Six Simple Hacks To Veganize Your Favorite Meals
Going vegan doesn’t have to be difficult. By making a few simple swaps, you can create delicious plant-based versions of your favorite dishes.
Credit: Eat JUST Inc.
Going vegan doesn’t have to happen overnight - simple swaps can make a big difference. Here are some small steps that you can take to enjoy delicious meals without harming animals or the planet.
1. Replace Animal Meats with Vegan Alternatives
As more and more people adopt a plant-based diet, brands are rushing to create tasty and affordable animal-free versions of traditional meat products such as burgers, sausages, and bacon. With so many tasty meat alternatives now in most major supermarkets, here’s our guide to five of the most popular brands.
Meal idea: why not try vegan meatballs? Here’s a list of our favorite plant-based meatballs and where to buy them.
2. Swap Dairy for Plant-Based Milks
Plant-based milk can be used just like dairy milk: pour it on your cereal, blend it in a fruit smoothie, or add to creamy pasta dishes. It may sound simple, but swapping environmentally-damaging cow’s milk for plant-based alternatives, can have a hugely positive impact on the planet, animals, and your own health.
Nutty almond milk or creamy coconut milk are great in cereals and smoothie bowls, whilst the subtle taste of oat milk is perfect for hot drinks. When cooking, soy milk makes a great dairy substitute in recipes, especially with pancakes.
Meal idea: supermarkets shelves are full of plant-based milks, but you can also make your own at home with just a few ingredients. Here’s how.
3. Try Vegan Pizza
You may be surprised to find there are tons of options when it comes to vegan versions of your favorite pizza. Almost every major grocery chain now stocks a delicious range of frozen pizzas, perfect for a cozy night in or a quick, tasty meal. From meatless pepperoni to classic vegan mozzarella, here are our favorites.
Meal idea: try Amy’s Kitchen meatless pepperoni frozen pizza.
4. Choose Naturally-Vegan Sandwich Fillers
So many popular sandwich fillers are naturally vegan. Everything from hummus and avocado to peanut butter and jam, are usually free from animal products (just be sure to double-check the label). Plus, there are loads of plant-based meats and cheeses available in the sandwich filler sections of supermarkets, perfect for a quick packed lunch or picnic.
Meal idea: you can’t go wrong with a classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
5. Swap Meat for Beans and Pulses
Beans and pulses are a cheap and healthy choice when it comes to veganizing your go-to meals. Small but mighty, they can work wonders for your health, too. The American Cancer Society warns against eating red and processed meat, and instead recommends legumes (such as kidney beans, lentils, and chickpeas), as good alternatives.
Meal idea: why not try a spaghetti bolognese using protein-packed lentils?
6. Try a Vegan Option at Your Favorite Restaurant
For when you don’t fancy cooking, it is now easier than ever to buy something on-the-go, or to eat vegan at your favorite restaurant. Why not try the amazing Beyond Burger at TGI Friday’s, or grab the JUST egg breakfast sandwich with Lightlife bacon and Gardein sausage at Whole Foods.
Meal idea: download a free app like Happy Cow, or abillionveg, to find the best restaurants and vegan options near you.
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