Why I joined the OMD New Year’s Challenge, and why you should too!

I was recently asked to take the OMD (One Meal a Day for the Planet) New Year’s challenge for 10 days — swapping one meat or dairy-based meal a day for something plant-based. This challenge both empowers myself and others to be more conscious of our food choices, and its impact on our health and our environment. Doing so slashes our carbon “foodprint” by half, and allows us to feel healthier than ever before. Want to join in? It’s never too late to create healthy habits. Sign Up Here!

I’ve now been at this challenge for five days, and find it easy and delicious to eat at least one plant-based meal per day. I noticed that I am getting in more of my fruits and vegetables, and that I feel both fuller (fiber will do that), and lighter.

It’s been great to read Suzy Amis Cameron’s OMD: The Simple, Plant-Based Program to Save Your Health, Save your Waistline, and Save the Plant book as I do this. It’s easy-to-read, and a great companion for this challenge. It provides nutritional and environmental facts as to why this lifestyle makes such a great impact in our lives, and in the world. It even provides you with a 14-day meal plan (meal planning is essential), a grocery list, and 80 pages worth of recipes, many of which can easily be made gluten-free, soy-free and sugar-free. I love the pages on sustainable living (reducing plastic use/waste) and also love the recipe inspiration I’ve received from the book, and have quickly fallen in love with the Mom Amis’ Creamed Corn and Suzy’s Family Favorite Chili (I swapped out the tomatoes for red peppers). Another favorite of mine are the Instant Pot hacks, such as how to make applesauce and plant-based yogurt. Mmm.

This challenge is definitely going to be a new lifestyle choice for me, lasting much longer than the required 10 days.

Tips to get Started:

1. Get support by signing up for the OMD newsletter, The OMD Beet, and receive a FREE Plant-Based Starter Guide. Their website also has info on shopping lists, a 7-day Meal Planner and how to stock your kitchen.

2. Get motivated by listening to podcasts, watching documentaries, and reading books to inspire a shift toward a more plant-based and lifestyle

3. Get inspired by following your favorite vegan bloggers on social media, and vloggers on YouTube for recipe Inspiration.

4. Shop the perimeter of the grocery store. Most processed foods are found within the aisles. Don’t have time to prep fresh produce? Look for frozen or canned organic fruits and veggies for smoothies, soups, a stir-fry and more!

Are you feeling inspired to make a difference in both your life, and for the health of the planet? Then sign up here to take the OMD pledge!

We are so excited you are joining in!

Love, both me and mother earth