With benefits for health, the environment and animal well-being, the vegan diet has plenty of plus points and doesn't involve as many sacrifices as you might think. So if your new year's resolution is to switch to a plant-based diet in 2021, or to try out the vegan lifestyle for a month with "Veganuary," here are a few alternatives to help you make the switch.
As the "Dry January" challenge, involving giving up alcohol for the month of January, continues to grow in popularity, "Veganuary," a campaign that started in the UK, is now encouraging people to try a plant-based diet for the first month of the year. Riding the wave of New Year's resolutions, the vegan movement is hoping to convince more people to adopt a plant-based diet that respects both animal well-being and the environment.
But some people may wonder about the practicalities of going vegan, such as which ingredients to favor and what alternatives are available to animal-source foods.
In fact, while giving up meat can be relatively straightforward, eggs and dairy produce are used to make lots of our day-to-day dishes. However, a host of plant-based alternatives exist, often with nutritional values sufficient to make up for any deficiencies.
Here are some ingredients to get to know for a "Veganuary" that doesn't compromise on flavor.
Eggs
Going vegan evidently means giving up omelettes and boiled eggs. But eggs are also used in many other dishes, especially the sweet treats that you may be reluctant to go without.
Fear not. It is, for example, perfectly possible to make tasty chocolate cakes by replacing eggs with cornstarch or aquafaba, the thick water in which garbanzo beans have been cooked. Fruit purée (apple, banana) is also a good option for pastries and baking, as well as avocado, which has the advantage of its relatively neutral flavor and smooth texture.
Dairy products
Milk: almond milk, coconut milk, rice milk … while the taste isn't quite the same as cow's milk, plant-based milks are typically lower in calories and can be easily used in sweet or savory recipes. You can, for example, use oat milk or soy milk to make pancake mix.
Crème fraîche: Coconut cream, silken tofu and soy yogurt all offer a similar texture and a taste to traditional cream.
Butter: Alternatives may never be able to fully replace the joy of hot buttered toast, but there are many plant-based options to this dairy product. These include oil seed purées (cashew nuts, almonds, etc.), puréed avocado and coconut oil.
Gelatin
Frequently used in mousse-based desserts and pannacotta, gelatin is what helps them set. It is not suitable for vegetarians and vegans, since it is often made using animal collagen, notably from pork.
However, it can easily be replaced by agar agar, a plant-based setting agent obtained from a type of algae. Beware though, as agar agar is a more powerful setting agent than animal-based gelatin, so quantities won't be the same. Note that agar agar can also be used to substitute eggs in certain recipes, such as chocolate mousse or custard tart.
AFP RELAXNEWS
Tue Jan 05 2021
Some go-to staples for anyone trying out a vegan diet this January. AFPRelaxpic
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.