First of all, well done to everyone taking part in Veganuary — you’re doing great. If you’re finding it a bit challenging rather than just “what to eat”. Here are some gentle, realistic tips I can share with you before sharing some of my Top vegan recipes:
You don’t need complicated recipes every day. Also remember – some vegetarian recipes may already be vegan (eg: samosas) or can be made vegan by substituting some ingredients. This way you can recreate some of your favourite comfort foods.
If you’re mostly vegan during January, that’s still a win. One slip doesn’t “ruin” Veganuary. Be kind to yourself.
Many people struggle because they’re under-eating. Add protein (lentils, chickpeas, beans, tofu) and healthy fats (nuts, seeds, olive oil) to your meals. Don’t be afraid to include carbs in your meal. Carbs help with energy and mood.
If eating out – check the menus in advance for vegan options. Call ahead to the restaurant to see if they have vegan options. If you are eating at friends, you should mention to them that you are vegan and can offer to take a vegan dish everyone can try. (Please see my recipe suggestions in this Post). I know it’s a chore having to make something to eat when you have been invited by friends. But this way, you won’t go hungry. Watch out for non vegan guests who will enjoy eating your dish – especially if you don’t mention that it’s vegan!!
Whether it was for animals, environment, health reasons or just curiosity – reconnecting with your reason can help you continue veganuary.
Lastly- It’s okay to stop or cheat some days. Whatever you learnt will be valuable and no one will judge you (and they shouldn’t!!).
Here are some delicious vegan recipes from my blog, which I think are perfect for Veganuary inspiration:
This is a warm, comforting breakfast with oats, fruit and nuts (use maple syrup instead of honey for fully vegan).
These easy to make snack bars made with nuts and jaggery so great for on-the-go energy. Use up all the nuts and oats, you have left over after the Christmas guests have left, to create this moreish snack.
This is a lovely potato curry with spices, peanuts and sesame — great with chapatis or rice. Chapatis and rice can also be made vegan.
This salad with sweet & spicy notes is excellent with Indian meals as a side or as a starter.
This creamy Thai curry with mixed veg and fragrant jasmine rice is easy to make and comforting.
Who says that you can’t have vegan pizza in a jiffy? You can customise this recipe as a vegan pizza with your favourite toppings and vegan cheese.
This savoury lentil cake is perfect as a snack or light meal with chutney or tea. In fact, I made this yesterday to take to a meeting where everyone had to bring a dish. I cooked the ondhwo using silicon cup cake moulds so it was easy for everyone to take one.
This is a lighter sweet dish made from thickened vegan yogurt, cardamom and fruit. This can also be made with more fruit.
This Badam Katli has become easier now that almond flour is easily available in all supermarkets. Just substitute the butter for vegan butter
Kaju Katli – Cashew Fudge sweet
Kaju Katli – Cashew Fudge sweet is one of the easiest vegan Indian sweets to make with very few ingredients
Meal-prep friendly: The curry, Thai dish, and handvoh can be made ahead and reheated.
Add protein: Serve with chickpeas, tofu, lentils or beans to boost nutrition.
Mix & match: Use the chutney and salsa as toppings for wraps, rice bowls and salads.
Lastly – whether you manage to remain vegan the whole month or just a few days – Welldone. Trying something new is never easy, especially in January. I hope you will try one or two of the recipes suggested by me. Remember, it doesn’t have to be all or nothing — even one or two plant-based meals a week can make a difference. You are always welcome to write to me asking for recipes.
If you have a hunger for Authentic Vegetarian Food then subscribe to my blog and receive delectable recipes and new Innovative foodie updates! Hungry for more Vegetarian Tips ? LIKE us on facebook, Follow us on Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram. All the recipes are with step by step instructions and photographs and all of them have been tried, tested, easy to cook and delicious.
If you are interested in one to one or group cookery lessons, or any corporate team building events – email me on givemesomespice@gmail.com for more information.
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