About Pigs Are Smart
What is the mission of Pigs Are Smart?
Our mission is to spark curiosity and inspire you to make small, meaningful changes that nourish you, heal the planet, and create a compassionate future—one meal at a time.
Why the name "Pigs Are Smart," and how does it connect to your mission?
Pigs are remarkably intelligent—much like dogs—and discovering their abilities sparked a journey to rethink food choices. The name embodies curiosity and compassion, reflecting our mission to help you align your eating habits with your values in a way that's both simple and joyful.
How can Pigs Are Smart help me?
Feeling overwhelmed about what to eat is common. Pigs Are Smart helps you add more whole, plant-based foods to your routine—at your own pace, with no strict rules or labels. Our simple 3-step process provides curated recipes and guides you to build go-to meals. Eating natural foods connects you with nature, nourishes you, and heals the planet—one meal at a time. With support from our private community and Eating for the Planet tracking, you’ll discover how small changes can lead to a healthier planet and a healthier you. Your journey — simple steps, lasting impact.
Getting Started with Plant-Based Eating
How does Pigs Are Smart help people get started with plant-forward eating?
We make plant-forward eating simple: Choose a meal, pick from curated recipes, and build your go-to recipe hub. Track your impact on health and the planet as you add more whole, plant-based meals to your routine. Start with easy dishes like oatmeal with fruit, veggie-packed stir-fries, or hearty bean soups.
Do I need to give up meat and dairy entirely?
Not at all! Every plant-based meal counts toward improving your health and the planet. Simply being curious and trying new options can make a meaningful impact.
Is a plant-based diet more expensive?
Not necessarily! Affordable staples like beans, whole grains, and seasonal produce can save you money while keeping your meals nutritious and delicious.
Health & Nutrition
Can I get enough protein and amino acids eating more plant-forward?
Absolutely! Foods like lentils, tofu, edamame, and quinoa provide protein comparable to many animal-based options. For example, 1 cup of lentils offers 18 grams of protein, similar to 3 ounces of ground beef with 22 grams. By eating a variety of plant-based foods—like whole grains, beans, nuts, seeds, and vegetables—throughout the day, you’ll easily get all the essential amino acids your body needs. Plants are naturally cholesterol-free and packed with fiber, making them a wholesome choice.
Can plant-based foods provide all the essential nutrients I need?
Absolutely! Plant-based foods often provide higher amounts of key nutrients compared to animal-based options. They’re naturally free of cholesterol and rich in beta-carotene, fiber, vitamin C, folate, and magnesium.
For most people, the only supplement needed is B12, which is found in fortified foods or as a standalone supplement.
Is soy safe if I have breast cancer, a high risk of developing it, or a BRCA gene mutation?
Yes, moderate amounts of soy foods like tofu, tempeh, and edamame are safe and may even offer protective benefits. Studies suggest soy’s isoflavones may reduce the risk of recurrence and mortality.
Environmental Impact
How does eating plant-based benefit the environment?
Eating plant-based uses significantly fewer resources, protects forests, and reduces harmful emissions. Raising animals for food is incredibly inefficient—they consume far more food than they provide. Even swapping one meal helps conserve water, reduce pollution, and fight climate change.
Compassion in Action: Feeding More People and Reducing Animal Suffering
How does eating plant-forward help feed more people?
Producing plant-based foods is far more efficient than raising animals for food, requiring fewer resources like water and land. Currently, much of the world's crops are grown to feed livestock instead of people. By choosing plant-based meals, you help free up resources to grow food that can nourish more people worldwide.
How does eating plant-based reduce animal suffering?
Nearly 99% of animals raised for food endure overcrowded, distressing conditions on factory farms, where unsanitary environments often lead to disease and infections. By choosing plant-based meals, you help create a kinder world—reducing the demand for factory-farmed products and supporting the growth of more sustainable, humane farming practices.Shape
Plant-Based Products and Recommendations
What products and staples do Pigs Are Smart recommend?
From trusted brands like Beyond Meat and Daily Harvest to pantry staples like whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds, we’ve curated everything you need to make plant-based eating simple and delicious. Explore our Pigs Are Smart Picks here.
Cooking and Community
How can I meal prep and find recipes?
Batch-cook grains, roast veggies, and prepare sauces to save time and ensure nutritious options are always ready. When we launch, you’ll have access to our Recipe Hub for personalized recipes and our Mighty Network community to share ideas and tips.
How can I connect with the Pigs Are Smart community?
Follow us on social media for inspiration and updates. This spring, join our private community to share recipes, participate in themed challenges, and connect with like-minded individuals. Sign up [here] to enjoy a free 14-day trial when we launch.
Frequently Raised Concerns
Are plant-based meat alternatives worse than real meat because they’re processed?
Not at all! Just as it matters how animals are raised, it also matters what goes into your food—plant-based or not. Many plant-based meat alternatives are healthier than their animal-based counterparts, offering less saturated fat, no cholesterol, and added nutrients like B12 and iron. They’re also better for the environment.
What are processed meats, and should I be concerned?
Processed meats, like bacon, sausages, hot dogs, and deli meats, are preserved through methods like smoking and curing. The WHO classifies them as carcinogenic to humans, linking them to an increased risk of colorectal cancer. Focusing on more whole grains, vegetables, and legumes is a great way to improve health while reducing processed meat consumption.
Is it important to choose organic foods?
Organic foods reduce exposure to pesticides and support better farming practices. However, eating more fruits, vegetables, and whole foods—organic or not—is the most important step for your health and the planet.