{"id":67279,"date":"2022-10-31T16:27:46","date_gmt":"2022-10-31T23:27:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/news\/?p=67279"},"modified":"2022-11-01T13:23:12","modified_gmt":"2022-11-01T20:23:12","slug":"broaden-your-culinary-horizons","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/news\/broaden-your-culinary-horizons\/","title":{"rendered":"Broaden your culinary horizons (with these plant-based recipes)"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

By Alicia Voytek<\/b>, associate vice president of campus operations and this year\u2019s Homecoming Dedicatee<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

As a vegetarian and vegan for over 35 years, I\u2019m asked a lot about why, how, what I eat and of course, how I get enough protein.\u202f<\/span>😊<\/span> So, when invited to share some thoughts in honor of World Vegan Day on Nov. 1, I thought I\u2019d start with a little bit of my story and wrap up with some of my favorite recipes and local vegan options.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

I have always had a deep connection and compassion for animals since I was a young child. While my dad was a vegetarian, I had always eaten a combination of my parents\u2019 meals, including the meat my mom cooked. I didn\u2019t think critically about my food until 1987 as a high school junior, when I researched and wrote a report about animal welfare for a class project. It affected me to my core, and I\u2019ve not eaten meat since.\u202fWith more limited food choices at that time eating out with friends, I continued eating dairy, cheese and eggs as a lacto-ovo vegetarian.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

While cleaning my closet over winter break in 2004, I discovered some of my old books about vegetarianism. Reading them again at that point in my life sparked renewed and deep reflection. I realized I wanted my food and lifestyle choices to be more congruent with my value and connection with animals. I didn\u2019t need and no longer wanted to consume dairy, cheese and eggs. I researched nutritional needs, healthy combinations of foods and recipes that were easy to make. I have been vegan since that point 18 years ago.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

While my own choices are rooted in care for animals, there are many other reasons and benefits supporting a well-balanced vegan lifestyle. Positive impacts include health, longevity, the environment and addressing world hunger with less. Whenever someone I meet is considering a plant-based lifestyle, I always tell them to start with the reason that resonates with them first. If their reason is health-related, I recommend starting with a mental shift. Instead of considering this a \u201cdiet\u201d focused on what you\u202fcan\u2019t\u202fhave, view it as a lifestyle change that expands what you\u202fcan\u202fhave, supporting your progress and aligning with your core reasons.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

I invite you to celebrate World Vegan Day by eating plant-based meals that day. Even one makes a difference. If you\u2019re not sure where to start, I\u2019ve got you covered. Here are some of my favorite vegan recipes that are delicious, quick and easy to make!<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Vegan 4-bean chili<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/a><\/h2>\n

\"Chili\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Blackened tofu with veggies<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Seasoned black bean tacos<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Chickpea of the sea sandwiches<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/a><\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Apple cinnamon cake<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Quick tip\u2014every Sunday, I prep 10 personal salads for us to eat throughout the week, saving time and ensuring we eat fresh vegetables. Colorful salads include baby spinach, bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, green olives, tomatoes and fresh black pepper.\u202fThey are convenient to throw in recipes, such as pouring chili over salad or adding to a tofu stir-fry.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Finally, a quick shout-out to my favorite local treats:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n