We might be halfway through the month, but it’s never too late (or early) to sign up for Veganuary. As you’ve probably guessed, the aim of the campaign is to inspire people to try eating vegan for the month of January.
Why January?
We humans are always more open to trying out new habits at the start of a new year, especially if they’ll help offset our festive indulgences. Veganuary co-founders, Jane and Matthew, recognized that and took advantage of the opportunity.
If you missed the official January 1 start, don’t worry. You’re free to sign up at any point. Pledge to eat vegan for February or March or whenever. Sure, it won’t have the same ring to it (Veganarch?), but who cares? It’s the intention that matters.
Why Take Part in Veganuary?
There are plenty of excellent reasons to take part in Veganuary. For most people, it’s a love of animals and the environment that compels them make more mindful food choices. For others, health and nutrition could be the driving factors.
Whatever your reasons for wanting to participate, one thing’s for sure. You definitely won’t regret it. A month on a plant-based diet is guaranteed to leave you feeling fantastic.
Caveat: that doesn’t apply if you only eat vegan junk food for the 30 days.
How to Win at Veganuary
Remember, “vegan” doesn’t automatically mean “good for you”.
You still have to make an effort to stay healthy on a vegan diet. There’s nothing wrong with enjoying a pizza or vegan burger every now and then, but be sure to include plenty of whole food goodness in between.
Let your friends and family know what you’re doing.
Reassure them that you haven’t morphed into a granola hippie, you’re just not eating animal products for a month. If they invite you for dinner, offer to make a potluck dish, and bring it along.
This serves two purposes:
- It’ll set their minds at ease, since most people are intimidated by the prospect of preparing vegetables.
- It’ll give you a chance to win them over to the green side by wowing them with a tasty dish.
Bring your lunch.
While you’re finding your feet, it’s a good idea to pack your own lunch for work or school. You can’t just assume that you’ll find a vegan option at your usual lunch spot. Instead, set yourself up for success by brown bagging it.
Connect with other vegans.
If you don’t already know any, make sure you connect with other vegans in your area. Hanging out with like-minded people will help you make a success of Veganuary. Also, they’ll tell you about their favorite vegan-friendly eateries.
Veganuary Resources
Being vegan can seem daunting when you’re just starting out. Fortunately, the guys at Veganuary have put together an extensive library of resources to help you get started on your journey.
Vegan Starter Kit
The Veganuary vegan starter kit makes trying vegan child’s play. It’s got meal plans, a shopping guide and nutrition facts. It covers food essentials, offers tips for eating out and there’s even a section on deciphering food labels.
The kit also includes a list of top rated vegan movies and books and clues you in on products you might not have guessed were vegan. If you’re keen on whipping up sweet treats, the vegan baking guide will ensure there are no flops.
Eating Out
Most restaurants nowadays have at least a couple of vegan-friendly options on the menu. And on the off chance that they don’t, you can usually adapt an item to make it plant-based.
Veganuary’s restaurant guide is UK-centric, but you’ll probably find that an enthusiastic vegan in your area has compiled a list of establishments that cater to your dietary requirements. Just Google ‘vegan-friendly restaurants + [your city].’
If you love Indian food, Care2 just published a handy guide to ordering vegan at Indian restaurants!
Find Your Vegan Tribe
If your current crowd is a fairly carnivorous lot, it’s a good idea to find other vegans to connect with and be inspired by. The Veganuary website has a whole page showcasing vegan people from all walks of life.
A quick Google search will also reveal plenty of veggie fans in your own ‘hood. Most vegans aren’t cliquey; they’ll be more than happy to hang out with a newbie and show you the ropes.
Vegan Inspiration
Just in case your friends are worried that you’ll turn you into a pale, skinny person with barely enough energy to lift a lettuce leaf, show them these mind-blowing vegan transformation stories. You can also tell them about the many incredible vegan athletes and inspirational vegan celebrities wandering the planet. All of whom look remarkably healthy and vital.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
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