4 minute read
Why it’s time to join the plant based revolution
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Founders of The Vegan Street Food Co, Anna and Gary Yardley, show us how to make plant-based changes...without intimidation
IT’S no secret that adopting a plant-based diet can be better for your health, and more so, the planet - but it’s easy to become intimidated or put off by the culture that currently surrounds veganism and what it stands for. Skipping one serving of beef every meat-free Monday for a year saves the equivalent emissions to driving 348 miles in a car, so the impact it can have brings hope for the future.
Anna Yardley is co-founder of The Vegan Street Food Company and most recently, with her husband Gary, has launched the UK-first Plant Based School Kitchens. Her business ventures were prompted by a dairy and wheat intolerance diagnosis, inspiring the food-loving couple to cater for others also seeking ways of enjoying a plant-based way of living that didn’t restrict them or was unaffordable.
With around 1.5 million people in the UK now opting for veganism, we spoke to the pair on how you can make changes to your diet (whether you’re looking for subtle tweaks or to go the full way) for a better 2022.
Any time is a great time to transition to a plant-based diet. It needs to be when you feel the right time for you is and when you are in the right mindset to do it. It becomes a way of life that aids us in reducing our carbon footprint. People are more aware of what we eat and how society can make a difference to our future but also future generations.
But, what about all of the nutrients you might miss?
There is so much advice out there to make sure you don’t lack in nutrients. Examples include: adding flaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts and soya beans to a diet is an excellent way to boost your intake of Omega-3. When I first started this journey, I invested in reading a lot about nutrition, protein, and what I needed to add to my diet. Following a plant-based diet, you need to consume more protein than meat eaters which is easily done by including legumes, whole grains, nuts, seeds and soya.
the meat option. For example, in a shepherd’s pie, swap the mince for lentils. Once you have started to get used to this way of thinking, you can then expand your knowledge and try to experiment with new recipes.
Isn’t a plant-based diet more expensive?
A plant-based diet is not expensive, and it’s no different to how you shop already, but replacing the meat. If you were preparing a new recipe, you would have to go and buy ingredients! This is no different, just a lot healthier for you and for the environment. It only becomes expensive when you buy meat alternatives or ready-made meals!
We can all be healthy and balanced in any diet. It’s about control over what you eat and even in a plant-based diet you can eat junk food! It’s what you want to achieve for your body and to make a difference in the way you consume food and the right foods.
Will switching to plant-based be more difficult?
Not at all, it’s training yourself to change your mindset! Take time when you are preparing your meals. Make it fun with cooking rather than feeling like it’s a chore. I’d recommend using recipes from BOSH (to die for by the way), and you will start to enjoy the change in your diet while, also feeling the benefits of plant-based.
What are 3 ingredients you should add to your shopping list that you might not have considered before?
Nuts, spinach, and legumes – they’re perfect for Omega-3, protein, and iron.
What’s the biggest mistake people make when going plant-based for the first time?
Don’t over complicate things and try to cook your regular meals but substitute
MEALS BUT SUBSTITUTE THE MEAT OPTION.”
Why do you think there’s been such a boom in people transitioning to plant-based?
I personally think over the pandemic, people have looked into their lifestyle and they are more conscious about what they eat. Many programs and the news cover these stories with increasing frequency and after having the time to take it all in, it’s made people so much more aware and passionate to make a difference.
For going plantbased
- Make small swaps to your diet, like having a meatfree Monday – don’t feel pressured to take a huge leap in one go - Try new things! There’s a world of ingredients you’ve probably never considered, so it’s time to step outside of your food comfort zone - Keep learning! Follow the accounts of fellow vegetarian and vegans on social media for new recipe inspiration
