Ten Don't Miss Flicks

There are myriad documentaries available to guide you on your plant-based journey. Some focus on the health benefits, some on animal rights, and others on the effects of animal agriculture on the environment.

Whatever your motive for being plant-based, or vegan, there's a movie for you. So pop some popcorn and take a look at these ten must-see movies focused on the elimination of animal products from your diet, with descriptions from the International Movie Database (IMDB).

Peaceable Kingdom: The Journey Home (2004)

Peaceable Kingdom: The Journey Home explores the powerful struggle of conscience experienced by several people from traditional farming backgrounds who come to question the basic assumptions of their way of life. A riveting story of transformation and healing, the documentary portrays the farmers' sometimes amazing connections with the animals under their care, while also providing insight into the complex web of social, psychological and economic forces that have led to their inner conflict. Interwoven with the farmers' stories is the dramatic animal rescue work of a newly-trained humane police officer whose sense of justice puts her at odds with the law she is charged to uphold. With strikingly honest interviews and rare footage demonstrating the emotional lives and intense family bonds of animals most often viewed as living commodities, this groundbreaking documentary shatters stereotypical notions of farmers, farm life, and perhaps most surprisingly, farm animals themselves.

Forks Over Knives (2011)

Forks Over Knives examines the profound claim that most, if not all, of the degenerative diseases that afflict us can be controlled, or even reversed, by rejecting our present menu of animal-based and processed foods.

PlantPure Nation (2015)

PlantPure Nation tells the story of three people on a quest to spread the message of one of the most important health breakthroughs of all time. 

Earthlings (2005) *graphic*

Using hidden cameras and never-before-seen footage, Earthlings chronicles the day-to-day practices of the largest industries in the world, all of which rely entirely on animals for profit.

Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret (2014)

Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret follows the shocking, yet humorous, journey of an aspiring environmentalist, as he daringly seeks to find the real solution to the most pressing environmental issues and true path to sustainability. Available on Netflix.

What The Health (2017)

What The Health follows an intrepid filmmaker on a journey of discovery as he uncovers possibly the largest health secret of our time and the collusion between industry, government, pharmaceutical and health organizations keeping this information from us.

The Game Changers (2018)

The Game Changers tells the story of a UFC fighter whose world is turned upside down when he discovers an elite group of world-renowned athletes and scientists who prove that everything he had been taught about protein was a lie.

Dominion (2018)

Dominion uses drones, hidden and handheld cameras to expose the dark underbelly of modern animal agriculture, questioning the morality and validity of humankind's dominion over the animal kingdom.

Vegan: Everyday Stories (2016)

From YouTube: Vegan: Everyday Stories is a feature-length documentary that explores the lives of four remarkably different people who share a common thread - they're all vegan. The movie traces the personal journeys of an ultramarathon runner who has overcome addiction to compete in one hundred mile races, a cattle rancher's wife who creates the first cattle ranch turned farmed animal sanctuary in Texas, a food truck owner cooking up knee-buckling plant-based foods, and an 8-year-old girl who convinces her family of six to go vegan.

Vegucated (2011)

Vegucated is a guerrilla-style documentary that follows three meat- and cheese-loving New Yorkers who agree to adopt a vegan diet for six weeks and learn what it's all about.

Which of these films have you seen? Are there others that would make your top ten list? Tell me in the comments!

What's For Breakfast?

It should be the simplest meal of the day but sometimes it's hard to think of ideas for vegan breakfasts. Taking eggs, bacon, sausage, and many other traditional breakfast items off our plates can force us to think outside the box as we search for healthier, more compassionate alternatives.

Don't let that discourage you! With a little ingenuity and very little work, we can find new ways to fuel our bodies as we start the day. Here are some ideas to get you started and feel free to chime in with anything else you've discovered!

Chia Seed Pudding

One-eighth of a cup of chia seeds provides 12% of your calcium for the day, and 4564 mg of Omega-3 fatty acids! That packs a nutritious punch! Chia seed pudding can be customized with your choice of fruits, plant-based milks, and sweeteners. Give it a try!

Oatmeal made with rolled oats

Rolled oats provide more nutrition than quick oats and this is a breakfast that can be dressed up in so many ways. Add a tablespoon of flaxseed for 1597 mg of Omega-3 fatty acids, or some chopped nuts for protein! Toss in some goji berries which are full of health benefits, or choose your favorite fruit to add texture and sweetness.

Leftover potatoes

The next time you roast potatoes, make some extra to be reheated for breakfast. Cooking potatoes without oil but with lots of herbs and spices is a healthy, and delicious way to get energy at the beginning of the day. Potatoes have gotten a bad rap mostly because we're accustomed to eating them fried, but my favorite way to eat leftover roasted potatoes for breakfast is to reheat them in the waffle iron for 5-7 minutes. Hold the ketchup if you're watching your sugar intake.

Smoothies

Smoothies can be made so many ways that the possibilities are practically endless. While many people are fond of juicing, using the whole fruit in a smoothie keeps the fiber intact. My favorite is this Energizing Sunflower Seed, Cinnamon & Maca smoothie from Kris Carr.

Tofu Scramble 

When I moved to Costa Rica I thought I'd have to give up my beloved tofu scramble. Tofu was nowhere to be found! I discovered using silken tofu actually created a better result and am now able to enjoy my favorite breakfast again.

Avocado Toast

This is such a simple breakfast that proves a delicious plant-based breakfast doesn't have to be difficult. Find a good whole-wheat bread, toast it and spread avocado on top. You can add all sorts of toppings such as sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic, or sea salt to change the flavor profile.

Rice and Beans 

Here in Costa Rica you can find cafes known as sodas on every corner. And, at every soda you will find gallo pinto on the breakfast menu. Gallo pinto translated means spotted rooster but you won't find any poultry in this dish. Rice, beans, onions, garlic, and other spices make this a delicious, protein-packed breakfast. If you're avoiding oil, consider using Jason Wyrick's recipe here on the Forks Over Knives website.

Quiche

Did you know by using chickpea flour you can replicate the flavor of eggs? These Mini Chickpea Flour Frittatas taste great warmed up if you have a busy morning, or are an impressive item to serve for overnight guests. They're gluten-free, too! Add some kala namak (black salt) which adds an egg-y taste and smell.

Leftovers

Don't be a breakfast purist! What did you have for dinner last night? Reheat and dig in! You just may discover a new breakfast favorite.

Fruit

And, let's not forget a delicious fruit salad. The best fruit salads are made from organic fruits in season – think regional and seasonal. Full of antioxidants, fiber, and deliciousness!

What are your favorite vegan breakfasts?! Tell me in the comments.