January is the month for resolutions, fresh starts and for many, Veganuary.
2019 has seen a record number of people sign up and pledge to try out a plant-based diet for the month of January. Veganism is becoming a more and more popular lifestyle choice for people, but for many it’s a confusing and seemingly difficult way of living.
We’ve broken down what you need to know about Veganuary, veganism; as well as finding the best vegan food alternatives, recipes and restaurants.
So whether you’re taking part in Veganuary, are a full-time vegan or are simply interested in incorporating more plant-based meals into your diet keep reading to find out just how easy it can be.
What is Veganuary?
Launched in January 2014, Veganuary is a registered charity that encourages people to try going vegan for the month of January.
What is Veganism?
There are many ways of going about vegan living but one thing all vegans have in common is following a plant-based diet which avoids all animal foods such as meat and fish, dairy, eggs and honey.
Vegans instead choose to eat foods made from fruits, vegetables, nuts, grains, seeds, beans and pulses.
Why try veganism?
- Animals
Animals are able to perceive and feel, and experience pain and happiness just like us. Eating a more plant based diet reduces the demand for animal-based food products and therefore reduces the number of animals suffering as part of our agriculture industry. - Health
Health has been shown to be the second biggest reason people go vegan.
Going vegan can help to lower cholesterol and blood pressure, and reduce the risk of diabetes and heart disease. - Environment
Eating a plant based diet can cut our greenhouse gas emissions, reduce pollution and water usage, prevent deforestation and save wild animals from extinction.
Alternatives
It may sound like a lot of effort to give up basics which contain dairy and eggs but we live in a modern world full of alternatives that are just as easy to buy and use.
In fact, many of them are so similar you’ll probably forget that they’re “free from”.
Check out brands such as Quorn, Follow your Heart, The White Rabbit Pizza Co for other replacements such as mince, burgers, pizza, etc.
You can find vegan options in nearly all supermarkets, Holland & Barratt, as well as on thousands of online retailers.
Vegan Recipes
Going plant-based for a month needn’t change your eating habits.
Here are some of our favourite everyday meals with a vegan twist:
Click to read about even more amazing vegan recipes.
What about eating out?
Why not check out Cardiff’s very own Anna Loka, located on Albany Road.
Anna Loka is Cardiff’s first 100% vegan café. Pop in for a coffee and slice of cake, or head there for a full meal and choose from options such as Thai green curry, Malai seafood cakes, and Anna Loka Rodeo burger.
http://www.anna-loka.com
Click to find out our other favourite vegan spots in Cardiff.
Or some of the most well-known restaurant chains now have vegan options/menus:
- Café Nero
- Zizzi
- Bill’s
- Yo Sushi!
- Wagamama
- Gourmet Burger Kitchen
- Pizza Express
- Carluccio’s
- Pizza Hut
- Las Iguanas
- Ask Italian
- Bella Italia
- Wetherspoons
- Prezzo
- Wahacca
- Greggs
With more and more businesses catering for vegans, a huge variety of vegan food alternatives and a growing acceptance of vegan eating it’s never been easier to be plant-based.
Are you taking part in Veganuary? How do you feel about eating a plant-based diet? Will you be incorporating more vegan meals into your diet? Do let us know.
