Climate change. If you’re concerned about it: good. If you want to do something about it: start with breakfast.

I’ve posted various articles on social media about why becoming vegan is the #1 thing we can do as individuals to fight global warming. Besides a “like” from my one vegan friend, these posts usually go ignored. Maybe people read the articles, or maybe they click “hide from newsfeed.”

At first I thought, WHY DOESN’T ANYONE CARE?! Then I realized, maybe going vegan sounds overwhelming. If you’re unfamiliar with it, “going vegan” means eliminating all animal products from your diet and lifestyle. On a basic level: it’s giving up meat, dairy and eggs. So, asking people to give up food they love and have grown up on? That’s a lot to ask.

So let’s just start with one meal, one day this week. Will this help our planet? Yes! Every bit counts. Learn more about why here.

Here are some basic ideas to get you started. You probably already enjoy these things regularly!

• Your favorite cereal with any milk alternative (soy, almond, coconut, hemp, etc.). Most cereal (not just the healthy ones) are vegan … even Cap’n Crunch! Just look out for whey or milk in the ingredients. It might take a few tries to get used to non-dairy milk, or to find one you like. Keep trying! 2/3 people are lactose intolerant, and milk isn’t so great for you anyway.
• Toast! You can get really creative here, or just keep it simple. I love avocado toast or peanut butter toast.
• Oatmeal with all your favorite toppings. I love to make mine with raisins, pecans, pumpkin seeds, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and maple syrup.
• Smoothies. My go-to smoothie is orange juice, frozen bananas, frozen strawberries, blueberries, spinach and hemp protein. If you want something more creamy, there are tons of vegan yogurts OR you can add a handful of cashews. Blended cashews are sooo creamy!
• Smoothie Bowls! Add less liquid to the blender so your smoothie is super thick. Throw it in a bowl, then top it with granola, coconut flakes, fresh fruit, etc.
• Potato hash. Make potatoes any way you like ‘em – I usually go for country style or hash browns. Add your favorite spices and extras like paprika, garlic, onions, avocado, bell peppers and spinach. Ketchup is vegan, yo. YUM.

If you’re feeling lazy… grab something out! Guess what. Vegan doughnuts are just regular doughnuts without animal lard — and they’re delicious. My Portland friends can find them at Whole Foods, Green Zebra, Voodoo, and Blue Star. (For gluten-free and vegan, check out Back to Eden Bakery or Petunia’s). We also have about a million places where you can find smoothies and fresh juice, if you’re in the mood for something healthy.

If you’re feeling adventurous…you can find recipes for pancakes, French toast, tofu/chickpea scrambles, cinnamon rolls, breakfast burritos, and any other breakfast classic. Keeping it real: I’ve yet to find a decent substitute for bacon. However, vegan sausage from Field Roast BLOWS MY MIND. There’s hope!

If you’re not really a breakfast person…I am genuinely sad for you, but ok. Thankfully coffee and mimosas are vegan, so not to worry! You can find some amazing non-dairy creamer from Coffee-Mate and So Delicious at your local grocery.

I hope this gives you some ideas and inspires you to try a vegan breakfast this week. Maybe you already had one without realizing it (avocado toast, yo!). At the very least, try a vegan doughnut…it’s for the planet! 😉

xoxo
allegra