World Vegetarian Day: The Perfect Excuse to Try Something New
Today marks World Vegetarian Day, and it’s the perfect excuse to dive into the world of plant-based eating! It was started by the North American Vegetarian Society in 1977 and has grown into a global celebration of the health, ethical and environmental benefits of a vegetarian diet. So, whether you’re already plant-based or curious about meat-free meals, there’s never been a better time to give your gut some love.
Vegetarian Habits Across Borders
Vegetarian habits vary around the world. India tops the chart with the highest share of vegetarians globally, with around 38% of its population identifying as vegetarians. While, here in the UK, around 12% of people follow a meat-free diet and in Ireland 6% are vegetarians.
The Gut Benefits
One of the benefits of embracing more plant-based meals is the positive impact on gut health. Vegetarian diets are typically rich in fibre from fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains – which is exactly what your gut bugs love to feast on. This fibre acts as fuel for your microbiome, helping to maintain a diverse and healthy gut environment.
Just like us, your gut bugs are quite fussy eaters and thrive on variety. The more diverse your plant intake, the happier your gut microbiome will be. Different plants feed different bacteria, so mixing up your vegetable and fruit choices keeps your gut ecosystem balanced and thriving.
Start Small, Think Big
Think of World Vegetarian Day as a gentle push to try something new. Try having one meatless meal or try to go meat-free entirely for the day. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider extending your meat-free efforts throughout October.
You don’t need to splurge on fancy or expensive ingredients either. Simple meals like chickpea curry, a tray of roasted veg or bean chilli can be affordable and easy to cook at home. Plus, autumn brings about other seasonal produce such as pumpkins, squash and root vegetables – which are perfect for creating hearty dishes that nourish both you and your gut.
If you’re new to vegetarian cooking, try one new recipe each week. Keep the ones you love, swap out the ones you don’t. Soon, you’ll have a selection of plant-based recipes you genuinely enjoy.
For some inspiration, why not try our new Burmese-Style Chickpea Tofu, which is packed with protein and gut-friendly fibre – or our Beetroot Dip with Easy Flatbread for a healthy, delicious snack that your gut bugs will love.
Make It Social
Food is meant to be shared, so why not turn it into a fun gathering? Organise a potluck with friends where everyone brings their favourite plant-based dish or gather some friends in the kitchen and try cooking a new veggie recipe together. It’ll be fun, and definitely less intimidating.
You could even start a friendly challenge with friends or family to see who can come up with the most creative meat-free meal. Sometimes, a little friendly competition is all it takes to spark new culinary adventures!
