How to ace Veganuary 2019 in Liverpool

Going plant-based this January isn’t as difficult as you think and we can prove it.

Veganuary is just around the corner and if you’re looking for a reason to change your diet and shopping habits to be animal friendly and all together more healthy, we’ve got you covered.

Going vegan – which means giving up meat, fish and dairy – for just a month can open up a whole world of taste and flavour and with more Liverpool restaurants and bars now offering vegan options, you don’t have to worry about missing out.

Research shows that health is the second biggest reason people go vegan. By changing your diet you can cut out cholesterol, lower your blood pressure, and reduce the risk of diabetes and heart disease. Well, who can argue with that?

Did you know that going vegan makes a more positive impact on the environment than giving up your car? Starting 2019 with Veganuary is a great way to do your bit and feel better.

Here’s our guide to Veganuary 2019 in Liverpool…..

Top Tips

Successfully completing Veganuary is all about planning. Taking our cue from the Veganuary website we’ve put together 5 top tips that will help you make a winning start to your new plant-based way of life.

1 – Know Your Stuff

We recommend checking out the Veganuary website to get all the facts on how and why going vegan can benefit not only you, but the world around you. There’s health info, environmental impacts and of course more on how animals are effected.

2 – Have A Clear Out

Have a proper good kitchen clear out before January 1st, it’ll help to keep you focussed. Whether you eat all your current produce or donate it to a food bank, it’s best to remove it from your home.

3 – Go Shopping!

Once you’ve cleaned out your fridge and cupboards, you can go and buy all the dairy and meat free replacements for things, plus a load of veg, pulses, nuts and seeds, and stock your home up with vegan-friendly foods. Look out for clear labels from all the major supermarkets too. It might be handy to pick up a vegan cookbook or get Alexa on the case with a shopping list. Try Mattas and Purple Carrot for specific ingredients or products.

4 – Vitamin B12 is Essential

Vitamin B12 is one thing the human body might miss out on when you go vegan. If you’re a big meat eater, having a Vitamin B12 supplement is crucial for energy levels. Pick up a Vitamin B12 spray or capsules from Holland & Barratt.

5 – Talk About It

If you’re going on holiday, or eating out somewhere different, make time to check online that there are vegan options available. The Liverpool Vegetarian & Vegan Society Facebook group and ScouseVeg page is a great way to gain more info about local vegan life where this friendly community swap tips and advice freely. Check it out here. 

Dining Out

There are so many brilliant vegan restaurants, cafes and bars in Liverpool now that Veganuary will be a synch if you’re dining out. Here’s our top 5 favourites vegan eateries….

1 – Maray

If you like you vegan dining with a buzzing atmosphere, you have to book a table a Maray. A longstanding vegan hero. Serving up small plates of vegan divinity with big taste, check it out and book here.

2 – Down the Hatch

Junk food lovers are in for a treat as Down the Hatch, Duke Street serves up an all vegan menu that packs a massive flavour punch. From burgers and loaded fries to Sunday roasts and cocktails. Menus here. 

3 – Mowgli

Recently awarded an MBE, Mowgli Founder Nisha Katona works absolute miracle with veg, spices and whole food ingredients. For the perfect shopping pit stop, date night, business meeting or family get together, go to Mowgli and taste the vegan rainbow. The Mowgli chip butty and Holy Chow will blow you away. Menu’s here. 

4 – The Caledonia

Who knew the Caledonia Pub was fully vegan?! You can order a pint and tuck into chimken wings, Bbq hot dogs, fries, the lushest (is that a word?) gravy and more. Plus the Cali is dog friendly too so you can take your pooch for tea! More info here. 

5 – Peaberry Coffe House & Kitchen

If you’re heading to the Royal Albert Dock make sure you stop in at the brand new Peaberry Coffee House & Kitchen (just along from Tate). Serving up kick ass vegan breakfasts, samosas, club sandwiches and more. Menus here.

More: Click here to check out Liverpool’s top 12 vegan hot spots as chosen by you. 

Snack Happy – Accidentally Vegan Goodies

Did you know that there’s loads of products on the shelves that are accidentally vegan? If you’re a fan of snacking and worried about having to live on raw veg, fear not, you can even still have your fave Doritos! Here’s our top 10 fave snacks that are accidentally vegan…

1 – Oreos

2 – Chilli Heatwave & Salted Doritos

3 – Almond Bailey’s

4 – Hash Browns

5 – Co-op Jam & Custard Donuts

6 – Sainsbury’s Chicken Flavour Noodles

7 – Lidl Bramley Apple Pies

8 – OMG…Skittles!!

9 – Corona

10 – Fox’s Party Rings

Feel Good Factor

Going vegan ticks so many boxes when it comes to feeling good. You may notice improved health benefits, you might get a kick from simply completing the challenge and if you’re an animal lover, knowing you’re doing your bit to preserve a precious life, well that goes a long way.

More: Click here to check out our full Vegan Liverpool run down, from places to eat, festivals and more. 

To find out more about going Vegan, get practical tips, recipe ideas and more, head to www.veganuary.com or follow @weareveganuary on Twitter for regular updates and advice.