Becoming a vegan can be a daunting and challenging task, especially when it comes to meal prepping and making sure you are getting all the necessary nutrients. However, with a little bit of guidance and knowledge, cooking vegan meals can be a delicious and exciting culinary adventure. Not only will you be reducing your carbon footprint and contributing to the welfare of animals, but you will also be elevating your culinary skills and expanding your palate.
The Benefits of a Vegan Diet
Numerous studies have shown the benefits of adopting a plant-based diet. It not only reduces the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes and heart disease, but it also positively impacts the environment. Raising livestock requires an enormous amount of resources, including land, water, and crops, which contribute to deforestation, water shortages and soil degradation. A vegan diet promotes sustainability by decreasing the demand for these resources, therefore reducing the carbon footprint.
The Basics of Vegan Cooking
Cooking vegan meals can seem daunting, especially if you are used to relying on meat as the main source of protein. However, there is a wide range of plant-based alternatives that can be used instead. Legumes, such as chickpeas, lentils, and beans are great sources of protein and can be easily incorporated into soups, stews, and salads. Tofu and tempeh are also excellent sources of protein that can be used in stir-fries and sandwiches.
When cooking vegan meals, it is also important to replace animal-based ingredients with plant-based options. For instance, dairy products such as milk, cheese, and butter can be swapped for non-dairy alternatives such as almond milk, soy cheese, and coconut oil. Egg replacements such as applesauce, silken tofu or bananas can help in baking vegan pastries.
Spice It Up!
Often, people assume that vegan food is bland and tasteless, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Spices are an essential part of vegan cooking, they not only add flavor but also provide health benefits. Turmeric, for instance, has anti-inflammatory properties, while oregano and basil have anti-bacterial properties. Cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg not only spice up desserts but can also make vegetables taste more interesting.
Feeling inventive? Experiment with using different spice blends from different culinary traditions such as curry or garam masala, or Mexican chili powder. These spice blends can add richness, depth and diversity to your meals.
Batch Cooking: A Vegan’s Best Friend
Meal prepping can be a significant challenge, but for vegans, it is even more critical due to the limited availability of vegan options in restaurants. The solution is batch cooking. Batch cooking is the process of cooking large amounts of food at one time, then freezing, or storing in the fridge to be used throughout the week.
Batch cooking makes it easier to eat healthier and save time. Preparing your meals ahead ensures that you have a variety of vegan meals to choose from and eliminates the urge to opt for fast food or unhealthy choices. To make batch cooking easier, choose recipes that require similar ingredients, such as soups or stir-frys, that can be easily reheated throughout the week.
What to Avoid on a Vegan Diet
There are several foods and ingredients that vegans should avoid. Gelatin, for instance, is derived from animal skin, bones, and connective tissues and is often found in gummy candies, marshmallows, and desserts. Another ingredient to avoid is casein, which is a protein found in milk and milk products such as cheese, yogurt, and cream. Lard, a by-product of pork, can be found in many baked goods and snack foods.
Online Resources for Planning Vegan Meals
One of the most exciting things about vegan cooking is that there is an endless possibility of recipes available online. There are numerous resources available that provide recipes, nutritional information, and vegan product reviews such as the following:
– The Minimalist Baker: a website providing simple plant-based recipes.
– Oh She Glows: provides vegan recipes for every meal of the day.
– Veganuary: a global organization that provides support, ideas, and guides people to try a vegan lifestyle for a month.
– Happy Cow: is an app that helps you find vegan food at local restaurants.
Conclusion
Becoming vegan and incorporating plant-based meals into your cooking is one of the most beneficial decisions you can make for your health and the environment. Utilizing plant-based ingredients, spices, and gems can make vegan cooking a delicious and exciting experience. Vegan batch cooking can save you time and money, and making small changes in your diet can lead to a more significant impact. With the help of online resources, vegan cooking can be simple, affordable and take your culinary skills to the next level.
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