Tips for a low-cost, guilt-free vegan start to 2021

From manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Veganuary doesn't have to be hard work, dull or expensive

For many people who want to reduce impact on the world around us, starting to cut down on meat consumption comes top of the list.

However, at a time that’s already challenging, some may find themselves needing a little helping hand to keep things simple, achievable and of course, budget-friendly.

Linda McCartney’s has teamed up with renowned recipe writer and champion of affordable cooking, Jack Monroe aka Bootstrap Cook, to create three affordable recipes that help to take the challenge out of meat-free and make it accessible to everyone.

Jack has also shared her five top tips on how to make cooking meat-free a doddle, so that it’s an easy and delicious start to the year.

Jack’s Top Veganuary Tips

1. Rummage in your cupboard , fridge and freezer and make a list of everything you have that is vegan - some things seem really obvious but I find it easier to focus on what you CAN have rather than what you can't - so everything counts, from canned fruits to rice and pasta to pulses and grains.

2. Don't get hung up on being 'perfect' - because none of us are. If you make a mistake or slip up, just put it behind you, forgive yourself and keep going. Being vegan - whether full time, or only for January, or one day a week, or before 6pm, or however you choose to reduce your impact on animals and the environment - is about kindness and compassion, and you've got to include being kind and compassionate to yourself in that as well!

3. Follow LOADS of great vegan Instagram accounts to keep your feed full of amazing ideas and delicious looking food. I recommend @londonafrovegan; @theplantbasedmd; @shinewithplants; @fabiola; @genesis_butler; @rachelama_; @whatsgoodberto; @sweetpotatosoul; @myaplanet9; @theinvisiblevegan; @itskimberlyrenee; @koyawebb; @icanyoucanvegan; and @iamtabithabrown to get you started!

4. Let the experts do some of the hard work for you! Linda McCartney’s has perfected their vegan sausages and other meat-substitute items to use as a simple swap in recipes or to enjoy without too much fuss, so grab some when you're at the supermarket and give yourself a bit of a break!

5. Head over to cookingonabootstrap.com for hundreds of free vegan recipes that are super cheap and really simple, you can type what you have in the cupboard into the search bar to generate recipe ideas. Also the Veganuary Facebook group are a super friendly helpful bunch too!

https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/tips-low-cost-guilt-free-19622027