In recent years, a new trend has taken the culinary world by storm – the rise of the "plant-curious." This term encapsulates a growing community of individuals who are intrigued by the idea of incorporating more plant-based foods into their diets. Whether driven by health consciousness, environmental concerns, or a desire to explore new foods and flavors, the plant-curious journey can feel unfamiliar at first, and we’re here to help with that. 

What exactly does it mean to be plant-curious? At its core, being plant-curious involves a genuine interest in exploring the diverse and nutrient-rich world of plant-based foods. It signifies an openness to incorporating more fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains into your daily meals.

Aside from the new world of mouthwatering plant-based food you’re going to try, embracing a more plant-based lifestyle also does come with a plethora of health benefits, from improved digestion and weight management to reduced risk of heart disease and certain cancers, making it not just delicious but pretty good for you too. 

As with all change comes a transition. Here are a few tips to make it as enjoyable as it is delicious:

• Start with meatless meals: Do a day of the week to just eating plant-based food! Or dial it down and just do meatless meals for the day, even snacks.
• Try out meat alternatives: There are plenty of meat alternatives on the market that help ease your taste and texture palette. Our Soy Free Tofu - which has 64g of protein per pack.
  Actionable tip: Tofu is one of the most versatile proteins, you can cook them in so many ways. Here's 30 Easy Tofu recipes you can whip up today
• Explore new vegetables: if you happen to be by the produce section in your local supermarket and spot a new interesting vegetable, do a quick Google search for recipes and you’ll be surprised as to how delicious most veggies can be in the right recipes.
  Actionable tip: Squash is in season, perfect to add to most of your holiday recipes, while purple sweet potatoes make a great starchy addition and are as easy as a quick roast or bake in the oven
• Swap out the dairy: When doing your next run, try out oat milk (we're fans of the oat milk by our friends at Earth's Own). You can also try a variety of plant-based cheeses
  Actionable tip: Even our tofu can be made into cheeses! You can make them into a feta cheese alt or a gournay (think Boursin) alt
• Blend in smoothies: We’re a huge fan of incorporating some greens into your smoothies, from leafy greens like Spinach to colorful berries, they give that much need flavor and nutrient boost while also changing up the way you consume veggies!
  Actionable tip: they're easier to make than you think! Here's 43 amazing smoothie recipes we've been making with the help of our friends at Minimalist Baker
• Stock up on legumes: One of the primary sources for plant-based proteins, they’re also a pretty cost-efficient source of protein and fiber when paired with grains like rice and quinoa.
  Actionable tip: cooking legumes can be daunting at first, so start off with canned chickpeas or beans and add them to your salads or tacos - they add that much needed texture + flavour!
• Practice mindful eating: Listen to your body's cues and opt for plant-based meals when you're craving lighter, more refreshing options, while incorporating animal-based foods when you feel the need for more satiating or protein-rich choices.
  Actionable tip: It's normal to feel hungry more frequently. Snack when you can! You can make your meals smaller but more frequent to keep you satiated throughout the day and make it as fiber and protein rich as you can - the main factors of feeling satiated.

At the end of the day, balance is still key. Include a wide variety of veggies with your meals and mix it up with more plant and animal-based foods (to your preference). This helps create a well-rounded, satisfying diet that you’ll personally enjoy in the long run.

Going plant-based isn't just a joy for your taste buds and your body, it pretty much is also doing the planet a bit more good too. Most plant-based foods generally take fewer resources to produce which in turn can reduce the overall carbon footprint while also encouraging the cultivation of a more diverse and local produce so each meal can be a small yet meaningful step towards building a more sustainable and eco-conscious food culture.

Whether you're just starting your plant-curious journey or you're already a seasoned veggie connoisseur, there's always something new and exciting to discover on your plate and remember to share your favorite recipes, swap foodie stories, and connect with fellow food enthusiasts who are just as stoked about this adventure as you are. After all, food is not just about what's on your plate; it's about the stories, the connections, and the joy of discovering new flavors and experiences.