Veganuary is here so hop on and make a difference!
This movement has started since 2014 and is growing at an exponential rate with more and more people and restaurants opening up to not only plant based food but also making the switch to going the whole way and converting to veganism. Golnaz Maktabi, a local Kensington Mum, shares her journey with us with her easy top tips in going vegan.
Over to Golnaz….
I started my journey a few years back and havenât looked back since. I did it for health reasons but I now am more in tune with the holistic approach: for health, the animals and the planet.
“We all have a responsibility towards each one of those and this year more than ever weâve seen how weâve been living unaware so itâs time to refocus and reevaluate your purpose”.
My tips for trying Veganuary will hopefully motivate you to take that step and I assure you, you will see a difference.
1. Start with an open mind: itâs easy to get overwhelmed and scared about all the things you suddenly canât eat but youâre lucky that thereâs now plenty of options or substitutes you can choose from. Every grocery store has a vegan section or selection, simply type: vegan cheese (for example) and youâll get a big list. You will find anything vegan, even mayonnaise!
2. Donât worry about protein: the source of all protein comes from plants so anything you eat technically has protein in it. If youâre too concerned about how much protein youâre eating then Iâd focus on eating pulses and beans regularly. Side note: it is very rare that one would be deficient in protein.
3. Bloating is not a vegan issue: itâs true that beans and veggies can make you feel bloated, especially when your body is not used to eating much of these but once youâve been eating with a variety of fruits and vegetables your body will regulate and adapt and you wonât feel that bloat anymore.
4. Donât go vegan because you want to lose weight: veganism is not a diet where people can just try to lose weight on. Itâs a lifestyle and a mindset so make sure you donât set your expectations on weight goals because while it may help shed off a few kgs. it doesnât necessarily mean you will. Of course if you load up on vegan junk or pizza, pasta and bread then youâll know where youâre headed!
5. Vegan does not mean healthy: Itâs always best to eat whole foods but for those snacks and treats you crave, you can definitely choose healthier options so make sure you read the ingredientsâ list of those packaged/processed foods.
Here are a few Instagram vegan bloggers to follow
@thelittlelondonvegan, @vegan_food_uk, @vegansofldn
Vegan swap recommendations
â For cheese, anything from the Violife range
â For yogurt, my favourite is Alpro plain no sugars
â For mylk, the Koko super is the best Iâve found to replace dairy milk
â For cereal, you can make your own granola or give Mesa Sunrise from Natureâs Path
â For fake meat, Iâd go for anything from the Beyond Meat range
â For fake chicken, I enjoy the range from The Vegetarian Butcher
â For snacks, all the Eat Real range is nutritious and tasty
â For chocolate, there are plenty but I love Tonyâs Chocolonely dark chocolate with almonds. The range is not all vegan but this one is.
All of these can easily be found online and other grocery stores. Just search for vegan and the list will come up.
Iâm in no way a nutritionist or being paid to recommend any products. I only speak from personal experience. Please seek professional advice if you have any concerns regarding a plant based diet or any heath related issues.
Change starts from within. Are you willing to try?
For Kensington Mum approved veggie recipes see the Kale, Mac & Cheese recipe, vegan creamy mushroom soup, and Avocado Gazpacho.
