What is Plant-Forward Eating?
A plant-forward diet focuses on increasing your plant-based food choices and eating animal products in smaller portions. This plan recommends moving vegetables, fruit, beans and legumes to the center of the plate and includes only small amounts of meat, fish or poultry. It doesn’t mean replacing meat with vegan junk food such as
french fries or “lab-made” meats. The idea is to move animal products from the center of the plate and eat more foods that come from the earth.
Why Focus on Plant-Forward, #REALFood?
There is a reason the plant-forward way of eating is becoming more popular and people are eating more nutrient dense vegetables, plant-based proteins and minimally processed whole grains. There is a heightened awareness of the research that indicates a plant-forward diet provides optimal levels of nutrition and that eating less meat and dairy can improve your health and the environment.
The case for eating more fruits and vegetables is undeniable. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), low fruit and vegetable intake can lead to some forms of cancer, heart disease and stroke.1 Plant-forward diets not only improve the health of humans, but research indicates plant-forward diets are also better for the planet.
Without going into detail, we can share, with confidence, that research indicates plant-forward diets may reduce greenhouse gas emissions and save water. For example, it takes 1,800 gallons of water to produce 1 pound of beef. For information about the environmental impact of beef production, read more here.
Tips for Eating a Plant-Forward Diet
- Start slow. Pick a few plant-based meals each week
- Switch to a plant-based breakfast
- Use almond, soy or coconut milk instead of dairy
- Plan ahead and shop for what you need
- Find a new cookbook or on-line recipe resource
- Cut down on meat and processed foods
- Increase your fruits and vegetables each day
- Add more dishes with beans
- Look on-line for fun and exciting plant-based recipes
- Use tofu instead of meat
- Include a handful of nuts each day
- Switch to plant-based snacks like vegetable and hummus or fruit and nut butter
At Thomas Cuisine, we believe the many benefits of a plant-forward diet are undeniable and unquestionably in the best interest of our guests. Which is why we are making available an even wider variety of highly delicious and nutritious fresh foods, and a broad selection of plant-forward cuisine
Why Switch to Plant-Forward Eating?
Jason Matthews is our Plant-Forward featured chef, the Thomas Cuisine recipes below were inspired by his changes toward Plant-Forward eating.
Health reasons made Jason move from a typical American diet of meat and potatoes to a vegetarian, clean-ingredient lifestyle three years ago. Jason admits to feeling stronger with more energy and focus, based on this change in diet. Wanting to shed a few pounds, Jason has pushed his diet even further and is now purely plant-based, which is vegan. Jason has lost over thirty pounds and is thoroughly enjoying his health journey and plant-based diet.
