"Until he extends the circle of his compassion to all living things, man will not himself find peace." - Albert Schweitzer
It's World Vegetarian Day!
Initiated by the North American Vegetarian Society in 1977 and then endorsed by the International Vegetarian Union a year later, World Vegetarian Day was created "to promote the joy, compassion and life-enhancing possibilities of vegetarianism." [1] Today brings to light the environmental, economical, health, ethical, and compassionate benefits to a plant-based diet.
There are many, many reasons why going vegetarian is important.
- It reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, kidney stones, gallstones, obesity, high-cholesterol, cancer, diabetes, and osteoporosis
- It reduces exposure of animal-to-human disease transmissions and food-borne pathogens
- It takes over 10 pounds of plant protein are used to produce one pound of beef protein [2]
- It takes 2,500 gallons of water produces one pound of beef... 25 gallons of water produces one pound of wheat [3].
For more reasons on why becoming a veg rocks, check out this Vegetarian Times article!
Today I'm celebrating with ecoVegan. They create delicious and nutritious meat alternatives that promote compassion and environmental sustainability. And, best of all?, ecoVegan is certified vegan, cholesterol free, an excellent source for protein, and contain no artificial colors, preservatives, or GMOs. A perfect company to spend World Vegetarian Day with!
They offer loads of easy and inspired recipes on their site. I found one that suits both today and the season wonderfully - it uses fresh apple, which are in abundance this time of year. And if you're like me and have a CSA (or farm share), you probably have the other produce fresh and still available, too!
Orientals' Joy Salad
(Recipe courtesy of the ecoVegan website)
- 4 cups mixed greens, washed
- 2 tomatoes, sliced
- 1 apple, sliced
- 1/2 cup dried fruits (I used raisins)
- 1/2 cup toasted nuts (I used pistachios, almonds, and cashews)
- 1 pack ecoVegan Orientals' Joy
- 2 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
- 1/4 cup olive oil
Directions: Put your greens in a bowl and put aside. Add the tomatoes and apple. Toast your nuts in a sauce pan or toasted oven, then sprinkle them and your dried fruit into the salad bowl as well. Cook the Orientals' Joy, cut each nugget into smaller pieces, and add into salad bowl. To make salad dressing, whisk together the lemon juice, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Pour into salad bowl, toss lightly, then serve and enjoy!
Eat for the world. Eat for your health. Eat for the animals.
Happy World Vegetarian Day!
Disclaimer: The product(s) featured in this review were provided free of cost to me by the manufacturer. Opinions expressed are totally my own and are NOT in any way influenced by monetary compensation. Logo used with permission of company.
