IF you are trying Veganuary this year, a Stockton Heath restaurant is out to make it easy with a plant-powered takeaway menu.

Piccolino in Victoria Square, London Road, is offering its dishes to enjoy at home throughout the lockdown with 25 per cent off throughout January for orders of £45 or more.

The restaurant chain is currently promoting its vegan options which include the likes of spaghetti pomodoro, risotto primavera, gnocchi al forno and side dishes like roast new potatoes with peppers, garlic and rosemary and hand-stretched garlic bread with tomato and fresh. basil.

A spokesman said: "Things might feel a bit flat this week following government announcements but we don’t know about you, regardless of any breaking news we are starting 2021 with a spring in our step and are focusing things we can control, like our diet.

"So, whether you are established vegan, a modern flexitarian or you are looking to turn over a new healthier leaf by getting more veg in your diet – Piccolino 2 Go has you covered."

Including more plant-based dishes in your diet has many benefits:

Health

Packed with dietary fibre to keep your digestive system healthy and happy. Large population studies have shown that by eating predominantly plant-based diets – including semi-vegetarian diets – is associated with a lower risk of developing a wide range of cancers. It also helps to boost your immune system which let’s be honest, we could all do with right now.

Environment

Food production is at an all time high worldwide, so switching to a plant based diet, locally grown where possible, reduces the strain on that system reducing your carbon footprint significantly.

Cost

Being a vegan, vegetarian or flexitarian is budget-friendly – meat and fish are some of the most expensive food items from your weekly shopping list to your takeaway.

Use the code BEATTHEBLUES for 25 per cent off a £45 spend on food at piccolino2go.com