These days there is a lot of talk about veganism and vegetarianism. However, it can be difficult to eliminate certain food groups completely from your diet. Plant Power Day is the ideal solution for anyone trying to add more leaves to their diet and shift towards a more plant-rich diet. This day is all about prioritizing plants-based foods.

Even though there is a recent rise in vegan diets, plant-powered eating has been around for thousands and years. This is both for ethical and practical reasons. The Buddha and Pythagoras, a Greek philosopher, were early advocates of vegetarianism.

Over the last two decades, the plant-based industry really took off. Vegetarian and vegan restaurants have sprung up all over the country and supermarkets are adding lots of plant-based products and ‘free-from’ sections to their product lines. The US market for plant-based food grew by more than 30% in 2018-19. This is eight times greater than the overall growth rate of the food industry.

Alpro, a European company that specializes in plant-based products and in partnership with BOSH!, launched Plant Power Day in 2018. It is a day that encourages people to eat more vegetables, and other plant-based food as part of their daily diet.

This doesn’t mean you have to stop eating animal products, but it is about making plants your mainstay and looking at plant-based alternatives first, whether for the day or the long term. Trade out milk for orange juice, hamburgers for eggplant, ice cream for sorbet! These choices will not only be healthier for you but also make it easier to eat healthy.

People tend to place plant-powered consumption first for health, ethics, and the environment.

Tofu, lentils and legumes as well as nuts, fruits and veggies are all plant-based foods. Dietetic organizations like the American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and British Dietetic Association have deemed them healthy for every stage of life. It is important to plan well, as only relying on plants could increase the risk of developing certain deficiencies like iron or Vitamin B12. It is possible to obtain all the nutrients you need through a well-managed, plant-powered diet.

People often focus on the ethical implications associated with going plant-based. This helps reduce animal exploitation and promotes the use of factory farming. You also have many environmental benefits, including reduced water consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, and less land use. Plant powered products can also be used to increase global food production by releasing land that was previously used for livestock feed.

Be careful when selecting plant-rich foods. This is especially important if you aren’t concerned about your health, but rather on making a positive impact on the environment and animals. It is important to research the origins of your food and how it got there. It doesn’t do any good to transport your food halfway around the globe from farms that have destroyed animal habitats and eradicated rainforests.

Plant Power Day can be celebrated by having a whole set of plant-based meals. It’s also important to research where the plants you will be using were grown. This will allow you to have a healthier dinner and also ensure that it is good for the environment.

Swap and substitute is a great way to start plant-based eating. You can swap out any animal-derived ingredients in your favorite recipe for plant-based ones by simply choosing one. Are you a fan of chicken curry? Instead, give seitan, tempeh and tofu a try. Are you a big fan of baking? You can substitute eggs with baking powder, flaxseed, or aquafaba (chickpea liquid) instead. Are you dependent on your morning cup of coffee? You can swap out regular dairy milk for oat, almond, or soy milk.

You can also find many vegetarian and vegan recipes, books, and cooking channels that will allow you to try something new. You could even make your favorite meal a ‘planquet,’ as Alpro did back when the site was first launched. What is a planquet, you ask? A planquet is a banquet that features all types of plant-powered products. To get everyone involved in Plant Power Day, you can share these spreads with your family, friends, and colleagues.

Even if you don’t have the skills to cook, there will be plant-based dishes on the menu of your local restaurant. There are also nearby establishments that specialize in plant-powered dining. Street food markets and fairs are great places to find delicious products that have been made by experts.

Every little bit counts when it comes to planting power. Every little bit counts. Get your friends and family involved in Plant Power Day to make a difference for a better future.