Plant Centric – it’s not a trend, it’s a vibe
For the month of January we were teaching everyone about our NEW P+ icon for our new Plant Centric concept!
What does Plant Centric mean?
A common misconception when hearing the word “plant-centric” is that these recipes are vegetarian or vegan, with no animal products. BUT that is not the case. These entrees are not vegetarian, they are not vegan, they do not skimp on flavor, and they do include animal-based products (2oz or less). Plant centric eating is a way to include a ton of variety in your meals, without restricting any foods.
The way we eat is a spectrum!
Plant-forward eating is a spectrum. Ranging from entirely plant based without any animal ingredients (vegan), to some animal-based products like dairy and eggs, but no meat, fish, or poultry (vegetarian), to having a meal with mostly plant-based foods like fruits, vegetables, legumes, and grains and some animal or seafood ingredients (plant-centric). At the end of the spectrum, meat and seafood ingredients become the accent item, while plants are highlighted as the main ingredients.
There is no right way to eat
There is no perfect or “right” way to eat, which is why this spectrum exists. It reminds us that like flavor, texture, and spice level, everyone enjoys different types of food, and all foods provide us with different health benefits. Plant-based products are extremely nutrient-dense providing us with a ton of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Animal-based products are protein packed and have nutrients like iron and vitamin B12, which are not as high in plant foods.
Plant Centric eating is also sustainable
Sustainability also comes into play here. Plant-based ingredients require significantly less water and carbon to produce compared to animal products. By featuring more plant-centric recipes, less animal products are used, leading to more sustainable menu options.
This is the future of food!
Plant-Centric eating is the future of food! Small changes like these Plant-Centric recipes make a big health and sustainability impact. This mix of plant-based and animal-based ingredients create wonderfully well-balanced meals with all macronutrients and food groups!