03/19/24 Meatout with delicious vegan stew with plant-based meat!
Animal Friends and Martina Đođo celebrate World Meat Free Day
- March 20 at 11 a.m., Trg ban Jelačić: tasting of vegan čobanac and barbeque
Animal Friends will celebrate the World Meat Free Day (Meatout) on March 20, 2024, from 11 a.m. in Zagreb's Ban Jelačić Square, accompanied by vegan blogger Martina Đođo. On this occasion, they will invite their fellow citizens to explore a healthy and compassionate diet and try čobanac with plant-based meat and plant-based barbeque, which they will prepare on the spot. They will distribute educational materials and through conversation encourage citizens to find out where the food on their plates comes from in order to think about the benefits of switching to a more environmentally friendly diet.
Animal Friends will be in the company of Martina Đođo, a programmer whose hobby is running a flood blog. On her Instagram profile @cookie.djo, she regularly shares interesting vegan recipes. She has been a vegan for six years, and she became vegan firstly out of concern for her health. After researching the impact of the meat and dairy industry on animals and the environment, her main motive became the well-being of all beings and our planet. She is the author of the free guide "I cook and save", with tips for cheap shopping and more economical cooking, as well as proper food storage. In addition, she has published various other free guides with information and instructions on important topics in vegan nutrition, as well as cooking in general.
According to Martina, food takes away the most out of average Croatian monthly budget and by choosing plant-based foods, we can save money significantly. So, for example, to make čobanac with animal meat for six people according to the classic recipe, we should spend 33 euros, but for a vegan čobanac based on soy meat and vegetables only 16 euros, which is half the amount! In addition to that, vegan čobanac is just as tasty, less caloric and much healthier. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), which is part of the World Health Organization (WHO), announced back in 2015 that red meat and red meat products are carcinogenic and can cause cancer, especially colon cancer. Plant-based meats, such as soy nuggets or store-bought plant-based protein-based burgers from a variety of legumes, provide a wide range of nutrients needed for overall health, including calcium, iron, potassium and vitamin C. They are low in saturated fat and cholesterol-free, making them a heart-healthy choice.
"There is a really large selection of plant-based meat and the offer is constantly growing. Everyone can find something for themselves and enjoy the familiar taste, and also save the animals," says Animal Friends. They invite everyone to take on the Veggie challenge this spring at www.veganopolis.net: "Join a global initiative that promotes awareness of the importance of healthy eating and environment protection – simply start spring without meat. Meatout is an opportunity to explore together the variety of meat-free options and to educate ourselves about the benefits of a plant-based diet. Additionally, this day also serves as a reminder of the importance of reducing meat consumption in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect natural resources!"
World Meat Free Day has been celebrated all over the world for almost 40 years, on the occasion of the first day of spring. The arrival of spring symbolizes the rebirth and renewal of nature, and encourages us all to make healthy, ethical and ecological decisions, among which the most influential one is the switching to a vegan diet.
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