Veganuary: A tasty journey to health and kindness

As the clock strikes January, we find ourselves enveloped in the familiar excitement of New Year’s resolutions. Gyms buzz with eager newcomers, supermarket shelves are cleared of carrot sticks and hummus, and many of our friends embark on bold attempts to shed old habits. But what if, this year, instead of juggling multiple goals, you could bundle all those aspirations for health and wellness into one delightful challenge? Welcome to Veganuary—a wonderful charity-led initiative, born in the UK in 2014, that invites you to embrace a vegan lifestyle for just one month.

Think of Veganuary as the cheerful winter sibling of Movember. While Movember encourages men to grow moustaches for men’s health awareness, Veganuary is all about discovering the joys of a plant-based lifestyle for 31 days. It’s a no-pressure opportunity to explore veganism, see how it resonates with you, and perhaps uncover some delightful new favourite meals along the way.

What is Veganuary?

Veganuary is a charity that encourages people to try a plant-based diet for one month. The campaign has gained great popularity, with over 500,000 people participating in January 2021. However, Veganuary is more than just a one-month challenge; it offers ongoing support for anyone interested in adopting a vegan lifestyle, proving that it can be both enjoyable and diverse. The movement continues to expand, with events like World Vegan Day promoting the many benefits of plant-based eating. The Benefits of Eating a Vegan Diet Embarking on the Veganuary challenge can offer a wealth of health and environmental advantages:

Improved Health: Studies have shown that adopting a vegan diet can lower the risk of developing diabetes, reduce heart disease, and minimise obesity. By cutting back on meat, you can also decrease the likelihood of strokes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.

Environmental Impact: A 2018 study warned that sticking to a Western diet rich in animal products could contribute significantly to food-related climate change. The report cautioned that if trends continue, we could see a staggering 90% increase in climate change by 2050.

Here are 7 tips to help you have a successful Veganuary—and beyond!

Connect to Your “Why”

Whether it's for the animals, your health, or the environment, understanding why you want to try veganism will keep you motivated throughout the month. Make sure to remind yourself of your reasons often to stay on track.

Plan and Prep!

Planning your meals is key. Without a solid plan, it's easy to fall back on non-vegan meals. Using a meal-planning app, like Plan to Eat, can help you stay organised by creating shopping lists from your recipes. It makes a huge difference in eating well and wasting less.

Find Simple Recipes You’ll Actually Eat

Start with meals you already enjoy and make simple tweaks to make them vegan. For example, swap a veggie patty for a meat burger or use vegan cheese on pizza. Keeping it simple will help you adjust to the plant-based lifestyle without feeling overwhelmed.

Keep a Journal

Journaling your journey helps you reflect on your experience. Write down what you eat, any challenges you face, and your successes. It’s a great way to stay motivated and can be useful if you decide to continue a plant-based diet after January.

Embrace New Flavours

Don’t expect everything to taste exactly like what you’re used to. Try new ingredients and explore different flavours. Tofu, tempeh, and legumes are great alternatives that can add variety to your meals. The more you experiment, the more you’ll discover delicious plant-based dishes.

Find Support

Veganuary is easier when you have support. Get friends or family involved or join online communities where you can share tips and recipes. The more support you have, the more enjoyable and successful your Veganuary will be.

 Don’t Try to Be Perfect!

Avoid the “all or nothing” mindset. It’s okay if you slip up; the important thing is to keep going. Veganuary isn’t about perfection—it's about trying something new and making progress, not being perfect.

The Beauty of a Fresh Start

Veganuary is not just about dietary change; it’s an invitation to explore, indulge in new foods, and make a meaningful difference. Many participants discover that after a month of plant-based eating, they want to continue their journey, while others appreciate it as a refreshing reset. No matter the outcome, you’ll be dedicating 31 days to mindful eating and creating a positive impact.

So, as you chart your New Year’s goals, why not add Veganuary to your list? It’s a wonderful opportunity to make a difference—for your health, for the planet, and for animals. Take the leap and give it a try! You might just surprise yourself with what you can achieve in one transformative month.