What is Veganuary?
Veganuary is a global movement that began in 2014. The aim is to inspire and support people worldwide to try a vegan lifestyle for January and hopefully, beyond. Participants commit to consuming only plant-based foods and abstaining from animal products such as meat, dairy, eggs and honey.
Getting started with veganuary
Set your intentions
- Understand why you want to try a vegan lifestyle. Whether it’s for health, environmental, or ethical reasons, having a clear intention can help you stay committed.
Educate yourself
- Learn about plant-based nutrition to ensure you get all the necessary nutrients. Pay attention to sources of protein, iron, calcium, vitamin B12 and omega-3 fatty acids in plant-based foods.
Meal planning
- Plan your meals to ensure you have a variety of delicious and nutritious options. Explore new recipes and experiment with different plant-based ingredients.
Explore vegan alternatives
- Discover vegan substitutes for your favourite non-vegan foods. There are plant-based alternatives for meat, dairy, cheese and even eggs.
Label reading
- Familiarise yourself with ingredient labels to identify animal-derived ingredients. Some products may contain hidden animal products.
Shopping for Veganuary
Stock up on staples
- Ensure your kitchen is stocked with vegan staples like grains, legumes, fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds and plant-based proteins.
Explore the supermarket
- Discover the variety of plant-based options available in your local supermarket. Many now have dedicated vegan sections.
Online resources
- Explore online vegan resources, including websites and social media, for recipes, meal plans, and shopping guides.
Eating out during Veganuary
Research menus
- Check restaurant menus online before going out to find vegan-friendly options. Many restaurants now offer plant-based choices.
Communicate with servers
- Don’t hesitate to communicate with servers about your dietary preferences. They can often help customise dishes to make them vegan.
Dealing with challenges
Social situations
- Inform friends and family about your commitment to Veganuary. This can help manage social situations and ensure you have vegan options at gatherings.
Cravings
- Combat cravings by exploring new and exciting plant-based recipes. There are vegan versions of almost every dish.
Staying Vegan Beyond January
Reflect on your experience
- Take time to reflect on how Veganuary has affected you physically, mentally and emotionally. Consider continuing the lifestyle if you find it aligns with your values and goals.
Gradual transition
- If going fully vegan is challenging, consider adopting a flexitarian or vegetarian lifestyle. Every plant-based meal contributes positively to your health and the environment.
Join the community
- Connect with the vegan community through social media or local meetups. Sharing experiences and getting support can make the transition easier.
Veganuary is an opportunity to explore a different way of eating, challenging yourself to try new foods and recipes. Making small changes over time can lead to significant long-term benefits for your health, the planet and animal welfare. Whether you choose to continue a fully vegan lifestyle or incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, every step counts toward a more sustainable and compassionate world.
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