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A Chrismas edition
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VegaNation
Very Merry Vegans: How to celebrate Chirtsmas vegan style
VegaNation
A note from the editor
Editor
Veganism is on the rise and is showing no signs of slowing down. It’s so important to advocate the animals and live a sustainable life to protect our planet. Our magazine aims to eduate and inform both vegans and anyone who is looking to learn about this forward-thinking way of life. Flick through these carefully crafted pages to find controversial topics, Christmas experiences and ideas, a look into the rise of veganism and so much more. As editor, I felt it was important to feel a sense of vegan community inside the walls of this magazine. Expect to find countless personal stories and comments from vegans all over the UK about the topics raised. Thank you,
Lucy Bannister
Meet the team Everyone loves food, me especially. You’ll find me writing about anything and everything food related. There’s so much to write about when it comes to vegan treats and I aim to bring you the very best of the vegan variety. Whether you like eating, cooking or just looking you’ll find everything you need in what I have to write about.
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Isaac Rigby-Nelson
I think veganism is an amazing thing. To put animals before your taste buds and consider things around you more than just yourself. Although I’m a food lover, I wanted to focus more on focus more on the other aspects of veganism; why people do it and what other affects it has besides what you eat.
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Whether you’re a vegan or just interested in becoming one, I promise these pages will inform you about this popular lifestyle.
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Olivia Kirk
There are many things to learn about veganism, and there’s more to it than what catches the eye. That’s where we come in.
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I love food and I’m fascinated by what you can do with it. Vegan food is a great example of experimenting with food for a healthier and happier life and this magazine will hopefully help you to see the light.
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James Smith
VegaNation
Veganism: Why the increased interest? By Olivia Kirk
More and more young adults are making the lifestyle change, but why now?
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n the past, there was a very specific image associated with being vegan: a free loving, long haired, sandal wearing hippy. However that image has drastically changed as veganism has become more mainstream and trendy. Particularly in the last few years, the rise in people living a vegan lifestyle has increased dramatically. According to a recent study by The Vegan society, there are now over half a million vegans in the UK. This means an increase by 350% over the last 10 years. According to google trends the amount of people googling ‘vegan’ and ‘veganism’ has been rising since 2010 and spiked in January 2017. The UK is amongst the top 5 countries where this search has been trending, along with other western countries such as Canada and the USA. It seems that this is a movement driven by the young. Nearly half of all vegans are aged 15 – 34 compared with only 14% above the age of 65.
This begs the question, why is this happening now? CEO of the Vegan Society Jasmijn De Boo said “The reasons behind the rise in veganism are numerous” she named the positive portrayal of vegan diets in the media as being one of the main contributing factors along with the increase in documentaries about meat production. The documentaries show the “shocking realities and consequences of animal agriculture.” Russel brand, one of the many celebrity ambassadors for PETA became vegan in 2011 after being vegetarian since the age of fourteen. He stated that he decided to make this change after watching the documentary “forks over Knives” which showed how plant based foods cleanse the body and protects from diseases. This increase could also be due to findings published last year by the World health organisation about the links between processed meats such as bacon and ham with cancer. It is no
surprise that nearly a third of British people cut back on their meat consumption after this.
Reasons why people become vegan Joe Kerry, 25, a debt advisor at a charity in Leeds said: “I think it’s become more common recently mainly due to the online communities built on social media. It’s made the proliferation of ideas that go against the status quo even more rapid and wide reaching.” He added that Veganism has also grown in popularity due to it being seized as a marketing tool for corporations. “It was once seen as extreme but is now seen as cool which is great for new cafes and restaurants to tap into as brand identity.” It was during University in 2013 that he made the change from vegetarian to vegan. He was living in America at the time, studying various utilitarian philosophers which made him think more about the welfare of animals. It was this along with a video on YouTube that made him
Rise of the vegans
stop completely. “For me it comes down to wanting to cause the least harm and suffering as reasonably possible. There are lots of supposed health and environmental benefits to veganism, most of which I’m convinced of and some not. Mainly, it comes down to not wanting to cause any unnecessary suffering.” Keziah Truman, 18 has been a vegan for over two years. She plans to become a scuba diving instructor when she has completed her A-Levels. “I think social media has a very big impact. I share videos on Facebook and that makes lots of people ask me
about it. I have had three friends go Vegan since I first started posting things. As well as helping people make the decision to go vegan, social media also helps show what kind of food and meals you can eat once you are.” She made the decision to go vegan after watching a graphic video on YouTube and hasn’t looked back since then. “I see veganism as a practice of views that I think exist in us all, compassion, equality and freedom. The choice is whether to put these views before your taste buds.” Veganism has become a bit of a trend and like most trends is due to the buzz on social me-
dia. Although the fact that celebrities such as Jennifer Lopez, Liam Hemsworth and Brad Pitt are openly vegan makes the lifestyle more attractive, it seems the main reason people make the change is the implications of eating animals and the impact that has on the environment. By 2017 people have become a lot more educated about the reality of meat production and the suffering it causes, due to videos on YouTube and articles shared on Facebook. Only time will tell if this is just a current trend that will fade when the social media buzz dies down or if this is a permanent lifestyle choice amongst young adults in Britain.
A vegan lunch
VegaNation
Chef Jodie Groves
Chefs table
Chefs Table: odie Groves
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The inns and oats of cheffing as a vegan By Isaac Rigby-Nelson
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he first things you notice are the smells, herbs and spices sizzle away on the hobs, giving the room an intense aroma. The pans on a medium heat are the source of all the commotion, oil spitting softly producing a hiss here and there. The well-lit kitchen is full of different foods. Bowls of vegetables and nuts lined up like soldiers on the sides ready for cooking. The colours are startling, bright reds, yellows, dark greens and forest browns arranged perfectly.
previously a vegetarian. She gives extremely thought provoking reasons for her decision to change, reasons that many overlook or simply refuse to believe exist.
cle moment in her decision to go vegan.
‘’I realised after being vegetarian for a year that the dairy industry is as bad as the meat production industry’’.
Difficulties and deviations
A short, dark haired woman in pristine chef’s whites, flicks pans and slices ingredients with professional precision, the ease of which it’s happening is quite overwhelming. As she turns around she grins and says ‘’what do you want for dinner’’. That’s Jodie Groves and the kitchen is a testimony to her ability to create mouth-watering meals. That’s the thing when you have a passion for food; everything has to be perfect.
Changing stances Jodie wasn’t always vegan and has only been living the lifestyle for a couple of years, she was however
When dairy cows calve, if the calves are male and cannot survive themselves they are slaughtered without thought, cows that run out of milk are also mindlessly murdered as they are considered as a ‘’waste of resources’’. Jodie says that watching documentaries like “Cowspiracy” and the BBC’s ‘’Carnage’’ was a pinna-
“Both documentaries are eyeopening and well worth a watch.”
The table is well stocked now and sipping on tea with a dash of soya milk Jodie goes into depth about growing up in a family of non-vegans. The first thing she says is ‘’it’s definitely not easy’’ and for many vegans the initial change isn’t. Removing a large chunk of your diet is especially hard but whether it’s for animal welfare or simply a healthier lifestyle veganism is one of the most rewarding. Switching from malicious meat eating to a plant-based diet was difficult for Jodie and growing up in a family who ‘’put butter and cheese on everything’’ made it even harder. Biting into one of her vegan galaxy macaroons she looks at it, deep in thought. A moment passes and she says ‘’I love sweet treats, but it’s almost impossible to find any in the shops, so I just make them myself. Going vegan may seem tricky because of these things but once you get into the swing of it you feel so much better, both physically and mental-
VegaNation to have meat in every dish and I actually believe a chef who can cook a decent, vegetarian meal has more skill than one who works with meat.’’ Something that holds true when you look into the effort and understanding required to be successful.
Expectations and reality Life’s not always easy, and to limit yourself because of your
The beginnings of the (incredibly tasty) vegan galaxy macaroons. ly.’’ Being vegan and a chef has left Jodie with some difficult hurdles to overcome, and although there are plenty of vegan restaurants many fine dining ones serve meat and animal based products. Decisions had to be made for the future of her career and this is something that many vegan chefs may face in theirs. ‘’It comes down to the conflict of interests; I don’t want to take part in anything that exploits animals, but I need to focus on a career in food, what can you do when both things are at the opposite end of the spectrum.’’ This is something that plenty of vegans in the food industry face.
Turning the tables Nowadays, veganism is becoming much more prominent. A survey in The Telegraph shows that around 542,000 people have changed to a plant based diet since 2006, an increase of 360%. The biggest career change for Jodie was starting work at The Drunken Duck, a highly decorated restaurant in the heart of the Lake District. In recent
years the restaurant has adopted a predominantly vegan menu. Not many people begin their lives as a vegetarian, less people begin their lives as a vegan. Jodie is no different and now content, having gorged on tasty treats for the past hour she talks about how working at The Drunken Duck changed her perspective on vegan cooking. She says ‘’People will often buy a piece of meat because it looks like a piece of meat. As a chef you have to sometimes butcher the whole carcass. This makes you realise it was a being that had feelings, and emotions. It makes me really sad.’’
‘‘As a chef you have to sometimes butcher the whole carcass. This makes you realise it was a being that had feelings, and emotions’’ forward thinking attitude may seem daunting, but Jodie has some advice that will allow you to achieve your goals whilst promoting animal welfare.
As a chef working with vegan products comes with its difficulties but this just opens up more doors of opportunity. This caused Jodie to adapt and learn new techniques in cooking such as emulsifying, thickening and adding moisture to dishes. All these techniques are easy when you are able and willing to use animal products such as eggs, but take skill to achieve as a vegan. Jodie says ‘’ It’s not necessary
Above: Corguette and red onion quiche. Yes it’s vegan.
Chefs table
Jodies avacado smash with super seeds on malted brown bread,
Here are a few simple tips to get you on your way:
Q. What advice would you give a vegan wanting to start a career as a chef? A. Well first of all don’t worry, when you find a position in a kitchen you can work around anything you don’t agree with. Secondly be as good as you can, with the ‘know how’ you’re going to be as good if not better at a non-vegan chef
Q. What’s important knowledge to have?
Q. What would you tell people when times get tough?
A. Nutritional information is key. Learn everything you can about balancing diets with vegan ingredients and you’ll ace it. Also don’t be scared to experiment, it can be difficult finding new and exciting ways to make food appealing to people. Also remember, not all those who come to eat where you work will be vegan.
A. Working as a chef is stressful especially in fine dining restaurants like The Drunken Duck, not everything goes right all the time. Just remember you’re there to make amazing food and don’t lose sight of the fact you love it, as a vegan you’re also helping save the environment too.
VegaNation
Vegan breakfast sandwich made up of avocado, tomato and mushrooms
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A ealth perspective
By Lucy Bannister
An insight into the health related benefits of a plantbased diet
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veryone has their own reasons for becoming vegan. Health benefits is one of the most common, along with saving the environment and preventing the exploitation of animals. In today’s society, veganism is becoming increasingly popular. Most restaurants and food stores now have vegan options. Zizzi, Wagamamas, Wetherspoons and Marks and Spencer, to name a few. The basis of a vegan diet revolves around vegetables, whole grains,
beans, nuts and seeds which are all very high in vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals and fiber. Whilst this diet can be healthy for people of all ages, it is important to avoid nutrient deficiencies. Maintaining a healthy iron level can be something some vegans struggle with. Jill Wilson, 50, from Leeds speaks about how her daughters diet change took a turn for the worst. “My daughter and I turned vegan
fifteen months ago, she has been cold, tired and pale for a while. The doctors did blood tests and her count for iron was five and it should be between 200-300.” Jill, desperate to find a fast way to boost her daughter’s iron count, looked for advice from the vegan community. She was told that the darker the green the higher the iron. Vegan friendly foods such as dried apricots, lentils and tofu are also rich in iron.
Health perspective
Disease Prevention
Living a longer and healthier life is a common correlation with those following a plant based diet.
A few weeks later me and my husband decided a vegan diet would suit us best. Also, one of my sons has eczema which gets to the point of bleeding because he scratches so much. So we knew taking out dairy products would help and decided to do it properly.” Shortly after the diet change in the McHugh household, they started swapping leather bags, purses and shoes for vegan products and started advocating for animals.
“We ate a lot of junk food before bed and started feeling lethargic so we decided it was time for a health kick”
PETA Prime reported a study which took place at Loma Linda University in California, which began in 1958, investigating if none meat eaters live longer. The study is only halfway finished, and already has a resounding answer showing vegans and vegetarians live longer. The study found that, on average, vegetarian men live 9.5 years longer than meat consumers and women 6.1 years. Vegan food is cholesterol-free and high in fiber, complex carbohydrates and other essential nutrients. They are generally packed with protein and cancer-fighting phytochemicals, which all have life extending benefits. By consuming a purely plantbased diet you are avoiding artery-clogging cholesterol, calories and most saturated fats. With the risk of mortality significantly reduced, conditions such as Type 2 Diabetes, Cardiovascular Disease, Strokes, Obesity and some Cancers including Prostate and Colon Cancer, are rare. Donna McHugh, 34, a full time mum of five from Scunthorpe, decided to switch to a plantbased diet to live a healthier life. “We went vegan about five months ago for health reasons, we ate a lot of junk food before bed and started feeling lethargic so we decided it was time for a health kick.
Fresh food shopping
Fact: Whilst tea is one of the healthiest beverages around most people may not be aware that it reduces your iron count, which could lead to a deficiency. The New York Times reported that compounds in tea called tannins can act as chelators, which bond to minerals and inhibit the body’s ability to absorb them.
VegaNation
Fruit and vegetable stall selling organic produce
Health perspective
Physical Health Plant-based diets promote weight loss. This is because the intake of saturated fats in butter, chicken fat and lard, tend to be swapped out for polyunsaturated fats such as corn, safflower and soybean oils. Eating larger portions of plant-based meals reduces the likeliness of weight gain than having smaller meat based meals. Loma Linda University’s study indicates that in general, vegans are thirty pounds leaner and five units lighter in terms of body mass.
Success story: Anna Buckley, 20, a student in Leeds, switched to a vegan diet after battling with anorexia for three years. “When I switched to a vegan diet it was to stop the obsession with counting calories, and I’d feel less guilty about eating larger portions if the food had good nutritional value.”
Vanessa Quarmby, registered Dietitian from The Yorkshire Dietitian, see’s lots of benefits from a plant-based diet. “I would recommend it with caution as it can easily lead to deficiencies such as b12, iron and iodine. However there are supplements to take for deficiencies like these.”
Before being vegan Anna was eight stone, six months later, Anna reached a healthy weight of ten stone, which is perfect for her BMI. In addition to this her iron and b12 levels increased. “My body’s finally right again, it’s the best decision I’ve made for my mind and body. I feel less lethargic now that I’m vegan because I’m getting a lot more nutrients that my body wants and needs. I have so much more energy and all around I just feel more like myself again.”
Veganism can also give you clearer looking skin, reducing, if not completely preventing acne. Research by PETA shows dairy products and foods with a high glycemic load have a correlation to acne. However, a vegan plant-based diet eliminates both of these chances. Consuming greasy meat-based foods means your cells will clog with grease filling your pores. This leads to spotty skin. The Vegan Forum says there is a link between the foods you eat and your body odour. Rotting meat stinks in comparison to rotting vegetables, these horrible stenches all build up in your pores until you sweat it out.
“Rotting meat stinks in comparison to rotting vegetables” A vegan lifestyle has a lot of personal benefits, which could help you live a healthier and happier life. Aliya Porter, a registered Nutritionist from Porter Nutrition in Manchester, comments on the benefits: “It can lead you to a healthier life by reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases but it can’t guarantee you will be happier, nothing can. I wouldn’t recommend this diet for under two’s as it’s high in fiber which isn’t good for their little bellies.” Fiber is found in plant foods and is so complex, it can’t be digested making it very valuable. It lowers cholesterol, reduces blood pressure and cleanses the system. Whilst there are many reasons why you might convert to a vegan lifestyle, all these health benefits should be a large factor.
VegaNation
5
Top scrumptious snacks 1
Quick and simple foods to chow down on By Isaac Rigby-Nelson
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inding your perfect snack can be hard, but with so many delicious morsels out there it doesn’t have to be. We all know that there are those ‘’accidentally vegan’’ snacks that you can pick up in any shop around the country – you might be surprised to find Jelly Tots and even certain chocolates make it onto the list. We all know a healthy diet promotes a happy life and vegan ingredients top the nutritious table. You may snack on crisps or any other packaged foods or perhaps you put out some hummus with carrot sticks or celery when you have a dinner party. It’s easy to grab something from the shop or to get a takeaway on your lunch break, but for those who prefer to cook up their own nibbles here are our top five assorted snacks.
Crunchy Chickpeas Simple yet delectable. These take around 45 minutes to make, as you roast them in the oven they form a crispy coating plus they’re a great source of protein and healthy fats!
Although you can season with whatever you want seasoning with onion salt and some chili powder creates a perfect vegan snack. Chickpeas are really cheap and they taste awesome, they’re super nutritious too. Ellie Hoole, a student in Leeds says ‘’I always make these when I need something quick to eat, they’re possibly my favourite food’’. Ingredients: Chickpeas, choice of seasonings.
your
Step 1 - Grab a can of chickpeas Step 2 - Drain them then dry with a paper towel Step 3 – Place on a baking tray and drizzle with olive oil Step 4 – Put in the oven at 180 °C for 30-40 minutes Step 5 – Season to taste
Above and below: Chickpeas ready for roasting
Scrumptious snacks
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Korean Cauliflower
Something slightly more complicated.Preparing the cauliflower can be a little bit hit and miss, creating the batter for the outer shell is a delicate process. If you manage to crack it however drizzling these with a sweet chili dipping sauce is something everyone needs to try. It can be a struggle to find takeaways that provide vegan friendly food (surprisingly harder than you might think) this one’s for you.You’ll be the star of the show when you take it to your friends when they’re ordering in Chinese and watching the football! Ingredients: Cauliflower, vodka, 1 mug corn starch, 1 mug flour, peanut oil, 1 tsp baking soda, sweet chili sauce, 250ml water. Step 1 – Chop your cauliflower into small bushels or nuggets whilst heating your peanut oil to 180°C in a pan. Step 2 – Mix the flour and corn starch in a bowl and add water to create the batter. Step 3 – add 1 tsp of baking soda to the batter and a splash of vodka.
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Butternut Squash Bites
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Grape Slushies
Festive, fruity and fresh. A must try winter snack which is full of variety and beautiful flavours.
Not your traditional bowling alley slush puppy. These are so simple it’s scary!
This dish takes a while to cook off but the wait is worth it.
The middle of ice cold grapes turns into a fruity slush that’s perfect for nibbling on in front of the winter fire and even in summer. Pop into a glass of white wine or prosecco to add an ice cube of instant gratification.
It’s a showstopper when you want something filling and delicious that can be eaten hot or cold! What’s not to like? Ingredients: 1 Butternut Squash, ½ red onion, 2 diced apples, 50g dried cranberries, 50g chopped walnuts, 1 tsp maple syrup, 1 tsp cinnamon, sunflower oil. Step 1 – Deseed and chop your butternut squash into cubes, drizzle with olive oil and place in an oven pre-heated to 180°C. Roast for 40-50 minutes. Step 2 – Cook the onion in a frying pan for five minutes, until soft. Add the apple and cover for 10 minutes, stir regularly. Step 3 – Add the cranberries, walnuts, maple syrup and cinnamon to the pan. Spoon into the butternut squash and place back in the oven for 10 more minutes.
Step 4 – Coat your cauliflower in the batter, ensuring it is covered.
Ingredients: 1 packet of grapes. Step 1 – Place into the freezer for 30-40 minutes. Voila.
5
Super Seed Salad
A staple meal for many, a superior healthy snack for all. Everyone knows (or needs to know) about the benefits of super foods and seeds, this snack pot is brilliant if you want a light lunch or need something to put you on until tea time. The nutritional values in the different seeds and nuts are astounding, with a high protein content and un-saturated fats you can be sure this snack will keep your body healthy and happy. Ingredients: Preferred salad leaves, assorted seeds (pumpkin and sunflower), lightly toasted mixed nuts (walnut and pecan), 1 pinch cumin, 1 pinch chili flakes, 1 pinch mint, toasted almonds, finely grated beetroot, 1 tsp olive oil.
Step 5 – Place your battered cauliflower in the oil for 4-5 minutes. Step 6 – Smother in sweet chili sauce and enjoy.
Step 1: Toss your leaves with olive oil, cumin, chili flakes and mint. Step 2: Mix in your mixed nuts and assorted seeds and almonds. Step 3: Sprinkle with your grated beetroot and dig in.
A superfood salad
VegaNation
A very merryveg
an
Christmas
Your guide to the perfect vegan Christmas. Tips, experiences and homely traditions
By Lucy Bannister
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ith Christmas just around the corner, everyone is running around the shops in attempt to find those ideal last minute gifts, making sure every bauble on the tree is picture perfect and every stocking is full to the brim. However, It is important to make sure you don’t neglect the star of the show, Christmas dinner. Supermarkets cram their shelves with festive belly warming options, with vegans usually left with dry, unimpressed taste buds. Not anymore. This year, Marks and Spencer’s have more meat-free Christmas choices than those with meat. Sainsbury’s have even launched a vegan cheeseboard,
Beautifully decorated festive table
A vegan Christmas Christmas tree close up
First vegan Christmas
With the recent surge in people joining the vegan community, this will be many people’s first vegan Christmas. There are always plenty of scrumptious options meaning you don’t need to panic about arguably the most important feast of the year. Lynette Woods-Reynolds, 51 from Oxfordshire has been a vegetarian for 34 years and has recently converted to a purely plant-based diet.
“I now wonder why it took me so long, there have been so many benefits, even my husband commented on my skin.”
“I did a full cleanse for a month and at the end I thought I’ve done a month without dairy or eggs and it’s fine, so why go back. I now wonder why it took me so long, there have been so many benefits, even my husband commented on my skin. The most important thing to me is knowing that I have stopped contributing to unnecessary suffering, I’m now in vegan shoes and my next step is household products and toiletries.”
This year is her first vegan Christmas and plans to make a triple layer nut roast with roast potatoes, vegetables and homemade mushroom gravy. This is the same as her previous vegetarian Christmas spread, but won’t be using the egg to bind the nut roast this time.
Christmas is a holiday typically associated with turkey, pigs in blankets and cheese boards. As the only vegan around the table this could be daunting but you’re not the only one in this situation. Lianne Douglas, 46, from South Shields is determined to celebrate Christmas without missing anything off the plate. “I’m having either nut roast or vegan haggis and all the trimmings. I was a bit dubious about going to my Mam’s as she sometimes makes comments like it’s a fad or have a day off, but she’s agreed to doing the veg without butter or milk. I’m currently on the look out for a vegan Christmas pudding.” “It upsets me that my Mam can’t accept my decision, she thinks it’s too much of a bother. She’s set in her ways about food and insists we need milk for calcium and humans are meant to eat meat.”
VegaNation
Taste Testing from the shelves Morrisons roast is finally in meaning for just enjoy this classic
vegan nut the freezers £3 you can festive feast.
The VegaNation team, taste-tested the nut roast for the first time ever and commented on the quality. This vegan option was made up of sweet potato, pearl barley, spelt, quinoa, pumpkin seeds and a sage and onion gravy sachet.
Lucy Bannister, Editor: “I expected it to be quite dry but it wasn’t, it was flavoursome and it didn’t disappoint.”
A DIY Christmas When the turkey arrives at the table it is usually welcomed with rumbling tummies, hypnotized eyes and your guests desperately inhaling the homely scent of this Christmassy masterpiece. However when your vegan nut roast is served everyone seems to pity you as it doesn’t have that wow factor. Not this year. You’re going to serve up the most festive, colourful meal that everyone will be amazed by how delicious food can look without unnecessary animal slaughtering. Cook up the works with main course options like a festive butternut roast, an exceptional mushroom wellington or a classic nut roast.
Complete your plate with all the usual trimmings; roast potatoes, dairy-free mash, plenty of veg, mushroom stuffing and onion gravy. Tip: Don’t overpower the root vegetables, if your main course uses carrots, parsnips or potatoes, don’t use them as a side too. There are other options to spice up your feast. Christmas is a time to over indulge and spend quality time with your loved ones. Regardless of the stereotypical turkey dinner with pigs in blankets, it’s still possible to have a traditional Christmas and uphold your vegan values.
Have a very Merry Christmas.
Isaac Nelson, Feature Editor: “I think it’s tasty but I just think there’s so much more potential for making it yourself.” Olivia Kirk, Sub Editor: “I really like it, it had a good texture and for £3 you can’t go wrong. It’s just lacking a bit of festivity.” James Smith, Creative Director: “I was surprised by the taste and rather liked it, but it’s just a shame it doesn’t look more appetizing.”
Vegetables ready for preperation
Leeds eateries
Leeds Vegan Eateries
By James Smith
We identify some local vegan business’ in Leeds that you should be keeping an eye out for
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he availability and consumption of vegan food is becoming more and more common across the country and the city of Leeds is no exception. A study found in the national newspaper ‘The Telegraph’ by Vegan Life Magazine concluded that the number of vegans in the UK has risen by 350% in the last 10 years. Why? You can ask yourself why it is on such a rise and there are a few answers. It can be for cultural reasons, for health reasons and sometimes because it’s just what one may prefer. Frankly with what is on offer nowadays for the people that look for it, it can be very easily integrated into someone’s lifestyle. It’s a completely different diet change which, by definition according to the Vegan Society, is seeking to exclude all forms of exploitation of and cruelty to animals for food as far as is possible and practical. The difference to vegetarians is that whilst vegetarians don’t eat meat, vegans also refrain from consuming dairy products, or in fact other such foods originating from animals and they often want this to be known so that there is a clear understanding that they are completely different ideologies. There is also some vegan prin-
ciples that include refraining from any other animal based products aside from food, such as clothes or household items. This can be known as environmental or ethical veganism. Something else worth noting from the Vegan Life study was that 42% of all vegans were found to be aged between 15 and 34 years. Leeds and Headingley are very popular areas for students and young people and such is the rise in popularity of vegan businesses here, identified below are five places locally for the people of Leeds that you may not have heard of that are worth visiting for vegan food, meals and snacks. They range from restaurants and cafes to food stalls that may well be right on your door step without
you even knowing, appropriate for both established vegans and those who may just want to dip their toes in the water for the first time. We begin with Oranaise Café, which is situated at the foot of Woodhouse Lane and within spitting distance of the popular Hyde Park pub. Opening at 11am until late all week, Oranaise perfect for any type of sitting you desire, whether it be a light breakfast, lunch or a contemporary dinner. They specialise in Moroccan and Mediterranean cuisine and serve foods including burgers and wraps, tapas, grills, pizza, salads and tagines. Moreover they also deliver between 12pm10pm Monday and Thursday and between 12pm-11pm Friday to Sunday. Oranaise offer a sep-
Oranaise cafe is found just off Woodhouse Lane
VegaNation arate vegan menu to their usual, meaning that it is a venue for you to visit with friends and family who may not even favour vegan food, and that is what happened to student Ellie Hanson from Headingley, who visited with her boyfriend. “I’ve been a vegetarian for years but only just started to eat more strictly vegan food in the past few months. Oranaise wasn’t recommended to us, we just pass it every day on the way to uni and thought it was worth trying, and we didn’t even realise they had a vegan menu either.” “Jake isn’t vegan so he had a normal burger whilst I tried some ve-
gan tapas. It was such an authentic place and we would go again in a heartbeat.”
a diverse customer base and demand shows that people want more plant based food.”
Another authentic place popular with the locals is Roots and Fruits; a vegan café within the Grand Arcade, not far from bustling Merrion Street. They serve a variety of great food including sandwiches, breakfasts, salads and puddings. Not only that, it is a suitable environment for a drink too. There is tea and coffee, fruit juices and freshly made smoothies on offer.
Upon our visit of the rather quaint café, we struggled to even find a table before an elderly couple decided to move on, to our relief. Kay later revealed some of the modifications they are making to keep both their reputation and produce fresh.
Kay Jones, owner and waitress at Roots and Fruits, has been in charge for four years and used to visit before she was even involved with the business. “Roots and Fruits has been an independent, vegetarian café for more than 23 years now. We have
Oranaise cafe have their own inspired vegan menu, check it out!
"Next month we are revising our menu so that we are a vegan café with vegetarian options’’
“I’ve certainly seen the demand for vegan food grow. Next month we are revising our menu so that we are a vegan café with vegetarian options, rather than the other way round. Most of the staff here are vegan and very conscious of the environment, animal welfare and the importance of unprocessed food for healthy and ethical living.” Roots and Fruits open their doors at 11am and close at 7pm between Monday and Saturday, with an earlier close of 4pm on Sundays. Aside from cafés, how about something a bit more on-
Roots and Fruits cafe cooking up a storm vegan-style
Leeds eateries the-go? Well you simply can look no further than Falafel Guys, a remarkable pair who have taken Leeds by storm, and you only have to look at the trip advisor ratings to see that. Ahmed and Abdalla are brothers who run a fast food stall based on Briggate in Leeds, usually by the Marks and Spencer store. Falafel is the main attraction here, a vegan favourite for many, however they also offer options to suit all, including slow cooked chicken, halloumi and hummus, normally served in a
while. With their unique selling point being that they provide fascinating foods suitable for vegans and native from their background, all at affordable prices for takeaway, they have to be an option for you to keep in mind whenever you are in the city centre. This may be something new for you to try, but it’s unlikely that you’ll turn back once you do. Falafel guys may well serve hummus on their menu, but how about an actual Hummus and Pita Bar?
got it all started just a few years ago and when given the opportunity to speak to him, it almost seemed imperative to ask about the demand for the vegan foods available on their menu in contrast to the ‘normal foods’. But his response was not something to be anticipated. “All of our foods are vegan, in fact, we are the leading vegan chain in the UK”. Anything you would want to know about Humpit is displayed on their magnificently assembled website, which you should be sure to check out. They strive to make assurances that they serve “authentic, great tasting, down-to-earth hummus, falafel, salads and drinks”. When asked for his opinion on the relentless growth in popularity of vegan foods and snacks, Jonathan made a fascinating statement which is sure to surprise you.
Falafel is available in almost all major supermarkets wrap. Prices can range from £3£6 and your food can be made and ready before your very eyes within minutes every day excluding Friday. But many of you will probably be asking yourselves right now, “What is falafel?” I would imagine? Falafel is a food originating from the Middle East and generally is made using chickpeas, which are subsequently made into a fritter or patty. It is commonly served in wraps or pita with a range of salads and hot sauces, which is now making its way across Europe and being served as a snack. It is also almost certainly available in every major supermarket across the country. Falafel guys are the epitome of “service with a smile” and are a welcoming, approachable pair who will always do their absolute most to make your custom worth-
That’s where Humpit come into play. Based in the Corn Exchange in Leeds, Humpit have been running since 2014 and have now expanded to the point where they have two more shops running; one in Sheffield at Orchard Square Shopping Centre but more interestingly one on campus at the University of Leeds. What’s better, Humpit now deliver to your door via the ever expanding delivery service ‘Deliveroo’, so there’s no excuses to miss out on this quite brilliant, niche business. Similar to prior establishments, Humpit offer falafel but predominantly favour serving their own tasty hummus recipes alongside pita breads, you’ll be surprised to hear. A perfect snack appropriate for vegans and a total change to your regular packet of crisps, what’s not to love? Jonathan Phillips is the man that
"The amount of protein found in chickpeas is almost as much as chicken"
Chickpeas are a high source of protein
VegaNation “The demand for vegan food is definitely on the rise. People are seeing the health benefits of a vegan diet and the amount of protein found in chickpeas is almost as much as chicken. People are more concerned about eating meat for cruelty purposes and even meat eaters have reduced their weekly meat intake and one or two days per week are kept to a total meat free diet.” Leeds Corn Exchange is home to many independent shops and other businesses, and Humpit is now an even bigger reason for you to take a walk down for yourself to check it out. As mentioned earlier, Leeds students have their own Humpit bar close by at the university union which is an extra privilege.
"People are more concerned about eating meat for cruelty purposes and even meat eaters have reduced their weekly meat intake and one or two days per week are kept to a total meat free diet.”
A final place that is undoubtedly worth the mention is Global Tribe Café, situated on Swan Street. Simply turn off the Headrow onto Lands Lane and you will find Swan Street on the left, where an array of splendid vegan foods are served by a small group of gifted chefs in a cosy café. Global Tribe’s opening hours are 10am-6:30pm Monday to Friday and stay open an extra half hour on Saturday’s. Their winter menu includes breakfasts, light bites, main meals, desserts and both cold and hold drinks, all of which have vegan friendly options. Mario has worked at Global Tribe for a number of years and he explained what business was like for them. “We are a vegetarian and vegan café, but the demand for vegan food is higher in our business than vegetarian food. That’s the thing, you wouldn’t usually expect that because veganism is a more precise ideology.” This is the perfect place for over Christmas time and the New Year, with friendly and open-hearted staff at your service every step of the way. Global Tribe have your dining experience at the forefront of their minds and with this,
The benefits of a vegan diet are being realised
they state on their website that their chefs “make healthy comforting food that satisfies the body as well as the spirit.” The eateries identified above are the perfect places for you to kickstart your vegan regimes and if that’s not what you’re after, the food they provide is incredibly tasty and healthy regardless. These five establishments are within reasonable distance to each other and just goes to show that the city of Leeds are becoming a real hotspot for vegan businesses, and that is sure to improve as much as it already has done in the years to come.
Cruelty free
How cruelty free is cruelty free? Ever wonder what qualifies as a cruelty free brand
W
hen it comes to vegan values, what products you use is just as important as what you eat. Animals get prodded, poked and tortured to ensure products are safe for us to use. Skinned for their fur and killed for their feathers all in the name of fashion. There are two organisations that have very helpfully listed all cruelty free brands, making it easy for you to decide where you might buy cosmetics, toiletries or household items from. They are PETA and Leaping bunny. However, you may notice that PETA’s list is considerably longer than the one that Leaping bunny have released. This is because Leaping bunny is the only internationally recognised certification organisation for cruelty free brands and is much more selective than PETA. This means that not all “cruelty free” companies are certified.
company has made this pledge, Leaping bunny will commission on sight check-ups, to validate the licence’s claims. It’s fair to say that both lists are reliable, as brands that are still testing on animals cleverly avoid questions or state that their product is cruelty free when the
It is important to remember; brands can call their products cruelty free when in fact the ingredients used is not. To be sure that something has not been tested on animals, look out for the Leaping bunny symbol or refer to the list on their website.
By Olivia Kirk
Cosmetics: NARS NARS has always been one of the few high end make up brands that doesn’t test on animals. However, in July of this year, the company came under fire after they went back on their previously cruelty free stance to enter the Chinese market. It is mandatory in China for all cosmetic companies to test on animals. They later released an official statement: “We firmly believe that product and ingredient safety can be proven by non-animal methods, but we must comply with the local laws of the markets in which we operate, including in China.
PETA only requires the company to fill out a short questionnaire and sign a statement. On the other hand, Leaping bunny according to their own website, require a voluntary pledge from companies that they will not test on animals at any stage of product development. Which means that ingredient suppliers must make the same pledge. Once a
Nars make up
VegaNation
“NARS is hopeful that together, we can work toward a cruelty-free world.” Regardless of this statement, Bry Mckean, makeup artist based in Leeds said that she wouldn’t buy NARS makeup. “I wouldn’t buy make up that tested on animals in China and not in the UK mainly because there are ways to sell in China without testing on animals. If you have your office in Hong Kong you’re not required to test on animals and you can still sell to the Chinese market. I feel that there are ways around it.” Lush store
Completely cruelty free brands
The fashion industry Household brands that have firm place on the leaping bunny list of cruelty free include:
Lush cosmetics Ltd Not only is fighting animal testing a core value of the company but they also actively try to stamp it out around the world. They often join up with animal campaign groups regularly to publicise it. Lush have also taken a stance against the use of fur for fashion and have an online petition on their website to ban fur completely in the UK. Erin Ferguson, Lush representative, explained a little bit more about their most recent campaign to help people recognise when real fur is being sold as faux fur. “It was just about how you can check your own fur at home and make sure it’s not real. For example, if the ends of the strands aren’t blunt it’s probably real or if you put a lighter to it and it smells like human hair it’s probably real”
She stated that its animals such as dog’s foxes and raccoons that are used for their fur and its currently legal for shops to sell it as fake. Therefore, Lush have decided to create this petition to raise awareness and try to stop this from happening anymore.
The body shop Known mainly for their fruity shower creams and famous body butter. The body shop does everything from toiletries to make up and perfume. Over the last three decades the body shop has partnered with cruelty free international. Collectively they helped to implement the European ban on Animal testing in 2013. They were the first ever global cosmetics company to campaign against animal cruelty. It is not only skincare and products that can compromise the lives of animals. For years, the fashion industry has used real
animal fur in their collections and even in 2017 it was still appearing on the fashion week runway.
Gucci Following their Italian competitors Armani, in October this year, Gucci decided to renounce fur from all their future collections. This is huge for the fashion industry as brands like these set the standard and create the trends that highstreets follow. Although the company and many others like it are still using real leather. This is a by-product of meat so is seen more as making use of the waste rather than harming animals specifically for profit or vanity.
Real fur as faux fur
One of the biggest scan-
Cruelty free
dals this year was when it was uncovered that real animal fur was being sold on the British Highstreet as faux fur. An investigation by animal protection charity Humane Society International (HSI) claimed to have found cat fur on a pair of Missguided shoes. This was despite the ban on cat and dog fur being used in clothing across the EU since 2009. A spokeswoman from Missguided said: “Missguided does not condone the use of fur in any of its products therefore we take the allegations very seriously. “We have launched an internal investigation with the relevant suppliers and will ensure these matters are addressed urgently.”
However Caroline Knight a Network planner based in Leeds said “You’d buy vegan products from a supermarket even though they sell meat.” Carol became vegan just 18 months ago after realising the cruelty caused by the production of eggs and milk but had been a vegetarian a long time before that. “I think it’s good when non-vegan
companies offer vegan products. When they see that those products make money, it can only be a good thing for veganism.” She believes that this is the only way for vegan products to become more mainstream. “Ultimately companies are only out to make money and if they can eventually do that without cruelty, it can only be a good thing.”
“I see it as voting with your wallet”
Dr Martins Dr Martins have released a completely vegan range of their iconic leather boot. This allows the company to broaden their market to people practicing vegan values. It also means that vegans can purchase the high fashion shoe. This begs the question, how ethical is this Vegan boot? Dr Martin have stated that the boot is 100% vegan as it uses synthetic material but is still Doc through and through. However, the profit made from this vegan boot is technically funding an organisation who use an animal by-product as their main material. Bex Anthony, fashion student based in London stated that she would be happy to buy vegan Dr Martins. “I see it as voting with your wallet to show companies there is a market for cruelty free products. But I totally see why other vegan people might not want to.”
Dr Martens store
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VegaNation
dvocating with alcohol
A simple guide to make sure your booze is of the vegan variety
By Isaac Rigby-Nelson
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lcohol is fairly touch and go when it comes to being vegan friendly. Beers and wines are often processed with animal products which can include isinglass, egg whites and gelatine. Luckily most distilled drinks such as gin, whiskey and vodka are good to go, but avoid anything cream based or those mentioning honey on the label.
Why isn’t alcohol animal friendly
Top Tipples
‘’you just have to know what you’re looking for, just watch out for things that can catch you out.’’
Wine is the most popular adult drink of choice according to a survey carried out by the Wine and Spirit Trade Association. It topped the tables with a staggering 60% of people preferring a glass of vino to a bottle of beer or even a traditional vodka and coke. As a vegan, be careful with what you pick off the shelf in preparation for a night out. It’s also important to choose the right soft drink as an advocate for animal welfare. According to The Vegan Society a ‘’small number of orange-coloured drinks contain gelatine and one or two redcoloured ones contain cochineal’’. It’s also important to watch out for concentrated juices, if it’s missing the pulp it may have been distilled using animal products. It’s always advised to check.
Animal products are often used in the process of making wines and beers the liquid is filtered through the fining agents mentioned above. This process is designed to remove proteins, yeast, certain flavours and colours and different organic particles.
It may be a surprise to those who have recently switched to a vegan lifestyle that they can’t enjoy some of their favourite beverages, however, there is advice available anywhere. There are plenty of fining agents used that are vegan, including carbon, limestone and plant casein to only name a few so not all hope is lost. It can be especially difficult to remember what brands contain animal based fining agents as there are so many out there.
Although modern technology allows you to find out exactly what you’re drinking wherever you are. Becky Rodgers a student at Leeds Beckett said: ‘’you just have to know what you’re looking for, just watch out for things that can catch you out. Choosing a beer at the pub can be difficult because you have to google which ones have used animal products, the more you research, the more you remember.’’
Where to look Many brands of alcohol uphold vegan values, the typical bottles of Budweiser and Coors are exempt of animal products, and red wines such as Yellowtail are also on the table. The best places to check are local health food stores and Co-op’s according to Rachael Walker from Cumbria, she said: ‘’checking independent veggie stores is always a good idea, they even order drinks in if you ask sometimes.’’ Multiple online sites give you extensive lists of vegan alcohol, a quick google search will direct you to sites like Barnivore where you can browse to your hearts content. So being vegan doesn’t mean you have to withhold from drinking, just make sure you check the label and stay away from brands you know aren’t vegan friendly.
Alcohol
Shopping List: • Falafel • Almond milk • Quinoa • Kidney Beans • Potatoes • Hummus