Veganism is no longer just a trend or a contentious dietary choice. Nowadays, it is a massive international movement that promotes the health of both the planet and the people on it, not to mention the well-being of animals too.
You might be wondering whether going vegan will mean that you can no longer indulge in all the foods you love or have grown used to over the years. Luckily, there is a plant-based alternative for virtually all of our favourite foods today – and here are 10 of them to get you on the right track!
#1: Milk
You might not be able to face the day without a cup of milky coffee (or your favourite Lucky Nugget Casino Canada games) to get you going. That’s okay – there are dozens of plant based milk alternatives that taste nearly identical to traditional dairy! Oat milk, soya milk, almond milk, rice milk and cashew milk are all popular alternatives that offer the same great taste without the saturated fat, hormones and antibiotics found in traditional cow’s milk.
#2: Butter
If you’d miss enjoying butter on your sandwiches, you’ll be glad to know that there are a few delicious alternatives available. Nut butters and avocado both work perfectly to replace butter, while offering healthy fats (instead of artery-clogging saturated fat) and a host of other nutrients as well.
#3: Mayonnaise
Need something vegan and creamy to spread on your veggie crudites, salads, and sandwiches? Hummus is your answer. This middle eastern chickpea dip is made with extremely healthy ingredients like olive oil, mashed chickpeas, garlic, salt and lemon juice, and is packed with fibre, folate and macronutrients to keep you full for longer.
#4: Cheese
Many people say that they would be happy to go vegan if it wasn’t for giving up cheese. Thankfully, you won’t miss a thing with all the great cheese alternatives on the market! You can even make your own at home by blending cashew nuts, water, nutritional yeast, flavourings and agar (a seaweed derived thickener) and allowing it to set. Vegan cheese is easier to digest, high in important minerals, and free from hormones and other dairy additives.
#5: Yoghurt
There are so many different vegan yoghurts out there to try, from cashew yoghurt and soya yoghurt to coconut cream yoghurt and everything in between. Make your own coconut yoghurt by adding some probiotic capsules to a tin of coconut cream and allowing it to ferment at room temperature for a day or two. You won’t believe how tasty it is!
#6: Eggs
If you’re craving protein, switch up your traditional scrambled egg breakfasts for tofu scramble instead. Tofu is packed with healthy vegan protein, zinc, copper and magnesium, and can be added into everything from stews and stirfries to noodles, salads and kebabs.
#7: Ground Beef
Lentils are an excellent substitute for ground beef as they mimic the texture and even the taste if you season them well. Soya mince is also a great option for those who are looking for protein and calories with none of the cruelty.
#8: Honey
Honey is sticky, sweet and delicious – but the fact that it is produced by bees makes it a no-go for vegans. Instead, try agave syrup (derived from the leaves of the agave plant) or maple syrup (from the sap of the Canadian maple tree) when you’re craving a hit of sweetness.