Need some inspiration for Veganuary 2025?

Veganuary is an exciting time to try a more plant-based diet as there are so many new and innovative products in the supermarkets and most bars and restaurants offer a dedicated vegan menu this time of year.

If it’s done well, vegan food is colourful, interesting, tasty, and packed with protein. It’s an exciting time to be vegan!

So, whether you are going to give Veganuary a go this year, or you just want to reduce your meat and dairy intake by introducing some meat-free days into your meal plan, read on.

How do vegans get enough protein?

This is a question I get asked a lot! There are lots of different types of plant-based protein, for example, lentils, butter beans, chickpeas, kidney beans, peas, tofu, seeds, nuts, and of course plant-based meat alternatives such as soya mince.

And it’s easy to incorporate protein into your meals. You can make a great spaghetti bolognese with red lentils and soya mince, a fabulous lentil dhal with yellow, red, or black lentils, and you can add butter beans, lentils or yellow split peas to soups and casseroles. The list is endless.

Where to start?

Curries, pastas, and buddha bowls (or poke bowls) are a great place to start and there are lots of inspirational recipes available online to get you started - take a look at BOSH! and Vegan Richa.

Find a recipe online and use it as a guide, swap or add things to your taste, and experiment with different combinations and flavours.

Some of my favourites include a sweet potato, chickpea and spinach curry, and an aubergine and red lentil dhal.

How can you replicate popular and traditional meat dishes using plant-based alternatives?

It’s easier than ever to buy plant-based meat substitutes and there are some simple switches you can make to replicate traditional meat dishes.

• Chicken stir fry - replace the chicken pieces with tofu.
• Chilli con carne - swap the beef mince for soya mince and add some kidney beans for extra protein.
• Cottage pie - switch the beef mince for soya mince or green lentils.
• Shepherd’s pie - swap the lamb mince for soya mince or green lentils. And to add extra vegetables, use a sweet potato (or carrot) and potato mash topping.
• Spaghetti Bolognese - switch the mince for soya mince, red lentils, or a combination of both.

What steps can you take to reduce your meat and dairy consumption and shop more sustainably?

• Start by introducing two or three meat-free days a week.
• Make some simple switches to plant-based alternatives such as soya mince, plant-based sausages, plant-based milks (almond, oat, or soya for example), and soya yogurt.
• Buy seasonal (UK grown) fresh produce where possible.
• Buy loose fruits and vegetables where possible (or use a reusable cloth bag to reduce plastic packaging and plastic bags).

Just think what impact it could have on the climate, environment, and animal welfare if everyone makes just one or two small changes to their lifestyle.

If you’re adopting a plant-based diet for Veganuary, or if you’re introducing meat-free days into your week, let me know how you get on in the comments.

Hope this has inspired you.

#Veganuary #Plant-Based #Vegan