The Green House

The Green House in Altrincham is a vegetarian restaurant but you can still find one or two vegan options. There are plenty of salads to choose from and the soup was vegan. Check out my review at Weekend Notes: http://www.weekendnotes.co.uk/greenhouse-vegetarian-restaurant/

Veganism on the rise

It is always nice to see that veganism is becoming more popular. Figures show that veganism has risen 360% in the last 10 years. There seems to be a real change at the moment with more vegan products and vegan stores and restaurants starting all the time. More importantly these businesses and products are popular which shows that there is a market for cruelty free products. Even non-vegan businesses are noticing the demand for dairy and meat free items and there are new products all the time in supermarkets such as Sainsburys introducing vegan cheese. Veganism seems to be like vegetarianism 20 years ago when there was a real boost in awareness and demand. Lets hope in the future there will be vegan items in every restaurant, more vegan businesses and of course more people choosing a vegan lifestyle. 

Trek Bars

Since starting my masters course I have been trying out different vegan snacks as I am in University for long days and need filling food to keep me going. 

Trek bars have been a firm favourite so far as they are filling, energy bars which help me get through the long days of research projects and group assignments. 

I found these bars in Aldi which is becoming a great place to find offers on vegan products. Make sure to stock up when you see them as the special buys don't always last long but they are also available in most shops and supermarkets. 

The Peanut Power is one of my favourite flavours as I am a big fan of peanut butter. This is great with a green tea. It is also packed with protein giving you an energy boost when working out your brain power. These aren't just snack to have before the gym or hiking they work well for a busy day at work, university or school. It is a great on the go snack for vegans with a busy day ahead. 

Perfect Pineapple- Urban Fruit snack

As a student I need snacks which are easy to carry (along with all my books), tasty, filling (for long days at uni) and of course vegan. 

I found these Urban fruit snacks on sale and decided to try some. It is simply baked fruit. That's it, nothing else. It is obviously a healthier alternative to snacking on chocolate or crisps allowing you to eat well on the go. 

I like how convenient these are, there's no way I could fit a whole pineapple in my bag so these are perfect for getting a fruit fix without any hassle or weird looks. They also have a great taste, it feels like you are eating sweets rather than fruit making them a great choice for anyone who doesn't usually eat healthy food but wants to start or for children's packed lunches as they can eat healthy but not necessarily feel like they are. 

I am a fan of this product and will be getting them again. They are a winner for the convenience, the excellent taste and the lack of additives. Try some for a guilt free snack. vegan

Picnic in the Park?

My latest article is now live on Weekend Notes. It is about a great place to walk, exercise or relax in North Manchester- the beautiful Heaton Park. If you've never been it is definitely one for your to-do list and if you have visited before it's time to go again and see how much the park has changed. Renovations have been going on to bring the spectacular Heaton Hall back to its former glory and the tram is now back in action. Have a read of my article and add it to your list of things to do at the weekend. I recommend taking a vegan picnic and enjoying this strangely warm October weather. 

http://www.weekendnotes.co.uk/heaton-park/

Tomato and Basil Houmous

This houmous from Sainsburys is a real winner. The combination of tomato and basil flavours works really well and is a nice change from traditional houmous. I used this in a couscous salad, on toast and with snacks. It is very versatile and tasty and most importantly labelled vegan. Sainsburys vegan range keeps getting better, they have a new range of vegan cheese out soon and lots of products in store labelled for your convenience. It is nice to see the vegan range gaining popularity and an increasing product list in supermarkets. 

Rabbit Food

So if you think vegans only eat rabbit food think again! These treats I picked up at the Vegan Abundance Festival were delicious and two of my favourite brands. Whole Earth is a great brand, I love their healthier versions of fizzy drinks. This elderflower drink is amazing and definitely my favourite in their range. They are made with sparkling water and natural flavourings and you can't beat the refreshing taste of elderflower. The chocolate 'Round Up' from Anandas is a vegan, gelatin free, version of a wagon wheel. The new flavours are mint and orange and there are always seasonal options to choose from. The chocolate on this biscuit is thick and crunchy with a deliciously sweet soft centre. This is an amazing product and I can't wait to try more flavours. 

Find them here: http://www.anandafoods.co.uk/store/c5/Round_Ups%21.html