A quick look around indicates times are changing. Take Super Bowl Sunday commercials. There were quite a few attempts at educating people on the need to take care of the planet AND healthy eating through plant-based food options.
Michelob ULTRA Pure Gold launched their :60 Super Bowl commercial featuring 6 For 6-Pack, a new program that allows consumers to join the brand in helping farmers transition six square feet of farmland into organic with each purchase of a 6-pack of Michelob ULTRA Pure Gold.
Being a non-drinker, I have mixed feelings on this but overall, if awareness about the planet is increased, it’s a step in the right direction. Sort of.
There were several commercials that did what they could to offer meatless alternatives.
Although not ideal, it’s an attempt at moving people from a meat based diet to a plant-based eating protocol. For example, take Morning Star Crumbles.
There was the young girl running the food truck. In an attempt to educate people on the need to eat more plants, she creates a plant-based crumble burger, but proceeds to add cheese. Cheese defeats the purpose to eat healthy.
Then there is Carl’s Jr. breakfast sandwich with meatless sausage. Again, the message is that plant-based meats are a better choice, but they top it with cheese. Yuk!
What many of these large companies are missing is that cheese is just as bad as meat for our health. Yet, they come across as the “good guys and gals” by offering a meatless choice.
Obviously, whomever is advising them on promoting more plant-based choices is NOT 100% plant based. It could simply be a “let’s hop on the bandwagon to show we support a healthier way of living.”
In a perfect world, they would not add the cheese or the other garbage, but we are not in a perfect world.
Is it frustrating to those of us who have done a lot of research? Yes! Very, but it is a step in the right direction.
Many would argue this type of advertising is not doing a darned thing, but keep in mind, this is about shifting lifelong ways of eating. The very eating that has increased our need for medication. With obesity on the rise, the long-term impact of an unhealthy diet is one we cannot deny.
The shocking increase with many preventable diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, some cancers and strokes is such that time is running out. Not only have our healthcare costs gotten to the point that we are crippling the system, the quality of life for many people is declining by the day.
Do what you can!
There are those of us who are doing what we can. In our own way, we are raising awareness through the power of podcast interviews, social media postings and simply living the plant based lifestyle.
Such is the case with the recent interview I did with Julia and Shane of Vancouver, British Columbia.
I had just finished a four mile run in preparation for our conversation. It was a “pull back the curtain” opportunity.
During the interview I share how I got started with a plant-based lifestyle and what my commitment is.
I’m so committed to this lifestyle, I’m getting certified in plant-based nutrition through eCornell University. As I’m learning more and more, I’m more and more committed to doing what I can to raise awareness.
Listen in to our conversation. And feel free to share this post with your friends.
http://www.thinkplantbased.com/podcast/64
What Can You Do?
Rather than complain about what’s not happening, think in terms of what you can do to shift the tides. What examples can you set simply by being visible with the fact you are plant-based?
Are there groups you can share your insights with? Podcasts you can appear on? Blogs you can write for?
Every little step makes a difference.
Speaking of podcasts, if you have a plant-based, health-related podcast show, I would love to share my message with your audience. Simply reach out to me. Email me at kathleen @ kathleengage (.) com
And if you’re looking for a community of like-minded plant-based enthusiasts and life-stylists, join my Facebook group. There you will find over 1,000 men and women who are eager to share insights, learn from others and support a plant based lifestyle.
What was it with the plant-based food commercials topping their offerings with cheese?! LOL Maybe because it looks pretty (or so they think?)?
And I liked the idea of the beer company turning land into organic land, but they could have used some of their time to explain briefly how someone buying a 6-pack was going to lead to 6 square feet of organic farmland. Where? US or abroad? Same farm? Their corporate farms? Family farms? I had more questions than anything!
You raise a good point… the more people see plant-based eating messages the more it will become a welcomed and accepted way of eating for the vast majority, instead of us plant-based eaters needing to constantly be on the defensive.
Also, the main reason these companies are doing it has NOTHING to do with your health or mine, or the health of the planet. It’s about:
– Money: they want to make more and if they offer PB options they know they will attract more customers
– Image & PR: when they offer PB options they can say they are doing their part to help the planet and people so THEY look good.
It’s ok, though because seeing these steps in the right direction is a positive sign and I’m all for it!!
It was the crumbles commercial with the food truck run by a young girl. Then there was the meatless sausage, breakfast sandwich covered in cheese. Oh my!
I totally agree that health has very little to do with many companies offering plant based choices. It’s about the bottom line of profits and image. Sad, but true.
And yes, a step in the right direction.
All these new plant based processed foods Are they really plant-based it does raise awareness of the plant based lifestyle but are they really plant based wholefood, Non-gmo, organic When I read the labels on this stuff I question if it’s even good for you. Its more or less processed junk food. Then put cheese on top and probably ketchup with high fructose corn syrup.
I’m in total agreement with you Pete. It is processed food. And truth be told, can be as unhealthy as other junk food. One has to look at the reasons they are choosing to go meatless and do further research to find out what they are actually putting in their bodies. Now, if they are doing it strictly for animal compassion, that’s one thing. But if they think they are being healthy… they are missing the mark.
Thus the reason I advocate for a Whole Food Plant Based diet. Not just meat and dairy elimination. But truly getting the right nutrition through proper diet and food combining.