Disclaimer incoming, I've never even been vegetarian. I love animals and yet giving up meat has never been something that ever occurred to me. Recent years have brought to light a number of revelations for me, with regards to the rearing of livestock, the conditions animals are both kept and transported in, and the health implications of eating something boosted by hormones and additives so regularly.
Recent years have brought to light a number of revelations for me.
Trips around numerous supermarkets have shown me that buying a plain pre-cooked meat that doesn't have a bit of glucose, fructose and whatnot, thrown in there for good measure is nigh on impossible. (Just FYI the hot smoked salmon in Marks & Spencer was one of the few exceptions.) It's in recent years too that A-listers have become more vocal about veganism, with the likes ofMiley Cyrus and Gisele Bundchen taking to social media and using TV interviews to promote it.
While I'm not necessarily committing to declaring myself fully vegan post January, I do think a month of it will effect how I eat more regularly. I'm planning to go the whole hog with this by the way. I'll be sussing out which wines are vegan (age-old practices mean that fish guts are often used to strain it apparently!), staying vegan-savvy when it comes to my skincare and make-up regimes (I am a beauty editor after all), and my bank statements will be clear of any leather buys. I'll also be getting my skin and hormone levels assessed to see whether this month off dairy and meat holds any sway on their status, so stay tuned, this could get interesting.
On the stroke of midnight tonight, 31 December, Cinderella style, I'll be ditching my non-vegan ways, and yes, a pumpkin (well, any squash varieties if the recipe books are to be believed) is likely to play just as influential a role.
I'm backing myself in this. The impetus is there, and the desire to learn and change habits for the better is gosh darned abundant. I have, however, hit on some areas that will prove challenging. Tea for example. I'm a Yorkshire girl and tea is, well, it's important. And I'm sorry, but nothing tastes as decent in a cup of tea as regular milk. I once tried almond milk in there and...there are no words. Rest assured I'll be trying a few more, but to say I'm dubious is an understatement. There's Greek yoghurt too; my fridge is never without a tub of it. I'm told there's a soya yoghurt that fills the gap but...really?! You see where I'm going to have issues.
Nothing tastes as decent in a cup of tea as regular milk.
Nevertheless it's on. I'm game. Keen to follow the journey? Keep up with the diary instalments on graziadaily.co.uk, and follow my stories on @annievischer. Oh and any tips, tricks, food or restaurant recommendations? Hit me up. Until then, wish my luck! I'm kicking things off with a The Game Changers viewing on Netflix (I'm told it's a must) on New Year's Day, and powering through until February (and who knows? Maybe even beyond).
Browse: Vegan Sources Of Protein
Vegan Protein Sources - Grazia
1 of 17Chickpeas
1/2 a cup of chickpeas will give you 6-8 grams of protein depending on the brand!
2 of 17Peanut Butter
Delicious AND nutritious, peanut butter is a body builders secret weapon. Two tablespoons give you eight grams of protein!
3 of 17Asparagus
Also a great source of vitamin B, asparagus contains 4 grams of protein per cup.
4 of 17Broccoli
It's not all vitamin C, calcium and fibre, broccoli also contains four grams of protein per cup.
5 of 17Spinach
A known favourite of #bodygoals icon Pop Eye, spinach contains 5 grams of protein per cup!
6 of 17Almonds
Almonds are not only a healthy and morish snack for your afternoon slump, they also contain seven grams of protein per cup.
7 of 17Edamame Beans
With 8.5 grams of protein per half cup, edamame beans are a great addition to dish for an extra kick.
8 of 17Hemp Seeds
These are a protein powerhouse with 13 grams in just three tablespoons! Add them into a smoothie or your oatmeal and you'll be meeting your macros for days.
9 of 17Artichoke
It might not be the prettiest vegetable, but with four grams of protein per half cup it's a great additional to your evening meal.
10 of 17Oatmeal
With three times the protein of brown rice plus less starch and more fiber, oatmeal is the perfect way to start your day.
11 of 17Green Peas
A household favourite, green peas contain eight grams of protein per cup, making that fish, chips and peas combo sound a little more nutritious. ..
12 of 17Chia Seeds
A known superfood, chia seeds contain five grams of protein per two tablespoons. You can put them in a smoothie or your breakfast for that extra kick of goodness.
13 of 17Quinoa
This gluten-free grain gives you eight grams of protein per cup, plus its a delicious addition to any rice dish.
14 of 17Tofu
This tasty meat substitute provides 10 grams of protein per cup PLUS it can be used as anything from dessert to entrees.
15 of 17Lentils
With 9 grams of protein per half cup and 15 grams of fibre, you're in for a nutritional treat with any lentil dish.
16 of 17Black Beans
One of the healthiest of all beans, black beans provide 8 grams of protein per half cup!
17 of 17Soy Milk
Organic soy milk contains eight grams of protein per cup, and serves as a substitute to cows milk.