It’s no exaggeration when we say that going vegan really can be life-changing. Veganism is more popular than ever, and it’s no surprise when you consider the endless amount of benefits that a vegan lifestyle can have on our overall health and wellbeing, as well as the environment!
Its rise in popularity has made transitioning to veganism easier than ever, with vegan menus popping up in restaurants everywhere and plant-based recipes getting more and more delicious (especially when they’re made with our oils!), so in light of Veganuary, we’ve put together a list of top tips for jumping on the best bandwagon there ever was...going vegan!
Substitute, substitute, substitute!
There are plenty of tasty dairy and meat-free alternatives that are readily available, even in your closest supermarkets!
Swap your cow’s milk for soy, oat or nut milk - all dairy-free milk product are high in nutrition and are lactose-free, and can be used for everything that you use cow’s milk for. Pour it over your cereal, make smoothies, drink it out of the carton… go wild!
There are plenty of plant-based butter substitutes around, and butter can be swapped for plant-based oils when cooking or baking. Whilst there are many faux-meat alternatives, the best way to substitute meat is with plant-based alternatives such as tempeh, tofu, and even chickpeas which are a great protein substitute.
Eat your greens
Eat as many vegetables as you like! Vegetables do not have to be boring, in fact, we like to think given the right treatment they are quite the opposite, and there are over a thousand of magical things to do with them.
Buy any and all fresh organic vegetables, especially leafy greens which have are packed with vitamins, minerals and fibre, such as:
● Kale
● Spinach
● Cabbage
● Watercress
● Beetroot Greens
● Swiss Chard
Don’t forget your herbs and spices! When cooking on a plant-based diet, herbs like basil, parsley and thyme, and alllll the spices!
Go at your own pace
The idea of getting rid of staple items such as butter, milk and meat can be daunting, especially if you’re completely new to veganism. Even during Veganuary, you may find it quite hard to go vegan overnight, and that is ok! Go at your own pace, and try eliminating meat and dairy products one by one or change one meal at a time to vegan.
The main thing to remember is that veganism doesn’t equal deprivation! There are so many dairy and meat free alternatives and plant-based diets are bursting with flavour and goodness. Not only does veganism prevent animal cruelty and exploitation, it is also environmentally friendly and amazing for our health, with vegan diets being linked to lower blood pressure and cholesterol, and lower rates of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and some types of cancer.
For more inspo head to our recipes, and be sure to let us know how you get on via Instagram, Twitter or Facebook. Good luck!