Recipe for the Planet

As we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day, many people use the day to do community clean-ups, spring cleaning household items or clothing to donate to neighbourhood organizations, or think about their own impacts on the earth by re-assessing their food choices and think about turning Vegan or Vegetarian to lessen the impact livestock-based farms may have on the environment.

Vegan vs Vegetarian

The core difference between these two dietary choices are simple. Vegans do not eat animal products, while vegetarians don’t eat animal meat/flesh, but may eat products that come from them (such as dairy and eggs) - although some semi-vegetarians may eat fish or seafood. People typically choose these diets because of health concerns, religious restrictions or moral concerns about harming animals and the environment.

Health Benefits of Plant-Based Diet

Whether you are choosing to become a Vegan or Vegetarian, or simply want to add more vegetables to your current diet, there are many health benefits of a plant-based meal.

According to the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, here are just a few of the powerful benefits of a plant-based diet:

· It supports your immune system

· Plant foods reduce inflammation

· A plant-based diet helps maintain a healthy weight

· Plants are high in fiber

There are a number of websites, cookbooks, and YouTube videos to help you add more plant-based meals into your diet. It can be as simple as making sure you have a vegetable at every meal or ensure that half your plate is loaded with vegetables! These small changes can have a big impact on your overall health and well-being.

Vegan Cauliflower Tacos

Here is a delicious plant-based meal by Minimalist Baker that you can try right away!

Baked Cauliflower

· 2 small heads cauliflower (chopped into bite-sized pieces // smaller pieces roast more quickly!)

· 2-4 Tbsp avocado or coconut oil (if avoiding oil, omit or sub with water)

· 3 tsp ground cumin

· 2 tsp chili powder

· 2 tsp smoked paprika

· 1 tsp sea salt

Sauce

· 4 cloves garlic (skin on)

· 1/4 cup raw almonds

· 1 15-ounce can fire-roasted tomatoes (drained)

· 2 cloves raw garlic (peeled)

· 2 Tbsp olive oil (or sub water)

· 1 medium lime, juiced (~3 Tbsp or 45 ml as original recipe is written)

· 1/4 tsp smoked paprika

· 1/2 tsp cumin

· 1/4 tsp sea salt (plus more to taste)

· 1 Tbsp maple syrup (plus more to taste)

· 1-2 whole chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (more for spicier sauce)

For Serving

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