Compulsory cooking lessons are returning to secondary schools in England! At the same time, official advice is recommending a varied, fresh Vegan diet as the healthiest choice for both adults and children.[1]

Vegetables and fruits really should take first place in turning compulsory school cooking into exciting and nutritious dining. All reliable healthy eating advice urges people to focus on plant-based foods [2]. Excellent vegan food is the most inclusive way to cook, delighting the palate and avoiding a minefield of cultural and health issues.

Nigel Winter, CEO of The Vegan Society, has recently said, "We call on all great [Vegan] cooks to send to the Government delicious plant-based recipes, and get the secret out to schools! Let's seize this chance to improve our food. Show young people the delicious, nutritious food locked up in humble vegetables, and we'll reap the benefits for decades. Good vegan food is great for everyone - exciting and affordable, it can meet all cultural and dietary needs."

The Government is collecting recipes at Show email address. - fresh, delicious, healthy vegan recipes meet all their standards.

A healthy Vegan diet helps adults maintain the right weight and fitness level, and helps children grow, whilst developing sound dietary tastes and practices which will help them to avoid serious diseases in the future. So, what is stopping everyone turning Vegan?

Who doesn’t love plant-based food, from spicy vegetable curry, to refried bean and salad wrap? Yet many widespread food-related problems (from food poisoning and heart disease, to the upsets of cultural and conscientious misunderstandings which arise from ill-planned hospitality) are strongly associated with flesh, and other animal products being served up as food. Schools can avoid a raft of health and cultural problems by using plant-based recipes in compulsory cooking classes.

Well-planned vegan diets can support excellent health at every stage of life; for prospective parents and infants, and into old age [3, 4]. The Vegan Society offers extensive healthy eating resources including our National Curriculum-related Interactive CD-ROM - which is free to schools.

For a free copy of the Vegan Society's healthy eating guide 'Plant Based Nutrition', call 0845 458 8244 or visit The Vegan Society .
You can also claim a free copy of the Vegan Society Interactive CD-ROM for your local schools.
Just contact: Amanda Baker for further information at the Vegan Society:
Mobile: (07847) 664 793
Email: Show email address.
Tel: (0121) 523 1737

Foot Notes:
1. Founded in 1944, The Vegan Society promotes vegan lifestyles - which exclude, as far as is possible and practical, all forms of exploitation of animals for food, clothing or any other purpose. Registered Charity No. 279228, Company Registration No. 1468880, VAT Registration No. 448 5973 95.
2. "What is a Healthy Diet?" Directgov Health Eating
3. Vegetarian and Vegan Healthy Eating, Food Standards Agency, www.eatwell.gov.uk
4. Vegetarian Diets, American Dietetic Association, www.eatright.org