When Your Cat’s “Welcome Home” Isn’t What You’d Expect

 

Slimming World Mythbusters: Vegan Diets Can Be Slimming Too

 

Are you a vegan wondering if you can successfully lose weight with Slimming World?

The answer is a resounding yes!

Despite some common misconceptions, following a vegan diet while engaging in a Slimming World plan is not only possible but also incredibly effective.

Here we debunk some myths and offer you delicious vegan Slimming World recipes to prove that you can achieve your weight loss goals on a plant-based diet.

 

-         Debunking Vegan Weight Loss Myths

 

Myth 1: Vegans are Always Hungry

Fear not! A plant-based diet can be just as filling as other diets. Foods like beans, pulses, and high-fiber carbs (think whole-grain pasta, rice, and potatoes) are not only filling but are also categorized as Free Foods in the Slimming World plan, which means you can eat them freely without weighing or counting.

 

Myth 2: Not Enough Protein

Protein is crucial for satiety and muscle repair, but it isn't exclusive to animal products. Beans, lentils, chickpeas, and tofu are fantastic plant-based proteins that are also Free Foods in the Slimming World plan.

 

Myth 3: Lack of Calcium

Vegan diets can offer ample calcium through fortified plant milks and green leafy vegetables like kale and okra, which are essential for bone health.

 

Myth 4: Vegan Food is Boring

This couldn't be farther from the truth! With a variety of vegan products available in supermarkets today, you can enjoy an exciting array of plant-based meals that are both tasty and conducive to weight loss.

-         Enjoy Vegan Slimming World Recipes

To help you stay on track with your vegan and slimming journey, here are two delicious recipes that are easy to make and perfect for the whole family:

 

Recipe 1: Vegan Miso Soup with Smoked Tofu

Ingredients:

- 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari

- 300g plain firm smoked tofu, cut into chunks

- Low-calorie cooking spray

- 4 tbsp miso paste

- 4cm piece of fresh ginger, grated

- 2 medium pak choi heads, sliced

- 200g baby corn, sliced diagonally

- 250g exotic mushrooms (e.g., shiitake)

- 100g fresh bean sprouts

- 2 tbsp chopped fresh coriander, plus extra to serve

- Zest and juice of ½ lemon

- Fresh mint leaves, to serve

 

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C/fan 180°C/gas 6.

2. Marinate tofu in soy sauce or tamari, place on a baking tray, spray lightly with cooking spray, and bake for 20 minutes.

3. In a large saucepan, bring 1.5 liters of water to a boil with miso paste and ginger. Add vegetables and simmer for 2 minutes. Stir in lemon zest and juice.

4. Serve the soup in bowls topped with baked tofu, fresh herbs, and optional nori or chili.

 

Recipe 2: Vegan Bolognese

Ingredients:

- 25g dried porcini mushrooms

- 125g dried puy lentils

- 375ml hot vegan vegetable stock

- Low-calorie cooking spray

- 1 large red onion, finely chopped

- 3 garlic cloves, crushed

- 1 large carrot, diced

- 1 green pepper, chopped

- 400g can chopped tomatoes

- 1 tbsp light soy sauce or tamari

- 2 tsp vegan yeast extract

- Fresh parsley, chopped

- Cooked whole-grain pasta shells

 

Method:

1. Soak mushrooms in 150ml boiling water for 20 minutes.

2. Simmer lentils in stock until cooked, about 25 minutes.

3. Sauté onion, garlic, carrot, and pepper until soft. Add tomatoes, soy sauce, yeast extract, mushrooms, and their liquid. Simmer for 15 minutes.

4. Combine lentils with the sauce, adjust seasoning, and serve over pasta with parsley.

 

-         Five-Spice Tofu Stir-Fry with Asparagus

This flavorful vegan stir-fry combines hearty tofu with vibrant vegetables and a hint of five-spice for a quick and satisfying meal.

Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this dish is ready in just 25 minutes and serves four.

 

Ingredients:

- 280g plain extra-firm tofu, cut into large chunks

- ½ tsp Chinese five-spice powder

- 1 garlic clove, crushed

- 3cm piece of fresh ginger, peeled and grated

- 4 tbsp dark soy sauce or tamari

- 240g dried rice (plain or wholegrain)

- 400g asparagus, woody ends trimmed

- 200g red bell peppers, deseeded and thinly sliced

- 200g red onions, thinly sliced

- 200g mushrooms, thinly sliced

- 200g carrots, cut into matchsticks

- 25g fresh coriander, leaves roughly chopped

- 1 red chili, deseeded and finely diced (for garnish)

 

Instructions:

 

1. Marinate the Tofu:

   - Place the tofu in a shallow bowl and sprinkle with the Chinese five-spice powder.

   - Combine the crushed garlic, grated ginger, and soy sauce or tamari in a small bowl. Pour this mixture over the tofu, ensuring it's well coated. Allow the tofu to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate for 6-8 hours for deeper flavor.

 

2. Cook the Rice:

   - Prepare the rice according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.

 

3. Stir-Fry the Tofu:

   - Heat a large non-stick wok or frying pan over high heat.

   - Remove the tofu from the marinade, reserving the liquid. Dry-fry the tofu pieces for about 2 minutes on each side until they begin to char. Then, transfer the tofu to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.

 

4. Cook the Vegetables:

   - Add the reserved marinade to the hot wok or pan, followed by the asparagus, bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and carrots.

   - Bring the mixture to a boil and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring continuously, until the vegetables are tender-crisp and most of the marinade has evaporated.

 

5. Combine and Serve:

   - Stir the chopped coriander into the cooked vegetables.

   - Serve the vegetable mix alongside or over the cooked rice. Top with the charred tofu and garnish with diced red chili for an extra kick.

 

This five-spice tofu stir-fry not only promises a burst of flavors but also packs a nutritious punch, aligning perfectly with a healthy, plant-based diet.

Enjoy this vibrant dish that brings the essence of Asian cuisine right to your dinner table!

 

-         Conclusion

Embracing a vegan lifestyle on Slimming World is not only possible but also enjoyable with the right recipes and a bit of creativity.

These vegan-friendly Slimming World recipes are designed to be satisfying and flavorful, helping you stay on track with your weight loss journey while enjoying delicious meals that align with your ethical and health choices.

Remember, with Slimming World, you can enjoy a varied and abundant diet that supports your slimming goals and your vegan lifestyle.

 

Read More: Discover the Power of Active Slim for Effective Weight Loss

Edit This Article