Nicole Calabria provides a simple guide to going veggie for the month in Meatless May.
National Vegetarian Week officially starts on Mon 16 May, but why not join the many people committing to an entire meatless month? Carnivores choosing to cut out meat for at least one day a week is a trend that is gaining momentum, with movements like Meatless Monday. There are a range of benefits to going vegetarian and it’s not just for the animals. Reducing the amount of meat you eat can not only improve your health, but also the environment by helping to reduce the amount of greenhouse gasses emitted into the atmosphere. Here are a few suggestions to whet your appetite and get you excited for Meatless May.
When cooking at home, you don’t have to give up your favourites. Craving spaghetti bolognaise for dinner? Well that’s okay, you can still have it! Using meatless mince will have the same texture – and arguably the same taste – when combined with a delicious bolognaise sauce and your choice of pasta. There are also some very tasty veggie sausages available, so you can still have things like bangers and mash, or a ‘full Welsh’ style breakfast.! If you’re concerned about protein, there are plenty of ways to get it, including from beans, nuts, eggs and vegetables like spinach and mushrooms.
For a fun day out full of the finest veggie fare, make sure to drop by the Cardiff Vegetarian Festival on Sat 14 May. It starts at 4.30pm at Mackintosh Hall in Roath, and will have stalls in the community centre garden as well as inside the hall, with the special addition this year of farmer’s market stalls out the front. Wales has a diverse range of vegetarian and vegan cuisine available, so if you’re eating out now is the chance to look past the many meat-heavy options and try some high quality vegetarian food that you might have previously overlooked. Enjoy the chance to get creative while cutting meat out of your diet this month. Who knows, you may never go back…
Cardiff Vegetarian Festival, Sat 14 May. Entry: free. Info: www.cardiffvegfest.com