There are various campaigns, started in different countries and by different groups, encouraging people to go plant-based for a short period of time, including at the start of a new year, beginning of summer etc. These are a great way to nudge our food choices in a new/different direction and/or to expand our horizons with things that we are already trying.
I don’t know of one that is specifically for the whole summer, so I’m going to put it out there here to get things started. Summer, especially in countries with colder winters, is a time when there is an abundance of local fruit and veggies, as well as almost endless opportunities for BBQs and other gatherings – all of which are great and should be enjoyed thoroughly!
At the same time, this is a great opportunity to switch to plant-based – either to go 100% or simply to increase from what where we are currently at. With June 1 around the corner, I am proposing a summer challenge, for June, July and August. Choose the level that suits you, where you are at, and where you want to head in the future.
Plant-Based Summer Challenge Options:
- 100% plant-based: enjoy an abundance of grains, legumes, nuts and seeds, fruits and veggies this summer.
- 100% vegetarian, with some dairy and eggs (perhaps reduced from current consumption)
- Flexible: Increase the plant-based foods that you are eating, in a combination that works for you for this challenge.
- For all three options, the end of the summer is an opportunity to assess next steps and see what excites you about moving forward, and what direction feels right for you.
NOTE: For health and environmental reasons, I advocate that, if animal products (meat, dairy, eggs) are being consumed, that they not be mainstream/processed/red meat, because of the added hormones and other factors.
Local, organic animal products can be more expensive than their mainstream counterparts. However, plant-based is the most cost effective of all, in many ways, in my experience. Many societies have made grains, legumes and veggies staples of their diet throughout history, and it is surprisingly easy to do the same thing now.
If you are picking up a coffee when you are out, many chains now offer almond or soy milk. Lots of restaurants and grocery stores have great plant-based options. It is getting easier every year to get plant-based options in a variety of places, and that is, in my opinion, a direct response to consumer demand. All that it takes to have mainstream meat etc reduced or eliminated from the market is to reduce the demand, and all that takes is for people to stop buying them and putting their dollars somewhere else.
Happy start of summer everyone! Let me know in the comments below if you are doing the challenge, and how it is going for you. 🙂
