can grow to cut out meat for two whole days, then three days. As you get the hang of cooking more plant-based meals, you will find over time it will become a habit and you’ll fall into a rhythm and find what works for you.
2. Make it a Side
If you can’t commit to eliminating meat for a full meal, reduce your portion sizes. It’s such a common thing to make meat the main event, while your veggies are just the sides. Start rethinking that. If you’re used to a plate that’s half meat, start aiming for a quarter or even a third meat, with larger portions of vegetables, grains, and legumes.
3. Meal delivery
One of the biggest challenges with any dietary changes is time for meal planning and shopping. Chefgood creates healthy, and delicious vegan and vegetarian meals made by chefs and nutritionists delivered right to your home. Made in small batches, Chefgood uses fresh, locally sourced ingredients to create their meals, with no synthetics, additives or fillers.
And with new choices weekly, you’ll never get bored of eating plant-based!
Choose your meal plan and select meals from the weekly changing menu, place your order by our Wednesday 11:30 PM cut off to start receiving meals over the weekends. Delivery comes from Saturday to Tuesday, and your order will arrive in a chilled box with ice packs, keeping your food fresh for hours outside.
Every time you open your fridge, you’ll have a selection of delicious plant-based meals to enjoy! You can also freeze the meals to extend the shelf life. Start ordering your Chefgood meals here.
4. Learn to substitute
Make a list of your favourite meals and, rather than planning your meal around the meat source, switch your focus to the veggies. Search for plant swaps for your favourite meals – jackfruit casserole, black bean burritos, lentil shepherd’s pie – Pick a plant that inspires you and then search for a great recipe – you’ll be surprised at how many options are out there.
5. Find inspiration
Follow vegetarian and vegan creators and groups on social media to help with meal ideas and inspiration. A few of my favourites:
- Thriving on Plants – Loads of delicious recipes inspo for breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Pick Up Limes – Sadia create beautifully colourful vegan recipes with swaps for all your favourites
- Lucy & Lentils – Shares simple recipes that great for beginners
- Simon Hill – Is an excellent resource to learn more about plant-based nutrition