Monday, March 26, 2018

Minory dietary tweeks: Healthy AND budget friendly!

So, I guess I'm a vegan now! I actually prefer plant based, simply because I don't want to get wrapped up in the politics/ethics side of the whole sordid affair simply because I don't think that eating animals or animal products is unethical. I think many of our current factory farming techniques are unethical from an animal treatment and environmental standpoint, but I also think there are ethical choices for those that can afford them.

I also can't be considered 100% vegan because I still enjoy local honey or may taste a bit of fancy cheese when the opportunity presents itself! Eggs are a go as well, if I happen to be in a place where they raise their own chickens/ducks. I also can't promise I will be seafood free when fresh catches are available on the coast. But overall, I have gone plant based as has the family.

The result?

Less spending and easier meal prep! This is less stress on me, the primary cook, because there isn't really any involved cooking required to have a healthy vegan diet.

Our dinners now tend to be highly diverse salads featuring a ton of veggies, tofu, tempeh, or legumes. Or, we have grain bowls featuring quinoa, rice, barley and the above veggies and proteins. Wraps are also a popular choice. All that's needed is to chop a few things, throw them on a silpat mat, and roast it all for a half hour or so before filling a bowl or tortilla.

Sauces add variety, but they are still inexpensive. Vegan cheeses have come a long way, and a small amount goes very far flavor-wise.

I don't think everyone is cut out for this kind of diet, but I do think everyone can cut down on meat and dairy. Those two things have some of the largest environmental impact as well as the largest grocery budget impact.