Challenge Yourself To Go Vegan For 31 Days

A non-profit organisation that inspires and encourages people around the world to try the vegan diet in January. Over a quarter of a million people have taken the step to go vegan in 2019 with restaurants and supermarkets launching over 200 plant-based products and menus in the UK. In 2019 Gregg’s launched their vegan sausage roll, Pizza Hut presented a jackfruit topping and Mark’s and Spencer have released a new plant kitchen range. 

178 countries have taken part in the 31-day pledge and 46% of those involved have started to try vegan foods in order to improve their health. Years of research and studies of our diets have suggested that vegans suffer less from heart disease, type 2 diabetes and some cancers. 

According to the Veganuary website, some of those who have taken part in the 31 days have experienced better sleeping, improved digestion and clearer skin.

 

One thing all vegans have in common is a plant-based diet which avoids all animal foods including meat, shellfish, dairy, eggs and honey.  A vegan diet includes fruit, vegetables, nuts, grains, seeds, beans and pulses. These ingredients can be used to make a long list of appetising and mouth-watering dishes. 

If you are looking to make the first step on your vegan journey, here are some simple recipes to get you started. This gooey vegan banana bread is a great choice for those who have a sweet tooth and want to try new baking skills in 2020. The fresh and vibrant avocado courgetti will be a delightful addition to a dinner party for friends, it’s packed full of vegetables and perfect for the January bloat straight after Christmas break. 

3 large bananas 

75g vegetable oil

225g plain flour 

100g Brown sugar

3 teaspoons of baking powder 

1) Heat the oven to 200C /180C fan/gas 6. Mash 3 bananas with a fork and mix with vegetable oil. Use the fork to whisk in the brown sugar. 

2) Fold in the plain flour and baking powder. Pour mixture into a greased loaf tin and bake for 40 minutes. 

2 courgettes (zucchini) 

1 avocado 

1 small bunch Basil

1 tablespoon Lemon juice 

10 olives sliced

4 garlic cloves roasted

Spiralizer 

1) To make the sauce blend together the avocado, basil, lemon juice and roasted garlic. 

2) Use the thin noodle attachment on the spiralizer to create long twirls of pasta-like vegetable noodles. Boil the spiralised courgette for 20 seconds and stir in the sauce and sliced olives. 

As we enter a new decade, it’s the perfect excuse for starting a new way of living. If you’re looking for ways to improve your health or want to make a difference to our environment and animals, why not start with our sweet and savoury recipes?  Set yourself a challenge today and see how far you go with Veganuary.