Veganuary: everything you need to know...
(no it's not too late to get involved!)
Veganuary started in 2014, growing in popularity HUGELY since then with companies and brands getting on board to launch Veganuary specials. The non-profit's values lie in impact, empowerment, diversity and inclusion, respect and integrity, resilience, and moving towards vegan world.
Veganuary doesn't have to be a strict switch in diet, but many people dip in and out, doing their bit to start the year positively. According to Vegan Calculator, if you go vegan for one month, you will save...
281kg of CO2
278 sq feet of forest
621kg of grain
126,738 of water
30 animals
And the Veganuary charity themselves claim the benefits of...
Increased energy
Improved mood
Better skin
Lower cholesterol
Better kitchen skills
It can also just be a nice change for the new year and trying new food!
The Veganuary website has lots of information regarding nutrition, meal plans, restuarant and shopping tips, and advice in getting started! Many people have the concerns of whether they will get enough protein, iron, calcium, vitamin D, omega-3, omega-6, idodine and vitamin B12, but the website and supportive community can help in providing protein-rich recipes, and foods with all of these important elements to maintain a balanced vegan diet.
Some of my favourite vegan meals:
(full recipes on my instagram!)
'SAUSAGE', PEA, AND 'FETA' TARTLETS
richmond vegan sausages
garden peas
puff pastry
onions
courgette
mushrooms
garlic
vegan feta
TOFU SCRAMBLE
a classic!
bagel with smashed avo
tofu
mushrooms
courgette
spring onions
cherry tomatoes
FIG SALAD
figs chopped into quarters
spinach, rocket, any other salad leaves
walnuts
mustard, maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and olive oil for dressing
RAINBOW COUSCOUS & VEG WITH PEANUT DRESSING
couscous (cooked in veg stock)
tomatoes
spring onions
tofu
courgette
spinach
broccoli
peanut butter, soy sauce, chilli oil / chilli flakes, olive oil, boiling water
VEGAN ASPARAGUS TART
puff pastry
asparagus
vegan cheese sauce (instructions on instagram)
cherry tomatoes
You don't need to put tonnes of pressure on yourself, just do what you can, and eat lots of yummy foooooddddd!!
If you're interested in more information regarding the health, environmental, and ethical benefits of switching to a plant-based diet, I recommend Cowspiracy, What the Health, Seapiracy, and COW.
