The Creative Side of Going Vegan
The greatest resistance to any change is fear. We fear we will lose something when we make a huge (or small) change so we hesitate. In the case against going vegan, fear of not enjoying food is resistance factor number one. We have grown up learning to eat for enjoyment and not fuel - why not do both?
The plant world has a much wider variety than the animal kingdom available to us as food. I've learned to take advantage of this by getting creative in the kitchen. I cook more interesting dishes, experiment with more spices and flavours. Most people who choose to live a plant-based lifestyle experience the same rush that comes from constant discovery. Here are 5 resources to help you keep the spice alive in your vegan kitchen:
1. Love on a Plate (Book)
I've made a few of the recipes in Love on a plate, a favourite is the Breakfast Fruit Bowl. I keep a digital copy of the book on my phone for quick access.
2. But I Could Never Go Vegan! (Book)
The premise: Want a burger? Have a burger. Rethink ingredients to make your favourite dish.
3. Top 50 Vegan Blogs (List by Academy of Culinary Nutrition)
On this list you'll find blogs that range from quick and easy to culture focused to nut-free to desserts. I've tried recipes from Minimalist Baker and The Plant Strong Vegan.
4. 24 Delicious Vegan Restaurants Across America (List by Buzzfeed)
You don't have to be a homebody if you're vegan. More vegan and raw food restaurants are popping up everywhere. The Buzzfeed list is from the US, but the folks at Happy Cow posted a worldwide list.
5. The Vegan Corner (YouTube Channel)
If you're like me, you prefer watching videos. Vegan Corner is one of the best channels for recipes I've found so far.
The moral of the story here is that you can have the same meals you do now using plant-based substitutes by simply changing the way you look at ingredients and experimenting with flavours.