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?
Pigs Are Smart is a curated home for everything I wish I'd had when I first started thinking about the impact of what's on my plate. Simple recipes, ideas, and recommended products to make plant-forward eating easier, plus The Smart Bite newsletter delivered free every other week. Books, films, and charities to build your confidence and inspire you. And cozy eco-apparel to remind you you're on a worthwhile journey. It's all right here, plus more on social.
Getting Started with Plant-Forward Eating
How does Pigs Are Smart help me get started?
Getting started is simple. Our free 5-Week Kickstart gives you five emails with five small steps, so you can eat more whole, plant-forward food at your own pace, no restrictions, no pressure. With simple recipes, small steps, and insights into your impact on your health and the planet, you'll feel the difference and know you're part of something bigger. It's automatically included when you sign up for either newsletter, The Smart Bite or The Smart Bite: Rooted in Faith.
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?
Yes. 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.
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-forward eating simple and delicious. Explore our Plant-Powered Picks to see the full collection.
Cooking and Community
How can I meal prep and find recipes?
Batch-cook grains, roast veggies, and prepare sauces to save time, so nutritious options are always ready. Explore our recipes anytime for simple, plant-forward ideas, with new ones added regularly, plus a fresh recipe in every Smart Bite.
How can I connect with the Pigs Are Smart community?
Follow us on social media for inspiration and updates. And explore our Community gallery, real people, real meals, and small wins from folks on the same journey. Share your own recipes and wins to inspire others and be featured.
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.