by Carrie Spencer
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As heart disease rates rise and the environmental impacts of our food production system grow more severe, more people are turning to a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle to help combat these problems.
The global demand for plant-based foods continues to rise. In the U.S. the number of vegans tripled from 2004-2015. Harvard Health explains switching to a plant-based diet may reduce a person’s risk of heart disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes, and other diseases associated with excess body fat. Furthermore, it’s simply kinder to animals.
When a parent makes a major life change like switching to a vegan diet, it can make certain things a little confusing. For instance: What do you do for Father’s Day when the traditional bacon and egg brunch is off the table?
Go Where the Vegans Are
They’re everywhere, obviously, but where are they concentrated? In more metropolitan areas. So why not head to Boston? Take it even a step further: if you want to see the Red Sox paly the Yankees, plan to take in a Yankees game with the fam in July and gift Dad the tickets for Father’s Day; in just a few short weeks, he can root for the home team!
Vegan Father’s Day Brunch
Did you think brunch was just for Mom? Forget the reservation, a homemade brunch is better. This year, instead of overpaying for pancakes and mimosas, why not make Dad a celebratory breakfast at home? You can make the vegan iterations of his favorite dishes as a surprise.
Vegan dishes come in both sweet and savory. No one will miss the meat:
● Cinnamon-infused vegan mascarpone on focaccia topped with strawberries and roasted pistachios
● Banana macadamia nut pancakes with coconut whip
● Overnight chocolate strawberry almond oats
● Easy curried tofu scramble
● Loaded potato breakfast bowl with mushroom gravy
● Loaded avocado toast with roasted chickpeas and pomegranate
● Apple cinnamon waffles
● Double chocolate chia cake donuts
● Creamy corn and spinach toast
And those are just a few of the options! You can find a vegan version of just about any recipe your dad loves. Try using Pinterest as a source for both research and inspiration. Finally, don’t forget to top your menu off with fresh brewed coffee and a few mimosas!
Father’s Day = Garden Day
As he gave you life, this Father’s Day, you can grace him with the gift of life in the form of his very own garden. Even a small patch can provide fresh vegetables, fruits, and edible flowers throughout the season while providing your dad with a reminder of your love every day. Help him plan and plant the garden of his dreams, and going forward, you will always have something to base future gifts around, including new plants, decorations, and other garden accessories that make the tilling, digging, and weeding easier.
When it comes to garden patches, make sure dad’s is as pleasing to the eye as to the palate. Certain vegetables like eggplants are naturally attractive, while sprawling plants like tomatoes and zucchini can be contained in raised beds. Surround the perimeter with lovely edible flowers to hide vines and leaves that aren’t as pretty.
More Vegan Gift Ideas
● Beyond Burger and Impossible Burger have proven that meats can be faked. Unfortunately, they’re still working on the cheeses. Meanwhile, you can have a lot of fun trying out the alternatives.
● Animal products have a way of sneaking into the most unexpected places—like soap! Give your dad the gift of a cruelty-free soap and shave cream by looking for certified vegan products.
● Does your dad love fashion but not necessarily the materials we use for it? MAHI explains vegan leather goods provide chic style, and they don’t harm any animals to make them!
A vegan lifestyle will help your dad live a longer, healthier, and happier life, so include that in the day that’s all about him. Make him a vegan brunch that feeds his soul as well as his stomach. Next year, maybe there’ll already be something in his garden patch. Even if you can’t be there, you can nudge him in the right direction with vegan soaps or leathers.
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