WHAT IS VEGANUARY?
Veganuary is a new type of New Year's resolution - and a growing trend - where people choose a vegan lifestyle for the month of January.
It started out in the UK in 2014 as a crowdfunded campaign to promote and educate people about veganism and the benefits associated with the lifestyle.
HOW DO YOU GO VEGAN?
Veganism is a plant-based diet that excludes animal proteins and other animal-based products including dairy products, eggs and honey.
Animal proteins are replaced with more sustainable plant-based proteins, such as beans and pulses, grains, tofu, soya chunks and seitan, a wheat gluten-based protein which is a meat substitute.
Sound hectic? Don't stress. There's been explosion of vegan options both on restaurant menus and supermarket shelves where you'll find an array of readymade convenience products. It is the biggest food trend of the new decade.
COOKING VEGAN FOOD AT HOME
A well-stocked pantry is the first step; then gather recipes and ideas from the zillions that are available on the Internet.
Stock up on plant-based protein substitutes; seasonal fruit, greens and other veggies; dairy-free milks and cheeses; local olive oils and balsamic vinegar; canned beans and pulses, rice and pasta, herbs, seasonings and vegetarian stock.
EATING OUT
Here are a trio of great restaurants to try this Veganuary:
- The Greenside Cafe in Greenside, Joburg, offers a really good plant-based English breakfast and other wholesome vegetarian and vegan offerings. Visit thegreensidecafe.co.za
- Lexi's Healthy Eatery has three branches in Joburg: Rosebank, Sandton and Modderfontein. It offers a flexitarian menu featuring mostly plant-based foods with a little meat on the side for the carnivores. Visit lexiseatery.com
- Scheckter's Raw in Sea Point, Cape Town, is all about conscious eating. The menu, which features vegan options, boasts wholesome gourmet dishes and superfood smoothies. Visit schecktersraw.com
