Veganism (n): the act/way of life, that seems to stir up controversy in the 21^st century.

Connotations: activism, compassion, healthy, extremist, bland, malnutrition, environment, sustainable.

 

Whichever side of the debate you’re on, we’re sure you’d agree that VEGANISM is one word that seems to evoke strong feelings and opinions from either end of the spectrum.

 

Veganism has been touted to help you get healthier in consuming a plant-based diet and in eradicating meat and by-products of animals (milks, cheeses and eggs): foods that mostly contribute to heart disease, cancer, and strokes. It also helps in combatting the issue of climate change by reducing greenhouse gases produced and water consumption needed for animal agriculture – both part of a long list of reasons, of why a plant-based diet could well be healthy for you and for the planet.

 

Whether you want to go all-out and embrace veganism as a lifestyle, or have a few vegan days peppered into your normal eating schedules, we have a few tips for you as we celebrate World Vegan Day, today!

 

 

5 easy ways to foster a vegan diet:

 

• Research.

Prep to win, or you prep to lose. Read up on veganism. There are plenty of resources to get you started. The Vegan Society and Vegan.com both have really great resources for beginners.

 

Find out what interests you and aligns with your views, and learn more about the concept of veganism. Before any major dietary or lifestyle change, as always, seek the help of medical professionals or experts.

 

This one can be tricky; research is crucial. Adapting to a plant-based, vegan diet requires you to get some nutrients in your old diet from other non-animal sources. This includes calcium, vitamins B12 and D, and omega-3 fatty acids.
 

While some nutrients can be replaced with vegan foods including plants, nuts, seeds and legumes, consider taking nutrient-fortified foods or supplements that would give you adequate iron and zinc.

Follow the proportions of four roughly equal portions on your plate each of fruits, vegetables, grains, and proteins in the form of beans, peas, nuts, soy. Leafy greens and soy milk take care of your calcium needs.

 

 

• Repertoire of recipes

Vegan food does not have to be bland or tasteless, especially in today’s day and age when supermarket aisles and specialty stores are stocked with vegan “meats” and milks.

Further ingredients can be added to your vegan diet to truly enhance your experience: for instance, adding vegan seasoning and even tea as a star ingredient in a dish elevates the meal complementing the tastes and adding texture and dimension to the dish.

 

Here is an easy recipe that ticks all the boxes in terms of flavour and nutritional content:

 Tofu And Beans Recipe | Food | Tea Inspired Recipes

Our recipe for Tofu and Bean includes a surprise ingredient of Red Rooibos, Cinnamon, Turmeric, Ginger and Nutmeg infusion, that brings out all the elements in the dish.

 

Or try our Vegan Salted Caramel Chai, with Almond Milk and Ceylon Spice Chai – a warm and comforting beverage recipe for a balmy day: Vegan Salted Caramel Chai  - Dilmah Tea Recipes (teainspired.com)

 

For more delicious recipes and vegan inspo on how you can incorporate the world’s most versatile herb, please visit: Tea Recipes | Home | Tea Inspired Recipes

 

• Ready, set, go!

Start somewhere: take small baby steps or forge full-steam ahead, but start! The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step – here’s the sign you’ve been waiting for: take that step!

Happy World Vegan Day!