Although the term ‘veganism’ originated in 1944, there are diets that have been avoiding meat for centuries. In fact, the first known mention of vegetarianism was by the Greek philosopher Pythagoras all the way back in 500 BC! Anything that’s been around for that long must have a good reason!
To follow a vegan diet, you must cut out all animal products – that means honey, eggs and anything that includes gelatin as well! Some vegans take it a step further and don’t use anything that uses animal byproducts, or beauty products that aren’t cruelty free. But fear not! Since its rise in popularity, there has been a massive increase in plant based alternatives. So you can still enjoy all your favourite burgers and sausages – just in plant form!
January has come back around and that can only mean one thing – Veganuary! If you’ve ever considered going to the vegan side, this is the time to try it out – you never know, it might convert you! Or if your New Year’s resolution is focused around eating healthier then following a vegan diet is a great way to get some delicious fruit, vegetables and nutrients into your meals.
If a whole month seems like it might be too much to begin with, you could always try the flexitarian method. This is where you adopt a mainly vegan/vegetarian diet but with the odd meat eating day thrown in there – perfect for those new to veganism.
The first big reason to consider going vegan is for your health. We all know that eating lots of fruits and vegetables is good for you, but cutting out meat (especially processed meats) has been found to lower the risk of heart disease.
A vegan diet can also be effective at reducing your blood sugar and cholesterol levels, which is particularly helpful for those with diabetes. Compared to meat eaters, vegans tend to eat more whole grains and nuts, which are great, wholesome foods that can help improve your overall well-being!
Removing meat from your diet doesn’t mean removing nutrients – in fact the opposite is true! Replacing meat with healthier foods such as whole grains, beans, peas, nuts and seeds can be great for upping your intake of antioxidants, potassium, magnesium, folate and vitamins A, C and E. For more information on essential vitamins, checkout our helpful guide here.
A plant based diet is much less restrictive than people think, and therefore easier to stick to! Thanks to the huge increase in incredible vegan alternatives, you can still eat all the food you love. From delicious meat substitutes, to the wide variety of milk alternatives, you can enjoy all your favourite meals and drinks using plant based ingredients. Just checkout all the yummy plant based sources of calcium!
Vegan diets are also naturally lower in fat and higher in fibre which will leave you feeling fuller for longer – perfect for those looking to start at a healthier diet!
News just in – vegetables aren’t boring! All they need is a little dash of flavour, and a vegan diet allows you to do just that! It’s a great opportunity to get creative and transform humble ingredients into something utterly scrumptious. Cauliflower steak anyone?
As a vegan you get to be a lot more experimental with your cooking. With so many different types of spices and herbs to choose from, your food will be out of this world. We bet you didn’t know all the things you could do with cinnamon!
Saving the best till last – you can still enjoy all our Nakd products! We make everything using the finest, 100% vegan and natural ingredients, so you don’t miss out on any of the treats you love. Whether you want a gorgeous Nakd fruit and nut bar like our Cocoa Coconut bar or indulgent Nakd Chocolish bar, we’ve got the best, healthy vegan snacks for you. Oh, and did we mention their gluten free and dairy free! Why not get a mixed case to see you through Veganuary?!
If you’re struggling with what to make for breakfast, lunch and dinner, we have some delightful vegan recipes for beginners and vegan pros alike! You can start your day with our yummy Vegan Banoffee Pie Overnight Oats for breakfast and tuck into our Vegan Green Minestrone Soup for lunch. There’s a Nakd recipe for every meal! Just check them all out here.
Now you know why you should become a vegan, it’s time to learn how! The key is starting out gradually via the flexitarian method to slowly get your body used to the dietary change to avoid those meaty cravings – this will help you stick to your new vegan diet!
You then need to take the time to understand what essential vitamins and nutrients you may be missing by cutting out certain foods. Luckily there are some great vegan sources of protein, vitamin D and more to ensure you are maintaining a balanced diet – you just have to find them in different places! For example, instead of gaining protein from meat, you can get an abundance of vegan protein from beans and lentils – it’s all about stocking that fridge with the right vegan alternatives to keep you on track!
There you go! Everything you need to know about the wonderful world of veganism! Whether you already enjoy the vegan lifestyle or are thinking about trying the flexitarian diet, we’ve got you covered! There are lots of other amazing, vegan, foodie blogs for you to sink your teeth into – like this great article on Vegan BBQ Food Ideas. Enjoy!
