The darker side of the countryside

The countryside is beautiful, there's a reason why there are programmes like Escape to the country. People want to live here, move away from the stressful city or retire to a peaceful life. 

However I've seen a darker side of the countryside. I saw a van driving past in the village and it turned out it contained an animal going to the local butcher. Apparently he kills his own meat so it's fresh! 

I find this disgusting, that poor animal being driven to it's death. I don't even want to think about it- living in a city you don't see things like this. Meat eaters are shielded from the reality of where their 'food' comes from, here you can't escape it. It's not easy to ignore when a animal is literally being driven to its death. It is a living creature, it deserves a life, it is not food.

I really believe most meat eaters basically have their fingers in their ears when it comes to meat. They know it's an animal but they don't want to think about it being killed, suffering or once being alive. It's just meat- packaged up for your convienience. If they really thought about it or saw the van carrying an animal to the butchers maybe they'd wake up. 

Every time you buy meat you have paid someone to murder an animal. Think about it, really think about that reality. I have never seen meat as food it is dead flesh, part of a rotting corpse that has been slaughtered. 

I hope one day we don't ignore the cruelty that exists in society. I usually just have my blog for vegan food and lifestyle this is what I love but I just wish more people realised that being vegan is the way to go. A cruelty free life is a happy life- the more people that choose it the less scared animals being driven down country roads. The only way to bring back the beauty of the countyside is to get rid of the darker side and let's the animals do what they were born to do and enjoy living off the land not dying on it.

Take a break

Sometimes you just need to relax, unwind and have a bit of time to yourself. A hot drink and a treat can be the perfect combination for when you need some time out.  

Green tea is a very calming drink- I like Clipper as their tea comes in unbleached bags and is tasty. 

The perfect snack to have with it is a Nakd bar. I love the Rhubarb and Custard flavour, it is sweet and the perfect thing when you want something in between meals. 

Try it next time you have a snack. It is tasty, sweet and one of your five a day. Perfect! 

Support the Vegan logo

I like when products have a vegan logo. No need to check ingredients, no need to spend half a day walking round a supermarket, no doubt or wondering whether something is actually vegan. 

Apart from the practical side there is another reason to support products that hold the vegan label. By buying a product registered with the vegan society it supports vegan businesses and shows demand. 

If vegan products become popular companies will invest more in other vegan products. It is simply supply and demand, there will only be an increase in vegan products if people are buying them. 

I heard a saying once that every time you spend money you are buying the world you want to live in. Do you want a cruelty free world or do you want cheap, fast food and poor quality. 

Sometimes vegan products can be more expensive and if it's organic and fair trade too it may cost even more but think about how much your health is worth and how much are you willing to pay to support your lifestyle. 

Where possible buy items that have the vegan logo and support your lifestyle with every pound that you spend. 

Black Cherry Chocolate from Vivani

Vivani is a great brand. They have luxury vegan chocolate bars that are delicious, rich and high quality. 

This black cherry bar came in my flow box present. It is not something I would have tried but I'm glad I did. 

The dark chocolate is tasty and the cherry pieces are small enough to add flavour but are not over powering. I recommend this bar as it is a great treat. 

Available online or in independent health food shops these bars are reasonably priced at around £1 

These bars are another example of how vegan chocolate can taste amazing. Give it a go and support vegan products. 

Gift Idea- Flow Box

I got a Flow Box for Christmas. Having swapped presents with my friend late this year I got it just in time for my Norfolk trip. 

I had never heard of his brand before, there are a few different companies that I know do monthly subscriptions but this is a great idea for a one off present.

I got some amazing gifts but this is one of my favourites especially coming from a non vegan friend. It shows they care about my lifestyle and have put thought into the present.

The box contains a selection of random snacks. Some brands I knew well like the Nakd bars but I had never tried the Christmas pud flavour so it was an opportunity to try one I wouldn't have bought myself. There were also  products I haven't seen before and a chance to try items I would never buy. 

I think these are great gift ideas. They are easily posted to someone or come in a nice box filled with tissue paper that is ready to give to a friend. 

It's also great to buy yourself if you are new to being a vegan or want a lucky dip of vegan snacks to find new and exciting brands. It can be hard to find vegan products as options in supermarkets can be limited. This is an easy way to try new products and have them delivered straight to your door. 

These are available on amazon as well as the Flow box website. If you like them you can subscribe to a monthly snack box....tempting! Try it first and you may want to receive on every month. 

Check them out here: http://shop.theflowbox.co.uk/

Walking snacks

I love walking in the countryside. Fresh air, beautiful views and peace. 

Walking is great low impact exercise and good for relaxing and improving your mood. I love walking for miles but you need to make sure you can keep you energy up. 

As well as water it is important to have snacks ready and available. 

Fruit is a handy snack. It gives you energy, a hit of sugar and is healthy. On a walk I like to bring clementines. They are small enough to fit in a small bag and need peeling so they won't get dirty. Because they are juicy as well they also help keep you hydrated. This is important especially on longer walks as you don't feel the effects of dehydration until it is too late. 

Long walks can be amazing. The breathtaking views, the adventure but when you are in the middle of nowhere it's doubtful you'll find a local shop. I am exploring the beautiful Norfolk Fens at the minute. The endless landscape is stunning and often you don't see another person for miles so if you get hungry you're stuck. Bringing food along us essential. 

I find another handy snack to always have on a walk is a Nakd bar. 

These are small and easily carried. They come in all different flavours and are also one of your five a day. Why bring an unhealthy snack when you are outdoors exercising? This is a tasty bar yet not unhealthy. They are also raw meaning they are packed with nutrients. Perfect for a boost when outdoors to help keep you walking and exploring the beautiful world. 

Scrambled tofu

For a quick and easy meal try scrambled tofu on toast. It's usually thought of as a breakfast meal but it is a great idea any time of day. Quick to make and full of protein this is one idea that you can use when you don't have the time to cook or have had a busy day and want something filling an healthy. 

Start of with a base of red onion and chopped spinach. I use fry light to cook anything that needs frying as it is healthier than using a lot of oil. If you prefer you can use white onions- it is a versatile meal that you can add anything to and adapt to suit your tastes. 

Add broken up pieces of tofu. I use cauldron tofu that is easy to use and easily broken up. Add two spoonfuls of passata sauce and one teaspoon of paprika. Any herbs and spices can be used. These were what I had available, you can make it different every time if you want, creating a different flavour at every meal! 

Add some mushrooms, I used organic mushrooms for the first time and I was impressed with the taste. Where possible try buying organic food you will notice the difference. 

Tofu is really quick to cook. This whole meal can take about 10-15 minutes. Make some toast while you cook the tofu. 

This is a quick easy meal. Have it for breakfast, dinner or tea or a protein filled snack after the gym. It is handy to know this simple recipe as it is a great quick and healthy meal. Who says fast food has to be bad for you?