Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve heard the buzz about the benefits to our health and the environment in documentaries like The Game Changers and Forks Over Knives.

Veganism is gaining momentum, with mainstream brands Hormel and Kellogg’s announcing their own plant-based meat alternatives in an effort to compete with Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods.

Furthermore, a whopping 350,000 people signed up for Veganuary 2020 (as of 5 January), a clear sign that veganism is not a flash in the pan and it’s a movement that deserves attention, which is great what with the world burning and all…

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So, on that happy note, we’ve rounded up some of the ways you can give meat-free Mondays (or any day, for that matter) a go, whether you’re at home, on the run, or out for a meal.

When you are pressed for time

Whole wheat toast and nut butter
No really, one slice of toast with nut butter of your choice (peanut, almond, cashew) will keep your blood sugar stable through the morning.

Peanut Butter Granola Bars (Okay, these should be made in advance but they are perfect to grab and go)
Ready In: 35 minutes
Makes: 8 bars

When your time management means you’ve been able to pack lunch (look at you adulting!)

Sloppy Joe Pitas
Ready In: 30 minutes
Makes: 6 pitas
Hint: If you’re going to eat your Sloppy Joes later, pack your pitas separately and fill them when you’re ready to eat them to avoid a soggy mess.

You’re at work and forgot to pack lunch (or just couldn’t be bothered)
Well, helllllooooo trusty food delivery apps. We love Krave, a home-grown concept that focuses on healthy food, using the freshest produce and ingredients without any nasties or additives. Krave is also 100% eco-friendly and is conveniently located in Barsha Heights, Central Park Towers DIFC and Foxhill 9 Motor City. (gabapentin) Available on Deliveroo, Talabat, and Zomato. Tel: +971 4 584 7227

A night out
Thankfully, restaurants have joined the vegan wave and are coming up with some delectable offerings for a meal out. Fancy! We’ve rounded up a few worth trying!

Meat Free Mondays at MINA Brasserie
Now a global phenomenon, with more people than ever opting for a flexitarian lifestyle, going meat-free for one day a week has been proven to improve overall health, help the planet and more. Mondays at MINA offers a variety of high quality, satisfying meals that take vegetables from humble sides to championing elements.

Details:
Times:

Breakfast: 7-11am
Lunch: 12-4pm
Dinner: 7-11.30pm
Tel: +971 (04) 506 0100
Location: Four Seasons Hotel DIFC, Gate Village, Building 9, Level P

‘Plant-Based Wednesdays’ at LIV – W Dubai – The Palm
Held each week, foodies can explore a mouth-watering range of tasty dishes made using delicious plant-based ingredients, including Moroccan sweet potato and lentil soup, pumpkin quinoa and spinach pie, and garlic buffalo Brussel sprouts. For those looking to take their green-filled diet to the next level, guests dining can experience ‘FUEL ME’, offering specially created pre-and post-dinner shots, including super healthy shots.

Details:
What:
Mouth-watering buffet with an emphasis on plant-based dishes
Time: Wednesdays, 7-11pm
Prices:
AED 225 per person with soft drink and chilled juices
AED 365 per person with selected house beverages
Tel: +971 4 245 5555
Location: Ground level, W Dubai – The Palm

Folia at Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach
A new plant-based, stand-alone menu, Folia is developed by celebrated Chef Matthew Kenney in partnership with HRH Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal Al Saud’s KBW Ventures.

Details:
Time:

Sat – Thurs: 1-10pm
Fri: 7-10pm
Prices: From AED 65 per item
Menu: Available here
Tel: +971(0)4 270 7777
Location: Four Seasons Hotel Jumeirah Beach, 2 Jumeirah Street, Dubai

Vegan menu at Akira Back – W Dubai – The Palm
Akira Back now offers an impressive vegan menu inspired by Japanese and Korean cuisine. The edamame risotto with yuja sake foam will excite even the most hard-to-impress vegan while the vegan rainbow roll made from marinated tomato, grilled nasu, smoked mango and kombucha ponzu is sure to satisfy even the most discerning of palates. For those with a super sweet tooth, Akira Back’s delicious kabocha pound cake is a total revelation in vegan desserts.
A venue designed for incredible nights out, regardless of the occasion, Akira Back Dubai is set against impressive views of the city skyline, providing indoor and outdoor seating.

Details:
What:
Japanese-Korean Vegan Menu
Time: Daily
Restaurant hours: 7pm-12.30am
Bar hours: 7pm-1am
Tel: +971 4 245 5800
Location: Fifth level, W Dubai – The Palm

Vegging at home with Netflix (get it? Vegging?)
We all need our nights on the sofa as we binge watch our favourite series, but that doesn’t mean we need to binge on everything else! Doing a full-day The Crown marathon is a lot easier on the conscience with these guilt-free snacks!

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Baked Apple Chips
Ready In:
2 hours 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Makes: 40 chips

Raw Choco Bites With Oats and Carrots

Ready In: 15 minutes
Makes: 10 Bites