Humane Holiday Cooking Challenge for ASPCA

Hey Guys! 

I hope you had a FANTASTIC weekend! I celebrated a good friend’s wedding AND my birthday (hello 26!) so this weekend was definitely full of cheer, cake, and dancing! 

With finals almooost over and the holidays officially approaching I’ve had time to go through my inbox and caught an email from the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) just in the nick of time! I was asked to take part in the Humane Holiday Cooking Challenge!

Did you know the holiday season is the number 1 time of year for meat and poultry consumption? I guess I shouldn’t really be surprised as Thanksgiving is based around a turkey! 

As a strong supporter of the Meatless Monday movement, I truly believe that we can all make a difference in preserving the planet and helping animals, while bettering our health! 

Here are the top 5 ways you can support the Humane Holiday Cooking Challenge this holiday season:

1. Plant Power! I preach enough about the benefits of including more fruits and vegetables into your diet for the prevention of disease and longevity, but it’s also better for the animals in our world! Up the ante this holiday season and aim to eat at least 5 a day!

2. Shop Local. Heading to your local farmer’s market is a great way to not only support farmers closest to your community, but find out more about how your food is produced. Talk to the farmers selling veggies, cheese, and even meat to find out what chemicals or pesticides are used, what animals are fed, and how the animals are raised.

3. Check your labels. Participating in the Humane Holiday Cooking Challenge is as easy as reading food labels to see if your product is “Certified Humane,” “Animal Welfare Approved,” or GAP levels 3 and above. These labels are given to companies from external audits, so they’re important!

4. Eat more veggies. In many other countries, meat is seen as a garnish rather than the center of attention. You don’t have to give up all meat consumption, but try making it less important and focus on whole grains and veggies instead! This Brussels sprouts and Farro Salad is a winner with no meat added, but plenty of protein, fiber, and nutrients so you can be powered by plants!

5. Eat less meat. Whether it’s swapping out your baked salami appetizer for kale balls or stuffed mushrooms or leaving the bacon out of your salad, think about the ways you can eliminate meat from your meal. Focus on the flavor you’re looking to impart and use spices and herbs instead…smoked paprika, cumin, rosemary, thyme, and sage all provide SO much flavor without any meat!

Are you looking for more humane holiday recipes? Look no further! My weekly Meatless Monday recipes are a great start to a more humane (and healthier!) holiday menu: 

Start with a simple bruschetta…or delicious kale balls with a spicy honey mustard dipping sauce!

Then munch on some plant-based protein in the center of your plate with my mung bean, lentil, and quinoa salad!

Dessert is served with fruity twist…try my single-serve baked pears!

While these may seem like easy steps to take (and they are!) your actions can make a HUGE difference to help prevent animal cruelty, save the environment, and help you eat healthier!

Let’s work together to make the world a better place! 

xo