A big thank you to all the generous peeps that took time to answer our first survey. The goal was to gauge interest in plant-based living and what support people might want in order to try eating a more plant-based diet. The whole idea behind VegHead is not to convert people to a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle. We’ve had those conversations and frankly they are a little tedious. We are here to support the more than 50% of Canadians who truly want to make a the change by eating less meat.

We were super happy to see that our response rate was well above normal thanks to the fact that we sent the survey to our friends, family and colleagues, so again thanks for accepting the “spam”. In the coming months we will use this data to help shape the content for our weekly emails.

So the numbers are in and here are some of the highlights of what they say:

  1. 17.7% of respondents already follow a plant-based diet. That’s awesome and well above the national average of 12.2%
  2. When asked what period of time would our respondents consider eating a plant-based diet, the top answers were:
    • One day per week 33%
    • One meal per week 20%
    • Completely adopt a plant-based diet 12.5%
    • A special shout out to the honest 1.3% that answered Never!
  3. The question is what kind of support would you like if you were to try eating a more plant-based diet, and you said:
    • A weekly email with recipes 34.1%
    • A weekly email with meal plans 23.3%
    • A weekly email with tips 18.8%
  4. Which statement do you believe to be most true:
    • A plant-based diet benefits overall health 45.6%
    • A plant-based diet benefits the environment 30.4%
    • A plant-based diet reduces animal suffering 21.5%
    • There are no real benefits to a plant-based diet 2.5%
  5. The top three answers to what do you see as obstacles in eating a more plant-based diet are:
    1. Knowledge 20.4%
    2. Taste/Flavour 19.7%
    3. Time 7.5%

So from what we can see we’ll have to really pull out all the stops when it comes to quick and flavourful veggie meals. Consider the challenge accepted. Remember to sign up to receive weekly inspiration to your inbox. We will provide a one day meal plan, grocery list, recipes and tips to help you go VegHead for a day.

Thanks for the feedback

There were also many folks that took the time to write a little bit extra which we are thankful for. This really helps us understand what people think about a plant-based diet, what they want and what we can do to help. Here are a few samples of the great feedback.

Tips on where to locally source ingredients – and I don’t mean where to find regional ingredients! Here’s an example – I can find many products made with Jackfruit in the States – simulated pulled pork for example, yet I rarely see this type of product in stores in Ottawa.

it seems that everyday there are new, plant-based products on the shelves of local grocery stores right across the country. I know that the local FB groups are really good at letting people know what’s available and where. WE’ll always try to point you in the right direction if one of our recipes calls for something out of the ordinary, – k&d

I would prefer to be able to go to a blog that contains the kinds of info cited above.

Well we’re more than just an email. Veghead is a growing resource, always there when you need it.- K&D

Am rather interested in sustainable, local, year-round food production than solely plant-based food.

sustainable is an admirable goal. here in canada it isn’t always easy to eat local. it is important to watch what you buy in order to make informed decisions.- K&D

I think people assume this type of diet would not be as tasty, nutritious or suitable – the latter especially for those who work out. Important to reinforce you’re not losing anything but gaining so much through this diet – better health, equally tasty food, and for those who are community minded, better legacy for our environment and animals.

Too true. going veggie is good for you, the environment and of course the animals. I also like to point out that when it comes to nutritious, our youngest son is 6’6″ so it seems that you can get enough nutrients from plants.- K&D

I’d love to try more plant based eating I’m just intimidated, no idea where to start and how to make it taste good

Well this is the place to start and we are glad you ‘re here. veggie cooking is easy. Granted there may be more cutting but in the end you’ll be sampling exotic flavours from around the world.- K&D

I need to learn how to grocery shop and cook. Cannot even imagine where to start. It has to be better than tofu every night.

Oh but it is better than tofu every night. I didn’t like tofu for the first 10 years of being vegetarian. Now that I know how to prepare tofu all is good, but there are plenty of other great veggie meals in your future!- K&D

I grew up with meat, veg, starch on the plate. Plant based all seems to be a stew or bowl of the same flavour or hours of complex prep. Help me see a plate of different textures/ flavours! Thanks for the boost in my continued learning and exploring! Wendy from Nevis East Caribbean 😎

Ah yes we all have a lot of haRD WIRING AND EMOTIONAL BAGGAGE WHEN IT COMES TO FOOD. tHE BEST BET IS TO START SLOWLY, FIND WHAT YOU LIKE AND GO FOR IT!- K&D

The Numbers Are In!
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