PlantBased April 2022

Does anyone else feel a bit like they are coming out of hibernation as April rolls around? I don’t want to be just another winter moaner, but those first months of the year are tough! As nature starts to bloom around us, and we feel the early spring sun on our faces, I definitely relate to dormice and hedgehogs! There’s plenty to get excited about this month as well, not least our long Easter weekend! For those who don’t celebrate for religious reasons, there’s still a four day weekend to enjoy, so we’ve put together some foodie ideas for you. Think roast dinners, chocolate, and Easter cakes – you’re all set! And don’t miss our Easter gift guide if you want to treat someone (or yourself). Eggs are synonymous with Easter as…

One Planet Pizza launch pizza pockets In a new collaboration with Violife, vegan pizza company One Planet Pizza (oneplanetpizza.com) has launched new Pizza Pockets. Made with a stone-baked base, a family recipe tomato sauce and Violife Epic Mature, the pockets are available in three different varieties: Mediterranean Vegetable, Peppernomi, and Cheezeburger. The calzone-type snack can be microwaved or popped into the toaster to heat up, making them ideal for snacks, lunchtimes or as part of a heartier evening meal. The vegan recipe means that the pockets contain 30 per cent less fat than leading products of the same weight. Talking about the launch, Joe Hill, co-founder of One Planet Pizza, said: “Our crustomers have been crying out for us to make pizza pockets! Whether it’s for them as devoted 80s fans or for…

Spring Foraging Workshop 2nd April – Fforest Fawr, Cardiff - £35 Learn about foraging spring edibles during a 2.5 hour walk, with a vegan lunch included at the Enchanted Forest Café, and a guided meditation at the end. foragedbylianne.co.uk Irish Vegan Festival 10th April – Europa Hotel, Belfast – £3 This event is held in aid of Farplace Animal Rescue – stalls included will serve world foods, drinks, clothes and accessories and more. Plus speakers, cooking demos and children’s entertainers. eventbrite.co.uk Vintage & Vegan Pop Up 23rd April – Connect Yoga and Wellness, Huddersfield – Free Sustainable sellers of upcycled and vintage fashion and vegan foodie delights come together for this event at Connect Yoga and Wellness. eventbrite.co.uk…

The fruits of the date palm tree, dates are native to the Middle East, but are now cultivated more widely across the world. They can be bought and eaten either fresh or dried; fresh dates tend to be at their best in early winter. They are also often sold pitted, meaning the seed has been removed. The most common varieties that we tend to buy in the UK are Medjool or Deglet Nour Dates. They are sweet and sticky, and are often eaten as a snack, sometimes stuffed with peanut butter, cream cheese or nuts. Dates are also regularly used in baking, as they are a great natural sweetener.…

New research carried out by the World Resources Institute (wri.org) has found that displaying environmental messages on menus can make a positive difference in diners’ decisions to order plant-based dishes. The study found that two descriptive messages doubled the chances that a consumer would order a vegetarian menu item: ‘Small changes can make a big difference’, and ‘Join a movement of people choosing foods with less impact on the climate.’ The study was carried out online with more than 6000 participants, and the WRI says that restaurants and food businesses can use these findings to increase sales of lower carbon menu items, while helping consumers choose foods that fit a climate-friendly lifestyle.…

How to beat the afternoon slump Why do I feel tired in the afternoon? The afternoon dip in energy is more common than people realise, and can be caused by a number of lifestyle factors. A lunchtime meal that is too rich in simple carbohydrates such as sugar, white bread, white rice or pasta, skipping a meal or eating a meal that has no carbohydrates at all can contribute to poor blood sugar balance. This can lead to an excess of or an extreme dip in glucose levels. Poor sleep can contribute to daytime sleepiness and our brain may want a nap in the early afternoon. On average we need 7-9 hours of sleep each night. In sports, a decrease in performance results from dehydration, and the same can happen during the daily routine. Hydration…