There’s a new movement taking over social media this month called Veganuary. Have you heard of it?
It’s similar to Dry January in that it’s a movement for health and for a cleaner lifestyle, but this one involves meat and animal products, not our beloved glass of wine. Yes, this is a movement urging people to go vegan for the month of January.
Now before you stop reading, bear with me. It’s not asking for an overall forever life change, it’s simply highlighting the benefits of a plant-based lifestyle. Trust me when I say there are many that extend far beyond the obvious ethical treatment of animals or the dubious farming methods used to sustain meat-based agriculture.
There are health benefits too. And plenty of them. Plant-based diets are associated with a lower risk of stroke, heart attack, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Not to mention the fact that many processed meats (think lunchmeat and hot dogs) and red meat have both been shown to damage our blood vessels and our organs.
There is a lot to be said for going “green.”
The good news is, though, that you don’t have to go whole hog (or no hog as the case may be). Simply cutting back on your meat consumption and adding in a few plant-based meals per week has been shown to greatly reduce your risk of death, get this, from any cause.
So you don’t have to say goodbye to your favorite meat-based meals forever if you don’t want to. Making just slight modifications, or in this case, a month of large modifications can have great benefits to your health.
And just in case you want to go green but aren’t handy in the kitchen or still want to enjoy an evening or two dining out, we decided to check out some of Frisco’s finest options for our plant-based friends.
From completely vegan eateries to full-scale restaurants with veggie-friendly menus, these are your best bets in town for your own personal Veguary adventure.
Veggie Express
This tiny little Chinese restaurant has a completely plant-based menu. Whether you want to stop in for the daily lunch buffet, which is an incredible deal, or pick something delicious off their dinner menu, this little gem is a vegan’s dream. Traditional classics like Sesame Chicken and Beef with Broccoli are recreated using soy-based protein and are so delicious you won’t even notice the difference. Even the most die-hard meat-eater won’t miss the beef.
Crush Taco
In the mood for plant-based Mexican but tired of black beans? Have a crowd of varied diets to accommodate? Crush Taco is the answer. Featuring multiple meat-free menu items and some of the most binge-worthy queso in town, this little Taco stop is a culinary adventure for plant and meat-eaters alike.
All of Crush’s tacos are creative and fun, and the vegetarian options are no exception. The Cauliflower taco is the best taco I’ve ever had, meat or meat-free, and it’s not to be missed.
The flavors are bold and partnered so well you won’t even realize you aren’t eating meat. Everything on the menu at Crush is a winner, so the next time you’re craving #tacotuesday, stop by and get your creative veggie on.
City Works Eatery and Pourhouse
Wait? A pourhouse that works for vegetarians? No. I’m not punking you. Yes, this is an incredible place to eat for veggie lovers. The menu at City Works transcends what you expect from a pourhouse, on all levels. But none more so than their meat-free options.
Every category, from pub fare to burgers to entrees, has a meat-free option. And when I say that they’re transcending the ordinary, I’m not kidding. Their burger menu features an impossible burger. Yes, it’s impossible because it’s a burger made of plants that’s impossibly delicious.
And the entrees? Well, I dare you to try the Cauliflower steak and miss the meat. City Works has a fun brewpub atmosphere and it’s a great place to meet with friends or take a date who happens to love herself some greens. It’s a fun and unexpected place to get your Veguary on!
Jeff’s Vegan
Another all-vegan hidden gem is Jeff’s Vegan. This delightful little shop on Preston Road is dedicated to health, compassion, and happiness. With a full and varied menu featuring only plant-based options, this is the vegan restaurant you go to when you want a little bit of everything.
From Pho to Curry to Burgers and Burritos (some of their most recommended menu items), Jeff’s truly cares about catering to Frisco’s discerning vegans and vegetarians, recognizing that just because they don’t eat meat doesn’t mean they don’t want flavor. This tiny shop is open for lunch and dinner so next time you want a burrito but don’t want the steak, stop in and give the plant life a try.
Mary’s Mediterranean
Mediterranean diets have become synonymous with health in the past few years and with good reason. Based on fresh flavor and fresh food, Mary’s brings the Mediterranean to Frisco with its menu filled with the classics of this cuisine. From falafel to hummus to beautifully roasted cauliflower and salads representing the rainbow, Mary’s offers something for every plant-based eater.
The perfect stop if you’re craving the freshness of the Mediterranean but want to keep it clean for Veguary, this North Frisco shop caters to all of your vegetarian (and non-vegetarian) needs.
Whether you’re simply toying with the idea of adding more plant-based meals into your diet or you’re ready to quit meat cold turkey (again with the meat puns), there are countless dining options in Frisco for you to choose from.
Did we miss your favorite? We’d love to hear where you go to satisfy your vegetarian and vegan cravings!
