I do not consider myself to be a trendsetter. In fact, I am typically the last person to adopt a new fashion—usually right before it goes out of style! So when I reviewed the recent statistics associated with plant-based eating, you can imagine my surprise when I realized I really am a trendsetter!
The trends around the vegan/plant-based movement are nothing short of amazing. 31% of Americans now practice meat-free days each week. Last year, 51% of chefs in the U.S. added vegan options to their menus. 6% of Americans now identify themselves as vegan, which is an increase of 600% in just three years!
Fourteen years ago, when my family and I began our transition to a plant-based lifestyle, our friends had no idea what we were talking about. They would ask “You still eat chicken and fish, right?” This question was usually followed by “But you still eat eggs, right?” They were literally astounded when we described our wonderful new way of eating, which was completely alien to them.
With more people becoming educated about and leaning toward a plant-based diet in the year 2019, hopefully we will be fielding ridiculous questions like “Where do you get your protein?” much less. Rather, the questions may be “Can you share a favorite plant-based recipe?” or “What restaurants do you recommend?”
As we move through 2019, we will truly enjoy being trendsetters. We will now be able to find delicious veg options at almost every restaurant, and grocery stores will be stocking their shelves with a variety of plant-based choices. Best of all, people will now be asking about our lifestyle out of curiosity instead of incredulity!