10 ways to create a plant-powered menu
Because it’s more than just a trend.
Chances are we all have a friend who’s jumped on the plant-based bandwagon recently. And they’re not the only ones. Eating a diet rich with fruits, veggies, and products derived from plants (like olive oil and almond or oat milk) has gained some serious traction thanks to its many benefits. A plant-forward diet gives us plenty of protein and fibre, helps us stay full longer, and gives us more variety with tons of flavour!
3 fast facts
“Plant-forward” diets are linked to lower risk for chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers.
Plant-based proteins (meatless burgers, tofu, beans, nuts) are growing in popularity. In the U.S., sales grew 31% between 2017 and 2019.
While eating plant-based proteins doesn’t lead to more weight loss than choosing animal-based proteins, it does provide key nutrients we need more of—and adds delicious variety to our diets!
Try this technique
Build a meal, snack, or even dessert around plant-based ingredients. After you’re done, pay attention to how satisfied you are—and plan for your next plants!
Cozy up to chickpeas. Toss them in salads, roast them for a snack.
Swap black beans for oil in a brownie recipe. (You’ll never notice...promise!)
Lean on lentils. They might be small, but they’re filled with some serious nutrition—and they can turn soup into a hearty meal.
Mix mushrooms with lean ground beef in burgers and meatloaf. Extra flavour and fewer Points® is what we call a win-win.
Think of tofu as a blank canvas for tons of flavour. It soaks up marinades well and is ideal for adding to a stir fry.
Go veggie on pasta night by using red kidney beans instead of meat in a Bolognese sauce.
Sprinkle nuts and seeds on top of a fruit salad.
Similar to tofu, tempeh is made from soybeans. The big difference? Tempeh has an almost mushroom-like, nutty, and earthy taste. It pairs well in a BYO-bowl filled with your favourite toppings.
Rely on rice! Wild or brown varieties mix well with raw and cooked veggies.
Check out your local store for brands like Impossible Foods or Beyond Meat.