Kevin Bacon changes name to Kevin ‘Bean’ to launch meat-swapping campaign ‘Beansday’

From veganfoodandliving.com

A simple weekly habit could spare billions of animal lives, according to a major new plant-based campaign launched this week

Award-winning actor and animal ally Kevin Bacon has temporarily renamed himself Kevin ‘Bean’ to launch a new initiative from the charity Humane World for Animals.

Known as ‘Beansday’, the campaign encourages people to swap meat for beans every Wednesday, demonstrating how small dietary shifts can protect animals, human health, and the planet.

Bean (formerly Bacon), who lives on a 40-acre farm, noted that getting to know animals as individuals forces reflection on food choices. “One simple change in what you eat every Wednesday makes a difference for animals,” he said. “And if becoming Kevin Bean for a little while helps get people involved, I’m all in.”

To support participants, Humane World for Animals (formerly known as the Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International) has launched an online hub. The platform features an official pledge alongside accessible vegan recipes created by plant-based chefs and influencers to make the mid-week swap straightforward.

Kevin Bean’s new name was revealed in a Public Service Announcement-style video shared on social media.

The actor's transformation into Kevin Bean involved a custom-made bean suit. Photo © Coty Tarr/Humane World for Animals

Why a weekly meat swap matters for animals

The campaign launches against a backdrop of intensive global farming, where an estimated 97.6 billion land animals and 27.9 trillion aquatic animals are killed annually for food.

Kitty Block, president and CEO of Humane World for Animals, stated that Beansday aims to tackle the root causes of animal suffering by offering an easy entry point to plant-based eating.

“Simple actions – like what we put on our plate – go a long way in helping animals,” Block said in a statement.

“By supporting people who choose to embrace more healthy, tasty, plant-based foods, we can also help build a better world for animals and our environment.”

The health and environmental benefits of beans

The campaign doesn’t stop at targeting those who may reduce their meat intake for ethical reasons. Animal agriculture currently accounts for at least 16.5 per cent of human-induced greenhouse gas emissions (equal to global transport emissions combined) whilst consuming 83 per cent of global farmland.

In contrast, beans have a significantly lower carbon footprint and naturally fix nitrogen into the soil, reducing the need for chemical fertilisers.

And for those meat eaters who won’t change for ethical or environmental reasons, they can’t ignore that nutritionally, beans function as an affordable superfood.

High in fibre and protein with zero cholesterol, a single portion of beans contains 100% more fibre than a standard chicken breast. Moreover, transitioning toward a well-planned plant-based diet is consistently linked to lower blood cholesterol, reduced blood pressure, and a lower risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

https://www.veganfoodandliving.com/news/kevin-bacon-change-name-kevin-bean/ 

New Dutch dietary guidelines halve cheese and cut meat to 300g a week

From veganfoodandliving.com

The Netherlands has slashed its national meat recommendations to encourage sustainable, legume-heavy diets

The Netherlands has released new national dietary guidelines, slashing the recommended weekly intake of meat by 40 per cent.

The country’s food agency, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre (Voedingscentrum), updated its famous ‘Wheel of Five’ (Schijf van Vijf) model to reflect a growing urgency around human health and environmental sustainability.

Under the new advice, adults are urged to drop their weekly meat consumption from 500g down to just 300g, with a strict cap of 100g on red meat. The guidance also calls for a major boost in plant proteins, advising citizens to increase their weekly legume intake from 180g to 250g.

Cheese recommendations have also been halved to 20g per day, with the agency explicitly suggesting that consumers alternate between traditional dairy and plant-based alternatives.

© sofiko14/Adobe Stock

A systemic shift toward plant-based diets

This update represents far more than a passive lifestyle suggestion; it signals a coordinated, state-backed transition. The Netherlands is rapidly establishing itself as a pioneer in European food policy, combining nutritional education with legislative action.

Commenting on the updated guidelines in an Instagram post, advocacy group ProVeg International noted: “This isn’t just a suggestion on a website; it’s a policy shift. From Amsterdam banning meat advertising in public spaces to new guidelines for school and office catering, the Netherlands is moving fast toward a 50 per cent plant-based future.”

By integrating these metrics into public procurement, the Dutch government is actively altering the food environment in schools, hospitals, and civil service offices, making plant-based choices the default rather than the alternative.

The Netherlands Nutrition Centre frequently promotes plant proteins, as in this graphic demonstrating the versatility of legumes. Image © Voedingscentrum via Instagram

Why health and environmental sustainability are linked

The driving force behind this dietary redraw is the undeniable overlap between personal wellness and planetary boundaries. The new guidelines are designed to remain nutritionally optimal while drastically reducing the nation’s agricultural carbon footprint.

In a statement explaining the change, Petra Verhoef, director of the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, said: “Health, sustainability, and food safety are inextricably linked. We demonstrate this with the updated Wheel of Five.

“All calculated dietary patterns are as healthy as possible, have a low environmental impact, and respect safe limits. That way, we take good care not only of ourselves, but also of the world around us and future generations.”

This change in dietary guidelines follows a similar nutritional advice update in Finland in late 2024, which saw sales of tofu and canned legumes skyrocket over the following year.

https://www.veganfoodandliving.com/news/new-dutch-dietary-guidelines-cut-meat-recommendation/ 

No Milk, Cheese, Eggs Or Meat: What Foods Do Vegans Eat And Why Are More People Choosing This Lifestyle?

From news.abplive.com

What do vegans eat if they avoid meat, dairy and eggs? Read on to find out the foods that make up a balanced vegan diet, key nutrients to watch for and the health benefits of plant-based eating

Over the past few years, veganism has become more than just a food trend. Some people choose it to improve their health, others are motivated by environmental concerns, while many adopt it because they want to avoid products linked to animal farming. But one question still puzzles many people: if vegans don't eat meat, eggs, milk, cheese or yoghurt, what exactly do they eat?

The answer is much simpler and far more interesting than most people think.

                                                                                                                                  Source: Pexel

Vegan Plate Is More Than Just Salads

One of the biggest misconceptions about veganism is that it revolves around eating salads all day. In reality, vegan diets can be incredibly varied and colourful.

A typical vegan meal may include fruits, vegetables, lentils, chickpeas, beans, rice, oats, pasta, potatoes, nuts and seeds. Foods such as tofu, soybeans and tempeh are also widely consumed because they provide a good source of plant-based protein.

Many of the foods people already eat every day are naturally vegan. From vegetable curries and dal to stir-fries, soups and grain bowls, there are countless options available. In recent years, supermarkets have also introduced plant-based alternatives to milk, cheese, yoghurt and even meat, making vegan eating more accessible than ever.

How Do Vegans Get Protein And Other Nutrients?

Perhaps the most common question vegans hear is: "Where do you get your protein from?"

Nutrition experts say protein can come from a variety of plant foods, including lentils, beans, chickpeas, tofu, soy products, nuts and seeds. When eaten as part of a balanced diet, these foods can help meet the body's daily protein needs.

Calcium, another nutrient commonly associated with dairy products, can be found in foods such as tofu, sesame seeds, tahini, broccoli and leafy green vegetables. Many plant-based milks are also fortified with calcium and vitamin D.

For iron, vegans often include lentils, beans, spinach, whole grains and dried fruits in their meals. Meanwhile, walnuts, flaxseeds and chia seeds are popular sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart and brain health. 

Is A Vegan Diet Healthy?

Research suggests that a well-planned vegan diet may offer several health benefits. Studies have linked plant-based diets with lower cholesterol levels, improved heart health and a lower risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes. Because vegan diets are typically rich in fibre, they can also support digestion and gut health.

However, experts stress that simply avoiding animal products does not automatically make a diet healthy. Like any eating pattern, balance matters.

Particular attention should be paid to nutrients such as vitamin B12, iodine, selenium and vitamin D, which can be more difficult to obtain from plant foods alone. This is why some vegans choose fortified foods or supplements to ensure they meet their nutritional needs.

The bottom line is that veganism is not about what is missing from the plate. Instead, it is about building meals around a wide variety of plant-based foods. With proper planning, a vegan diet can be nutritious, satisfying and suitable for people at different stages of life.

Disclaimer: The information provided in the article is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition

https://news.abplive.com/health/no-milk-cheese-eggs-or-meat-what-foods-do-vegans-eat-and-why-are-more-people-choosing-this-lifestyle-1850813

Students Dish Out Free Greggs Vegan Sausage Rolls Across UK Campuses

From peta.org.uk/news 

By Polly Foreman

PETA’s youth outreach initiative is off to a delicious start – thanks to passionate student animal defenders serving up free Greggs Vegan Sausage Rolls and starting conversations about kinder food choices.

Working with university societies across the country, three groups stepped up to take part: the Animal Rights Society at De Montfort University, the Vegetarian Society at the University of Exeter, and the Animal Law Society at Northumbria University. Acting on behalf of animals, each society hosted its own campus stall – giving away 100 vegan rolls and engaging fellow students in positive, eye-opening discussions about plant-based diets.

Real Conversations, Real Impact

Students from the Animal Law Society at Northumbria University

In total, nearly 300 vegan sausage rolls were handed out – with many students trying the pig-free option for the first time. The universities also reported excellent feedback from fellow students:

“Had some really great conversations and a lot of people had positive attitudes towards our cause.”

Animal Rights Society, De Montfort University

“We said to people, ‘Just try one and see whether you like it’. A lot of people did actually try it … and agreed they taste exactly the same as meaty  sausage rolls.”

Animal Law Society, Northumbria University

“Having people that otherwise wouldn’t have tried a vegan alternative … be able to try them because they were free was great. I personally loved seeing people’s surprise at how good and similar the vegan sausage rolls tasted.”

Vegetarian Society, University of Exeter

A Simple Swap

The Vegan Roll Pork-Free, a beloved part of the Greggs menu, has become a staple on UK high streets and university campuses alike – and it costs the same as the meat version.

By giving students the chance to try the roll for free, these outreach events showed that choosing vegan food couldn’t be easier. It can be just as convenient, far more delicious, and far kinder to animals.

Powered by Students

Students from the Vegetarian Society at the University of Exeter

The success of these events is thanks to the dedication of the student societies, who organised and ran their stalls on campus, and to PETA’s Youth Outreach Coordinator  who supported the initiative by arranging materials and supplying the vegan rolls.

Together, they created welcoming spaces where students could explore new foods, ask questions, and rethink what’s on their plate.

A Growing Movement

These events are a glimpse of what’s possible when student activists are empowered to speak up for animals.

With more outreach planned, PETA will build on this momentum – reaching even more students, inspiring more conversations, and making vegan options the go-to choice on campuses nationwide.

Because sometimes, all it takes is one bite to change minds.

https://www.peta.org.uk/news/students-greggs-sausage-rolls/

10 Ways to Eat Quinoa for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

From onegreenplanet.org

By Alexandra Evans

Quinoa is much loved by plant-based eaters because it gives us protein and contains significant quantities of essential vitamins and minerals including manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, folate, and copper. A cup of cooked quinoa also contains eight grams of complete protein and five grams of fibre. This superfood is also gluten-free! Nutritionally speaking, quinoa is quite the rock star.

If you’re looking to make a dinner that several people with varying dietary needs can enjoy, this grain is a great choice. Vegans, meat-eaters, gluten-free eaters, and those watching their weight can all sit at the table with quinoa. Check out these 10 ways to eat quinoa for breakfast, lunch, and dinner:

1. Healthy Vegan Pomegranate Quinoa Porridge

Forget traditional oatmeal. Take your breakfast to the next, more nutritious level by using quinoa for porridge or oatmeal. Pair with some fresh fruit slices and homemade nut milk or nut butter.

2. Quinoa Salad with Figs, Purslane, and Goji Berries

This dish is absolutely gorgeous and deserves a place in the centre of the table at your next dinner party. Even those more adverse to healthy eating can’t help but eye this dish’s beauty (and hopefully take a spoonful or two!).

3. Pineapple Fried Quinoa

Who needs unhealthy, fried rice when you can employ a similar method to quinoa? You’ll need to grab some soy sauce for this recipe.

4. Healthy ‘Digestive-Friendly’ Quinoa Pizza Crust

This pizza is dense and filling enough to be satisfying, yet light enough to ease good digestion.

5. Easy Breezy Grilled Artichoke and Quinoa Lettuce Wraps

For a grilled meal that is more on the healthier side, this recipe for grilled artichoke and quinoa lettuce wraps is a good alternative to grilling burgers, hot dogs, or store-bought, faux meat products.

6. Quinoa and White Bean Burger

Quinoa looks beautiful in salads or stir-fried, but don’t be afraid to work with it a little and mash it into patties for veggie burgers.

7. Roasted Root Vegetables on Quinoa with Yogurt Sauce

The secret ingredient in this dish is the pomegranate molasses, which helps marries all of the flavours together. Top with fresh dill for extra oomph.

8. Cajun Quinoa Cakes & Lemon-Dill-Sriracha Remoulade

Sriracha sauce is already a tasty condiment for plant-based foods, but pairing it with lemon and dill in this recipe will perk up your taste buds even more. Yum!

9. Quinoa Lavender Cookies

Saying yes to dessert can be a healthier decision when you’ve got these Quinoa Lavender Cookies to grab. The lavender is surprising and pairs perfectly with the lemon, pistachios, and chocolate chips in this recipe.

10. Quinoa Date Nut Truffles

These little truffles are jam-packed with healthy ingredients like dates, pecans, cashew butter, cinnamon, and quinoa.

Learn How to Cook Plant-Based Meals at Home

Reducing your meat intake and eating more plant-based foods is known to help with chronic inflammation, heart health, mental well-being, fitness goals, nutritional needs, allergies, gut health, and more! Dairy consumption also has been linked to many health problems, including acne, hormonal imbalance, cancer, and prostate cancer, and has many side effects.

For those of you interested in eating more plant-based we highly recommend downloading the Food Monster App — with over 20,000 delicious recipes it is the largest plant-based recipe resource to help reduce your environmental footprint, save animals, and get healthy! And, while you are at it, we encourage you to also learn about the environmental and health benefits of a plant-based diet.

Here are some great resources to get you started:

• Weekly Vegan Meal Plans
• Plant-Based Health Resources
• Plant-Based Food & Recipes
• Plant-Based Nutrition Resources
• The Ultimate Guide to Plant-Based Nutrition
• Budget-Friendly Plant-Based Recipes
• High Protein Plant-Based Recipes
• Plant-Based Meal Prep

https://www.onegreenplanet.org/vegan-food/ways-to-eat-quinoa-for-breakfast-lunch-and-dinner/#goog_rewarded