Veganuary is a movement started in the UK, some 5 years ago. Essentially, participants try to stay clear of meat and meat by-products for the month of January. Here’s what you need to know!
Veganuary may seem like just another Movember. Indeed it is, but for a completely different reason and with a more intense effect, in my opinion. This involved trying out the vegan lifestyle for a month, in January, to see how you can fare. Even if you do go back to meat at the end of the month, at least you know you’ve given veganism an opportunity.
Being the first month of a New Year and all, we’re more likely to make this change for the sake of the environment and ourselves. However, no change is without its challenges. I for one never had an issue with a vegan meal, but I don’t eat something just because it’s vegan; I eat it because it’s damn delicious. While a whole month of non-meat food might seem daunting to many, gaining and spreading awareness for veganism is more crucial here than forcing your body through a change it might not be ready for. So, here are some things you can incorporate into your lifestyle in Veganuary to make small changes.
Why Vegan
No, it’s not for everyone. But Veganuary shows people that a vegan diet is doable, at least for one meal a day if not every day. If you have problems coming around to the idea of a meat and dairy-free meal, think about this: going vegan can help you lose weight. People on a vegan diet lose more weight than those on a calorie-counting diet. A vegan diet also has a direct impact on the environment. The carbon footprint left behind from harvesting live-stock for consumption is much larger than that of palm oil production and hairsprays. Consuming less red meat, generally, slows down the demand for it and hence directly impacts its production.
Videos to inspire
Videos are the cornerstone of content today. Watching someone cook can lead us to believe that we can do it, too! Especially if the food looks good. Take Nigella’s Vegan Chocolate Cake, for example. Rich, full of flavour and very easy to prepare. If you’re not so much a cake-person, try these 10-minute meals that are purely Vegan! Vegan Curries are the best, and perfect for when you’re easing yourself into a vegan-friendly lifestyle. This video shows how you can make an easy and tasty curry for yourself and for friends who are open to trying a vegan dish (or two). And this being the digital space, I have to, of course, shameless plug in my own video for a Whole Roasted Cauliflower. Please remember to subscribe to my channel and like the video, guys!
Recipes to cook
There are plenty of recipes out there that feature easy and tasty recipes for vegan enthusiasts. While I am not a vegan myself, I delight in having a delicious meat-free, coconut rich curry every now and then. Here are some recipes from this blog which you can cook with!
Vegan Red Curry: https://thecraversguide.com/quick-vegan-red-curry/
Vegan Green Curry: https://thecraversguide.com/thai-vegan-green-curry/
Sothi: https://thecraversguide.com/how-to-make-sothi/
Chocolate Cake: https://thecraversguide.com/eggless-chocolate-cake-recipe/
Note: Replace the butter with coconut oil, it works wonders!
Cauliflower Masala: https://thecraversguide.com/cauliflower-masala-with-green-peas/
Places to eat
Most eateries today have at least one or two vegan options on their menu. If you find a dish you like, you can always request for the meat to be removed from the dish, so that you can have it vegan! Little Farms uses a wide range of fresh vegetables in their menu, making their cafe highly vegan friendly. The Living Cafe is a beautiful place in Bukit Timah that’s known for being one of the earlier vegan eateries in Singapore. They have meat and dairy-free food options, and raw food options as well!
Daehwa Vegetarian combines Singaporeans’ love for Korean fare with Veganism, creating a menu featuring dishes such as bulgogi mushroom stew and bibimbap made with tofu. Afterglow is also an early vegan cafe, much like the Living Cafe. They too feature both vegan and raw items on their menu.
Would you do it?
Let’s face it; being vegan is not the easiest thing to do; the path to veganism is fraught with challenges. This includes, but is not limited to, a big mac, lobster rolls, sushi and fish curry. But the point of Veganuary is not to replace your animal proteins completely, but to be and create a sense of knowledge that veganism is very doable if we put our hearts to it. So, would you do it?