Veganism is now the talk of the town and let’s face it, the world (literally) - the vegan hashtag has a huge 87.3 million posts on Instagram. This is also reflected in the vegan food business exploding - sales rose 10 times faster than other foods in the USA. This cultural shift could be attributed to documentaries on Netflix, such as What the Health and The Game Changers - which had everyone talking. But not just talking but looking for a huge shift in their diets and what they consume (and with good reason).
There are reportedly numerous benefits for going vegan, from health reasons such as reducing cancer, to how great it is for the environment. Another added bonus? It’s also supposed to be great for your skin. In plant-based diets, there’s thought to be increased levels of vitamins and antioxidants, which are associated with glowing skin. Vegetables and fruits such as tomatoes, peppers, plums and carrots contain carotenoids (the oranges, reds and yellows pigments), which when eaten regularly can help boost your own skin’s brightness. Antioxidants from a plant-based diet can also combat acne, help reduce inflammation and slows down the ageing process.
But it doesn’t have to be all or nothing when opting for a vegan diet. One of the easier ways of incorporating into your life? Make it gradual - opting for #MeatFreeMondays, rather than making a huge lifestyle change. We’ve rounded up some of our favourite (and easy-to-make) vegan recipes, which are so good, they might have you making even more plant-based decisions in your daily meal choices.
Watermelon Acai Bowl - this is a great way to start the day and pack in the fruit. We love this variation with watermelon - a feast for the eyes and the mouth.
Cauliflower Buffalo Wings - if you’re a fan of chicken and not entirely sure how to replace it, then this recipe might be for you. There’s also a vegan ranch dip which sounds absolutely delicious.
Balsamic Mushrooms, with Kale - all hail the kale. This superfood is also super tasty and when paired with balsamic roasted mushrooms and mashed potato, it’s even more heavenly.
Chickpea Brownies - if you have a sweet tooth, then you’re going to love these gluten-free vegan brownies. Will anyone truly believe they’re made from chickpeas? We can’t wait to make this recipe.
Vegan chilli - sometimes after a long work day, the last thing you want to do is cook. But, this easy-to-make vegan chilli is the ideal option for a week-day dinner. It’s also very helpful for batch lunch cooking.
Eating vegan is much easier than you think and there are plenty of food options out there, which act as natural swaps for meat and dairy-based meals. With so many beauty, health and environmental benefits, it’s a great way to feel and look good too.