A plant-based Christmas

The festive season is upon us and thoughts are turning to what to eat for Christmas? Plant-based eaters may be looking for something new to cook or those who are hosting vegans or vegetarians at their table may be deciding what to feed their guests.

Food is often in focus at Christmas with many traditional dishes based on animal foods. However there is now a wide range of plant-based alternatives to choose from. Whether you are a foodie looking to use your cooking flair, or someone who doesn’t have the time or inclination to prepare a special meal, there are plenty of options for plant-based foods to impress at Christmas.

The list below outlines sweet and savoury recipes and products. A quick google search will also come up with many others.

Plant-based Christmas recipes

https://veganheaven.org/all-recipes/33-vegan-christmas-recipes/?fbclid=IwAR3sW5Lo37kiellqiHmDXlFG8j3-OohR3mO-RkzzohPLi5E2vYF1QmJ2nx4

https://www.plantbasednews.org/christmas/vegan-christmas-with-gaz-oakley

https://vegkit.com/recipes/christmas?ua_s=facebook

https://www.wearesovegan.com/5-ingredient-vegan-bbq-meatloaf/

https://www.wearesovegan.com/5-ingredient-christmas-pavlova-wreath/

https://raisevegan.com/vegan-gingerbread-cookies-to-try-this-christmas/?fbclid=IwAR2-777dFF9clsZbNhXJVOu_Lia4lXKpZeY9Sw7uOzlwdjlbFllG5xgrusY

https://www.sanitarium.com.au/recipes/recipe-collections/very-veggie-christmas

Plant-based Christmas products

https://www.peta.org.au/living/vegan-christmas-treats-at-the-supermarket/?fbclid=IwAR2pLUOyQTW7ok1HFbu7fs02JHT4TQWW807ivyRjrvp66Aw0qTWMd3YQhJA

https://www.crueltyfreeshop.com.au/collections/vegan-food/christmas-food

Also find plant-based Christmas foods like roasts, gravy, puddings, and dairy alternatives at supermarkets and health food stores. The range continues to grow and availability improve as more people move away from meat.

A note on nutrition

While some of these Christmas food alternatives can be high in fat and sugar, and low in fibre and other nutrients, remember that it’s only a once-a-year event. Eating these types of foods is not ideal on a regular basis but having them on the odd occasion is fine. It doesn’t mean that a usual commitment to healthy eating is now out the window because of the food eaten at one meal or on one day. You can also boost the nutritional value by including lots of colourful vegetables and fruits alongside any plant-based meat or desserts.

So whichever plant-based meal you choose to eat for Christmas, enjoy!