The diet that promises to save the planet 0:28
(CNN) -
Eating less meat and dairy is one of the ways we can have a positive impact on the future of the planet, as multiple studies on climate change have shown.
But as anyone with an unused gym subscription can tell you, getting into a new habit isn't that straightforward.
However, rather than an "all or nothing" approach, it is best to take one step (or one meal) at a time.
If you've ever tried Meatless Monday, going vegan before 6, or any other non-vegan method all the time in an effort to cut down on your meat intake, you're probably on your way to becoming a planetary.
Chef Says You Can Fight Climate Change If You Cook Like Your Mom (Really) Did
"Planetarian Life" is a website and online community founded by food writer and communication consultant Maggy Keet as a plant-based form of eating in which you can choose your own adventure.
The flexible strategy that he exposes through recipe "formulas" is intended to help people move on to a diet that is richer in plants.
The staple ingredients such as beans, spices and herbs in this 15 Minute Skillet Bean Stew from Planetarian Life's Maggy Keet can be changed to create different flavor combinations.
Following the birth of her second child in 2019, Keet was motivated to make changes by thinking about the kind of world her children would inherit.
"I was literally awake in the middle of the night having weather anxiety," she said.
"I just brought this person into the world: what will his future be like? What will my son's future be like?"
Thinking of adopting a vegan diet?
This is what you should know first
Who is a "planetarium"?
As a member of a family dedicated to food, Keet grew up knowing firsthand how to make and test recipes.
His mother, Pam Anderson, is a veteran cookbook author and event planner.
Together, she and Keet have collaborated on projects over the years, such as the blog and book "Three Many Cooks" and the food media conference "The Big Potluck."
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Keet sowed the seed of “Planetarian Life” based on his experiences doing Meatless Monday, but with fewer restrictions and a greater sense of purpose.
"There is vegetarianism and veganism, but these things do not describe my motive," he said.
"I eat like this for the planet."
That's the most basic definition of who a planetarium is, according to Keet: someone who is changing the way they eat and live for the good of the Earth.
"I want it to be a very inclusive definition," he explained.
"It is intentionally vague, rather than specifically about reducing meat and dairy consumption; some people are not going to give up cheese no matter what."
As Keet points out in the Planetarian Life mission statement: "There is nothing right or wrong, there is no judgment, and there are no 'good' or 'bad' foods. (This is not a diet!)"
The planetary approach
Keet acknowledges that "there is a roadblock to overcome" to help regular cooks change their perspectives and navigate the logistics of bringing meals to the table each day.
"The challenge of reinventing the way people eat seems daunting and time-consuming," he says.
With Planetarian Life, Keet decided to take a small-step approach.
Rather than a straightforward recipe website, he worked with Anderson to create the “Capsule Kitchen,” a collection of versatile recipe formulas, ingredient bases, and tutorials to give plant-minded cooks plenty of places to start.
Instead of completely eliminating meat or working with unknown ingredients, the planetary diet is based on making small substitutions in the usual meals according to the schedule and the tastes of each one.
The new "planetary health diet" can save lives and the Earth, they say
This can be as simple as using chickpeas in place of rotisserie chicken to make a “chicken” salad or cooking a large batch of quinoa to keep on hand for quick roasted vegetable dishes throughout the week.
Chickpea "chicken" salad is one of many ways to substitute meat in your weekly diet.
For those who don't know where to start, Keet's adjustable recipes allow cooks to start with the basics: "build dishes instead of cooking big meals," she calls it, and provide flavor-changing options that make people feel you are not eating the same thing every day of the week.
"We offer people the basic formula, a shortened version, and variations to inspire them with the idea that if you have any spice, any type of onion, you can make this recipe," he said.
Try these three ways to start eating a diet richer in plants:
Make a base recipe, like plain tomato sauce or ground lentil and walnut "meat," which you can then use to make five (or more) different meals a week.
Add two "essentials", elements that will help enhance the flavor of the meals you can already prepare.
For example, undercooked winter vegetables or "roasted" garlic can be incorporated into pasta and stews.
Start experimenting with variations on a simple formula, like the 15-minute skillet bean stew.
Make it Mediterranean style, with chili or with curry.
Maggy Keet prepares a simple tomato sauce base in advance, which can be used to make a creamy homemade tomato soup.
Small changes, big impact
Like compound interest, gradual adjustments made to regular meals add up to a major lifestyle change over time, and are easier to maintain than drastic cuts.
Since no food is prohibited in planetary feeding mode, it is up to each person to take it as far as they want.
Whether your new routine becomes bean tacos on Tuesdays, honey in your tea instead of cane sugar, or dairy-free mac and cheese for family dinner on Fridays, it's your choice.
"Much of the narrative on climate action is about sacrifice and shrinking and giving things up," Keet said, but she sees Planetarian Life's strategy as an addition, not a subtraction.
"Planetarian Life is a compass, not a map: it points you in the right direction," Keet said.
- Casey Barber is a food writer, illustrator and photographer and author of "Pierogi Love: New Takes on an Old-World Comfort Food" and "Classic Snacks Made from Scratch: 70 Homemade Versions of Your Favorite Brand-Name Treats" ; and editor of the Good website. Food. Stories.
Vegetarian diet