Monthly Musings: November 2019

Happy November and World Vegan Month, which along with Veganuary, is another amazing month to celebrate veganism. And that makes me so happy. To see people celebrating everything that is plant-based feels amazing – and knowing that each meal, each choice, each day we are making positive change is pretty remarkable.

As you may know by now, vegan is my passion. As well as food, nourishment, spreading good vibes and overall wellbeing, veganism and plant-based living are things I live and breathe. I currently feel like I’m in a bit of a “funk” – I’m not sure where my groove is right now. But one thing I know is that I want to keep making and sharing delicious, appealing and vibrant vegan recipes. And I hope you’ll enjoy making them, too. So, instead of an inspirational “theme” this month, I have decided to celebrate veganism in all its glory.

But, don’t worry. This isn’t a preachy blog post about why veganism is cool (which, I think it is), it’s a post about some of my favourite resources to learn more, to eat more and to do more – if you are interested.

If you haven’t already, I would love you to read my previous articles on how to embrace vegan food and living into your everyday life:

• Veganuary! For reasons why I love being vegan.
• My journey to veganism and discovering what it means to me.
• Easy Vegan Habits and Hacks: Dairy I – for all your milk alternatives and more.
• Easy Vegan Habits and Hacks: Dairy II – plant alternatives to usually dairy-laden foods like ice-cream, chocolate, cakes and pastry.
• Easy Vegan Habits and Hacks: Eggs – how to bake without them and when you fancy something eggy on toast.
• Easy Vegan Habits and Hacks: Lifestyle – the clothing, skincare, beauty and sustainable companies I love.

As well as plugging my own resources, here are a few of my go-to accounts or places for when I need a bit of vegan inspiration:

• Vegans of London – the Instagram account covers everything and anything you could want to eat that is vegan with honest reviews and tasty looking photos. I also love Little London Vegan and Brixton Food Fiend for similar reviews. Every time these ladies post, I want to go there!
• Veganuary! Sign up to their e-newsletter for up to date information on the latest products, news pieces and meal plans to suit every budget and lifestyle. They get much more active when January rolls around, too.
• Festivals: there are so many vegan festivals and events, it is amazing. I love going to Vegan Nights which is every month (roughly) in Brick Lane. It is a collection of cool vegan food trucks, usually junk food, with a DJ and usually some freebies, too. I love going to Vegan Life Live and Vegfest to see the latest products and brands, while Vevolution Festival is a favourite for the wealth of information.
• Magazines: for the last couple of years, I’ve been gifted a subscription to Vegan Life Magazine and I love it. As much as I love looking at articles and recipes online, there is so much to be said for a real magazine. I read it cover to cover, noting down the new and noteworthy products as well as the “accidentally vegan” section and the recipes.
• Documentaries: you’ve probably heard of the usual Cowspiracy, Forks Over Knives and the Plant Based docu-film but there is also a new(ish) one on the scene that is creating waves in the fitness world: The Game Changers. With support from the likes of Arnold Schwarzenegger, this is a scientifically-based documentary following one man’s research into a plant-based diet and its effects on sport, fitness, injury recovery, workout recovery and overall wellbeing with shocking outcomes. Without being a preachy film, this really is an interesting one if you are interested in health, fitness and wellbeing.
• Podcasts: my definite favourite plant-based podcast has to be Venetia Falconer’s Talking Tastebuds. With a more recent focus on sustainability, Venetia interviews some amazing and inspiring guests. That said, it is not in-your-face vegan as she interviews non-vegans, too. They are simply amazing people doing amazing things like The Breath Guy, Dr Rupy Aujla, Laura Thomas, Chris Smalling, Melissa Hemsley, The Happy Pear and many more…

There is so much more I can say on veganism, let alone food accounts that inspire me. But for now, I will leave you with the above food for thought and let you celebrate World Vegan Day and Vegan Month in whichever way you like. Let me know your thoughts below!