From now on, we will have to get used to being told that our restaurant or takeaway meals have a calorie number attached. A burger with cheese, bacon and fries may well be over 1000 calories. Sunday roast with trimmings could exceed 1500. Those of us that use the coffee chains will know already that our favourite large latte with a dash of syrup accompanied by a cinnamon bun might be close to 30% of our recommended daily calorie intake. This might make some of us think again, and if we do, why not go smaller and greener for a change. You’ll be surprised.

The days when vegan food consisted of a stuffed red pepper followed by some slices of apple are long gone. In our Art and Soul Vegan Taster Nights we have sampled some fabulous flavours from around the world – Japan, Spain, Mexico, Italy, Africa and of course, the UK. We have been blown away with the possibility of making a chocolate mousse from just vegan chocolate and chick pea water. Who knew that chick peas were so versatile? In fact, who knew so many ingredients we take for granted can be used in so many creative ways. Whether that is exotic fruits such as avocados for a creamy substitute for mousse, pomegranates that add a burst of flavour, cashew nuts instead of cheese and the humble beetroot that is so versatile for use in desserts or cakes, and fabulous when roasted as a vegetable.

At Art and Soul, we’re passionate about doing our best to save the planet and eat healthily. We’re not all vegans and don’t want to ram that particular message down peoples’ throats. But we do know that eating ‘green’ can be fun, tasty, healthy, and that when we eat in smaller portions that focus on flavour rather than volume, we feel great and want to come back for more.