What is Veganuary?
Veganuary is a month-long challenge that has taken place every January since 2014. The goal of the challenge is to encourage people to eat a plant-based diet. In 2020, an estimated 350,000 people worldwide signed up, committing to become vegetarian for the month of January.
Little did we know how our lives were about to change when we went vegan in January 2013! We were so naive and thought, “We’ll just stop eating meat…it’s that simple!”
We soon found out it wasn’t that simple. After we start feeling sick (from overdosing on processed foods) and realize we have no idea what we’re doing, we start documenting what works and when it doesn’t when it comes to being vegan. Since then we’ve built this site and podcast, so something good has definitely come from our struggles.
If you’re new to vegetarianism or veganism (perhaps you’ve tried participating in Veganuary) and are trying to figure these things out, we’re here to help! You can listen to our discussion by listening or reading our Top 7 Tips for a Successful Veganuary and beyond, a quick summary of what we discussed.
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7 Tips for a Successful Vegetarian
Check out our top 7 tips for being a successful vegan and beyond!
1. Connect with your “Why.”
When Larissa and I became vegan in 2013, we did it for the animals. We watched a couple of documentaries (Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead and Vegetated) that set the stage for major changes in our lives. We were so disgusted with animal cruelty that the thought of eating meat really bothered us.
Some people are motivated by the health benefits of a vegetarian or vegan diet while others are motivated by our current climate crisis.
While Veganuary isn’t necessarily a permanent “life change” for everyone (some people just want to see if they can do it), it’s still important to connect with your “why.” Whatever your reason for participating, keep reminders of why it’s important to you.
Revisiting your “why” throughout the month can help keep you motivated.
2. Plan and prepare!
Planning is an important part of any successful lifestyle change. Without a meal plan, it’s easy to fall back on non-vegan meals that you already know how to make.
Larissa and I are big fans
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3. Find easy recipes you’ll actually eat
When we first became vegan in 2013, one of our biggest tasks was finding recipes we would actually eat. Larissa is a very picky eater and I was a big meat eater, so we faced two challenges right out of the gate.
The easiest way to find great recipes you’ll eat is to make a list of some of your favorite foods and apply simple changes to make them without animal products.
These days it’s very easy to make meat-free meals with just a few small changes. For example, how about trying a veggie patty for a meat-free burger or using vegan cheese on your next pizza?
Yeah, well…burgers and pizza aren’t that healthy, but if you’re a vegetarian, you might not want to bite off more than you can chew to begin with. Simplifying it by making small changes to familiar recipes will definitely help you stay put (yes, another pun!).
If you’re looking for some recipe inspiration, check out some of our favorite food websites:
And, of course, don’t forget to check out our own recipes Knowing vegetarian here!
4. Work on changing your mindset
Many people (especially in the US) grew up with meat at the center of their plate. Changing your eating style to a plant-based diet requires a deliberate mindset shift. When you don’t have meat on your plate, you can feel like you’re missing out.
I’ve found a way to change my mindset is to start with a recipe I already love (for example, enchiladas–one of my absolute favorite foods) and simply remove the animal products.
Instead of feeling like I had to give up enchiladas entirely, I substituted vegan cheese for the dairy version and swapped out grilled or roasted veggies for the meat filling…and, presto! I can still enjoy delicious enchiladas…minus the added cholesterol and saturated fat and not feel deprived.
There are plenty of meat substitutes in the market these days that can help you create your own vegetarian recipes.
5. Connect with others for support
A great support group (even online) can keep you motivated and help you through challenges and obstacles. If no one in your immediate friend/family group is plant-based, try finding a friendly group online like our closed Facebook group, The Peace and Carrot Society.
The Pea and Carrot Society is a group of friendly and supportive people who are helping everyone live a more compassionate plant-based lifestyle. We call it a “no-bully” zone and welcome everyone, no matter where they are on their plant-based journey.
6. Journal
I love journaling and do so a few times a week. If you’re not too keen on journaling, think of it as taking notes about your experiences following a vegetarian diet for a month.
In addition to recording what you eat, capture any challenges you face and successes you experience. What things were surprisingly easier than you expected? Which was harder?
Capturing your thoughts can help you stay motivated and help you further down the road if you decide to pursue a plant-based lifestyle.
7. Don’t try to be perfect!
One of the first things we mentioned in an episode of our podcast is that one surefire way to kill any personal goal is to think you have to be perfect.
This “all or nothing” mentality can definitely stop you dead in your tracks.
If you have a slip-up, don’t give up. Try journaling about situations that have derailed you from your goals, then pick yourself up and keep going!
We hope you found these 7 tips for a successful Veganuary helpful. Don’t forget to sign up at Veganuary.com for some extra inspiration, accountability and daily emails to help you along the way.
peace and vegetables,
Vicky and Larissa