Veganism has become synonymous with hipsters, the butt of every annoying dad joke and the general laughing stock of the meat-eating world. It's developed quite the reputation, but not everything with a bad reputation deserves it. In fact, since humans consuming meat is the second largest cause of the world losing 60% of our wildlife, it seems like vegans may be onto something. And with one in eight people now vegan or vegetarian, one on fifth of us attempting to cut back on meat, more people than ever agree.
So, with World Vegan Day to celebrate, we've deep-dived into everything Veganism to find out exactly how to become vegan, vegan recipes you definitely need to know and how to maintain a healthy diet as a vegan. Here to bust myths, provide celebrity inspiration and generally show you how not to be the 'vegan dick' stereotype, welcome to our guide for all that is plant-based...
What Is Veganism? Is Veganism Right For Me?
These are the questions you should definitely be asking if your considering taking the plunge. We asked an adult for you, because you can hardly trust your right-wing granddad to give you sage meat-free advice.
Ask An Adult: Is Going Vegan Better For Me?
From why people do it to where you need to start, our adults have the inside knowledge on veganism.
Reasons You Need To Be Vegan
It's not always about the logical reasons you should go vegan, it's also about the fact that Jeremy Corbyn dabbles in it, so like OF COURSE you should try it.
Like Many Millennials, Jeremy Corbyn Is Dabbling In Veganism
Vegan Wine Is A Thing
SOLD. Pass me the avocado,
The Vegan Wines Guide: What Are They And Where Can You Find Them?
A FULL COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO VEGAN WINE? Wow, as if I wasn't already drowning myself in veg and almond milk.
Vegan Baileys Launches In The UK This Week
It just gets better. Now you can be vegan AND a drunken Christmas lout. Vegan wine step aside...
'The Fat You Eat Is The Fat You Wear’. Tallulah Harlech On Being A Low-Fat Vegan During Fashion Weeks
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Because apparently you can still eat ALL the carbs and still look as fabulous as Tallulah Harlech.
The Best Vegan Blogs To Bookmark Now
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Only number 1219032 to become vegan this year, you get a whole host of new blogs to follow...
Vegan Recipes & Food Inspiration
It's easy to see WHY people become vegan, it's not so easy to understand how you can sustain it. Lucky for you, we've rounded up all the amazing vegan recipes out there and tested out all the best vegan substitutes...
How To Make A Super Comforting Vegan 'Fish & Chips'
Because you can't just stroll down to your local takeaway anymore when you're feeling lazy, theres a new movie on Netflix or it's just Sunday (and Sunday is when we eat alllllll the comfort food.)
Vegan Sunday Comfort Food: A Banging Toad In The Hole
Again, it's Sunday and you NEED gravy.
3 Killer Vegan Breakfast Ideas That You Can Make In The Office
Sometimes you just need to be a little extra with your breakfast. Besides, the office kitchen can't only be used for shit cups of coffee and hoarding oats.
7 Vegan Protein Recipes To Make This Sunday 'Cause You Deserve It
Want to make #gainz ethically? These vegan protein recipes will give your muscles the boost they need and stop the dreaded 'VEGAN DIETS AREN'T NUTRITIOUS ENOUGH' argument in it's tracks.
IKEA Are Doing Vegan Meatballs! Here's How To Make Your Own, At Home
The thought of giving up IKEA meatballs turning you off veganism? Worry no longer, we've got IKEA meatballs AND how to make them at home. Living the dream.
[7 Of The Best Vegan Recipes From Pinterest To Cook For Your Dinners](http://7 Of The Best Vegan Recipes From Pinterest To Cook For Your Dinners)
Are you even vegan if you don't circle every meal you eat on social media?
How To Make Yum Vegan Butter Chicken For Dinner Tonight
NANDOS WHO? Your house will be the new haunt for 15-year-olds which too much money once word gets out about this delicious recipe.
Vegan And Vegetarian Barbecue Recipes
Perfect when you've turned down far too many barbecue invites over Summer, these vegan and vegetarian substitutes will have you drooling. You might need to take your own barbecue though...
Actually Delicious Vegan Pancakes For Shrove Tuesday
Pancake substitutes are notoriously shite, nothing quite beats the real thing you used to get growing up before you defied your parents every wish and became a 'hippie'. These recipes however, we're betting your parents won't even notice the difference.
Vegan Fry-Up Recipe Alternatives To Cure A Hangover
Does anything kill motivation to stay health and on-track than a hangover? One glass of wine too many and suddenly it's 'FUCK RESOLUTIONS I'M HUNGRY AND TIRED AND I NEED BACON'. Luckily for you, we have a tonne of easy fry-up alternatives for when that dreaded time comes.
Luna Lovegood's Harry Potter Vegan Treats
Is there any other reason to be alive other than to watch, make and drown yourself in Harry Potter treats?
I say this as someone who asked 'whose that?' when Voldemort appeared on the screen in a midnight showing of the final film (Yes, I was forced to go. Yes, everyone there hated me).
We Tested Out 7 Vegan Easter Eggs To See Which Ones Were The Least Crap
Just because you're vegan doesn't mean you have to miss out and fabulous chocolate-filled holidays like Easter. Buy all the eggs you want as a treat for being such a fab, ethical person this year.
6 Vegan Friendly Advent Calendars To Gift Yourself This Christmas
Christmas as a vegan doesn't have to be difficult, you can even count it down like the rest of us, with a shit-tonne of chocolate. Okay, maybe not a shit-tonne, but a small square every day till you get ALLLL the chocolate on the 25th.
Vegan Restaurants You Need To Try
Vegan Meal Options At Your Favourite Chain Restaurants
While you're more likely to find fabulous vegan food at local, independent businesses sometimes you just can't avoid those 'LET'S ALL GO NANDO'S' group chat moments. Luckily, we've hunted down the best vegan options at all of your non-vegan fan favourites.
Happy Hump Day: Pizza Express Now Has A 3 Course Vegan Menu
Yes, there is such a thing as vegan pizza and yes it is delicious. Controversial opinion alert: pizza is better without cheese. Especially these pizzas.
Pizza Hut Is Serving Vegan Cheese
Feel absolutely shocked and disgusted at my previous statement? Lucky for you, vegan cheese is also a thing. Pizza Hut vegan cheese? Even better.
A Café In Shoreditch Is Making Vegan Freakshakes
Living' On The Veg Vegan Festival Is Coming To London And It Looks DELICIOUS
Last Summer, we were treated to a vegan festival that will make any meat eater regret ever ridiculing your diet. Let's keep our fingers crossed that it returns next year to once again satisfy our food festival cravings.
Vegan Fashion And Beauty Inspiration
Being vegan isn't just about giving up dairy and meat, it's a lifestyle choice that goes across ALL aspects of your life including fashion and beauty. Check out our top picks for keeping yourself looking and smelling and feeling fabulous...
9 Vegan Moisturisers For £41 Or Less
Finding vegan beauty products can be hard when SO MANY major brands still test on animals. However, we have the lowdown on all things beauty to keep your skin hydrated and soft.
11 Of The Best Vegan Boots To Buy
It's not just finding faux-leather boots, it's also ensuring your fashion isn't falling foul to non-vegan manufacturing processes. Check out our most ethical, vegan-friendly boots to wear this Winter.
Which Celebrities Are Vegan?
Have a click through, you might see some faces you would NEVER think of...
Celebrities Who Are Vegan
1 of 24JME
UK-based music artist JME is into more than just grime - try plant-based diets.
2 of 24Miley Cyrus
Miley went on the path to veganism in 2014 after her beloved dog Floyd died, which prompted her to stop consuming animal products. She even has a tattoo of a sunflower with leaves that form a "V" shape - a symbol of which is often used to represent veganism on food labels.
3 of 24Liam Hemsworth
Joining Miley in 2015, Liam decided to be vegan. "The more I was aware of, the harder and harder it was to [eat meat]," he told Men's Fitness. "There are no negatives to eating like this," he told the magazine. "I feel nothing but positive, mentally and physically. I love it."
4 of 24Kate Winslet
Kate Winslet has been an advocate for PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) for several years now, and she's also narrated videos about boycotting restaurants that serve foie gras.
5 of 24Natalie Portman
Natalie Portman is such a strong believer in the vegan diet that she produced and narrated a new documentary called Eating Animals, which is all about the people who raise and grow our food.
6 of 24Jennifer Lopez
J-Lo credits her high energy levels to a plant-based diet. Well, something has to fuel all of that dancing, after all!
7 of 24Gisele Bündchen
Supermodel and UN environmental ambassador Gisele believes that going vegan is a good way to fight climate change. Plus, she always has glowing skin, and we reckon her diet must contribute to that.
8 of 24Jenna Dewan Tatum
Jenna Dewan Tatum was previously a vegetarian, but has since switched over to a vegan diet. She told Natural Health magazine that after the switch, her "skin cleared up, I had a ton more energy and I just felt clearer in the head."
9 of 24Ariana Grande
Pop sensation Ariana Grande is another A-lister who's a fan of the vegan diet. In 2013, she told The Mirror, "I love animals more than I love most people, not kidding. But I am a firm believer in eating a full plant-based, whole food diet that can expand your life length and make you an all-round happier person."
10 of 24Evanna Lynch
Harry Potter star Evanna Lynch became a full vegan in 2015. She's even launched her own vegan podcast!
11 of 24Sia
Sia has been a vegetarian since 2010 and a full vegan for the last few years. But our real question is: how does she eat under that mass of hair?
12 of 24Kat Von D
As well as following a vegan diet, Kat Von D's cosmetics company, Kat Von D Beauty, has vegan products. These don't contain any animal products or by-products, and haven't been tested on animals, either.
13 of 24Rooney and Kate Mara
Both Kate and Rooney Mara lead the vegan lifestyle. And did you know that Rooney is also gluten-free?
14 of 24Emily Deschanel
Emily, sister of Zoe Deschanel has long been a vegan and a supporter of animal rights.
15 of 24Woody Harrelson
The Hunger Games star Woody Harrelson is both vegan and a fan of the raw food diet. Basically, he eats very clean.
16 of 24Lucy Watson
Made In Chelsea star Lucy Watson is on a vegan mission. She claims it has cleared her skin and given her heaps of energy, hence why her Instagram is packed with vegan food snaps and recipes.
17 of 24Tiffany Watson
Like her sis Lucy, Tiffany Watson is also an advocate of the vegan diet. They're even working on a joint vegan restaurant feature!
18 of 24Demi Moore
Is Demi Moore proof that a vegan diet is anti-ageing? We think so.
19 of 24Stevie Wonder
During an interview with AOL in 2016, Stevie said, "I've been a vegan for two years, so that's helped my already good-looking self. I think that eating healthy is important." What a sense of humour.
20 of 24Peter Dinklage
Game of Thrones star Peter Dinklage has been a vegetarian for almost 15 years, and he's also recently become vegan.
21 of 24Pamela Anderson
Pamela Anderson is a big PETA campaigner and has taken part in over 20 initiatives over the last 20 years, in a bid to encourage more people to turn vegan and vegetarian.
22 of 24Leona Lewis
Leona Lewis grew up in a vegan household, so a plant-based diet comes naturally to her. Over the years she's switched between vegan and vegetarian diets.
23 of 24Thandie Newton
Here's an interesting fact: Thandie Newton was named PETA's "Sexiest Vegan of 2014" in the UK.
24 of 24David Haye
Believe it or not, but boxer David Haye is also a vegan. He's been following a plant-based diet since 2014, and has even launched his own range of vegan protein.
What Not To Do As A Vegan
Basically, don't be a dick about it...
'Aggressive' Vegans Are Putting Meat Eaters Off Giving Up Meat
Educate, fine? Interrogate, not okay.
Vegan Banter
This may surprise you, but you can actually be vegan and have a sense of humour. Case en point...
9 Things You Only Know If You're The Only Vegan In Your Friendship Group
Hopefully this will turn more of your friends vegan and you'll stop getting ignored in the group chat...
More reasons to be vegan? All these DELICIOUS snacks
Debrief Best Vegan Snacks
1 of 101. Raspberry And Coconut Energy Bites
Remember when everyone was going crazy for 'energy balls'? Well, it's not too late to get involved. And if you're going to I'd recommend starting with this cute looking raspberry and coconut ones by My Fussy Eater. The matter of whether or not honey is considered vegan or not is hotly contested in the veganism world, but if you're of the opinion that no, honey is not vegan, then ditch the honey from the recipe, swap it for agave nectar or maple syrup and you've got yourself a really yummy healthy snack to munch on.
2 of 102. No Bake Breakfast Brownies
Bet you didn't think the words 'breakfast' and 'brownie' would ever go hand in hand, did you? Well, thanks this recipe right here over on the it is now. They're rich, fudgey and require zero baking at all. Dreamy.
3 of 103. Banana Bread
Banana bread, aka, the undisputed king of breads with stuff in them, was given the vegan-treatment over on the Hell Yeah It's Vegan blog and we're into it. It takes a bit of time, but doesn't it look worth it!
4 of 104. Toffee Crisp Bars
Cadbury's Toffee Crisp were up there as one of my all time favourite chocolate bars growing up. But, even though they seem to have disappeared from the shelves of all of my local supermarkets, Wallflower Kitchen's recipe will give you something pretty close.
5 of 105. Peanut Butter Balls
If you're upset about Reece's famous Pieces not hitting the vegan scale, here's your replacement: peanut butter balls by Namely Marley.
6 of 106. Cinnamon Apple Chips
We've all dabbled in vegetable crisps a couple of times, but what about fruit crisps like the ones on the Williams Sonoma website. They take practically no time at all (like, 25 mins) and sound delicious.
7 of 107. Lemon Berry Bars
Boy, does Texanerin Baking have a treat for you. Let us introduce you to berry bars that will make you feel super accomplished after making and (if there are any left) can be frozen for future bouts of the munchies.
8 of 108. Sweet Potato Doughnuts
Yep, you heard. Sweet potato doughnuts a la FriFran. The recipe makes 20 miniature bite-sized morsels of wonderfulness and are almost too pretty to look at for too long without drooling.
9 of 109. Pretzel Bites
Who can resist the smell of freshly baked pretzels? No one, that's who. And lucky for us, we don't have to. Follow the Hot For Food blog recipe and never look back.
10 of 1010. Baked Spring Rolls
Well, we had to throw a savory option in for good measure, didn't we? If you're bored of carrots and hummus and fancy a bit of a challenge give these packed spring rolls a try. The Minimalist Baker recipe has crispy tofu and a satay-esque almond butter dipping sauce. Hungry yet?
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This article originally appeared on The Debrief.