What Is Veganuary?
In 2014, a UK non-profit organisation of the same name coined the campaign Veganuary to encourage people to follow a vegan lifestyle for the whole month of January. The charity was inspired by the huge success of Movember, and they wanted to raise the same amount of awareness for veganism.
While January is the most common time of the year for people to make big changes to their lifestyle, you don’t need to wait until then or limit yourself to January to lead a plant-based lifestyle.
What Are The Benefits Of Veganuary?
Veganuary is no longer just a trendy food challenge - it’s now one of the most-talked-about international health campaigns, and for good reason too.
Veganism itself has soared in popularity within the last decade. To date, it’s estimated that there are now 79 million vegans worldwide!
Undoubtedly, one of the biggest reasons for the rise in taste for vegan diets is the huge environmental benefits. A plant-based diet provides a wealth of powerful benefits for our planet, including a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, the conservation of water, wildlife protection of endangered species and so much more. It’s never been more important to live kindly, and veganism seems to provide us with the perfect starting point.
The equally powerful long-term health benefits of going vegan are often enough to encourage people to try out Veganuary. Research has revealed that those who follow a plant-based diet are less likely to develop serious illnesses such as heart disease.
Those who choose to lead a plant-based lifestyle can also expect some great short-term benefits too, including boosted mood, healthier-looking skin, and an improved quality of sleep.
What is a vegan diet?
A vegan diet includes foods that come from plant origins, for example; fruit, vegetables, seeds, nuts, lentils, beans, and grains. Vegans avoid foods from animals such as meat, milk, yoghurt, eggs, and cheese.
For many, veganism is far more than just a diet. Many people also choose to only buy sustainable products that reduce the environmental impact of the animal industry, such as vegan-friendly clothes and make-up. Another great example of this is our plant-based Omega 3 algae supplements, which are derived from algae oil rather than fish.
Are Plant-Based Diets High In Protein?
Yes, plant-based diets can be very high in protein. There’s a common misconception surrounding veganism that it can be difficult to consume enough protein with a diet that’s entirely free of meat. Alongside natural sources such as nut butters, kidney beans, chickpeas, pulses and tofu, modern innovations in the food industry have allowed people to enjoy a wide range of high-protein alternatives to meat.
Easy Plant-Based Diet Swaps
- Plant-based milk (such as soy, almond or oat) instead of cow's milk
- Tofu instead of eggs
- Lentils instead of meat
- Jackfruit instead of pulled pork
- Nut butter (such as peanut or almond) instead of dairy butter
- Hummus instead of mayonnaise
- Fruit sorbet instead of ice cream
- Bean burgers instead of meat burgers
- Nutritional yeast instead of cheese
Tips on Making Veganuary Last Beyond January
1. Start Small and Build Gradually
You don’t have to go all in overnight. If transitioning to a vegan lifestyle feels daunting, start by swapping one meal a day or dedicating specific days to plant-based eating. As your confidence grows, so will your ability to make plant-based choices effortlessly.
2. Experiment with Recipes
Vegan cooking can be exciting and adventurous! Explore new cuisines or recreate your favourite dishes using plant-based alternatives. From creamy coconut curries to indulgent vegan brownies, there’s a plant-based version of almost everything you love. Plus, we've got a lot of vegan recipes here, feel free to browse.
3. Stock Your Pantry with Essentials
Keep staples like lentils, beans, quinoa, oats, nut butters, and plant-based milks on hand. Having a well-stocked pantry makes whipping up plant-based meals easy, even on busy days.
4. Try New Products
The market is booming with vegan alternatives—from plant-based cheeses to meat substitutes. Try new brands and products to find your favourites. You might even discover you prefer them to their animal-based counterparts.
5. Find Your ‘Why’
Reconnect with what motivated you to try Veganuary in the first place. Whether it’s better health, a love for animals, or protecting the planet, keeping your reason in mind can help you stay committed.
6. Join a Community
Being part of a group of like-minded individuals makes staying vegan more enjoyable. Join online vegan communities or follow plant-based influencers for inspiration and support.
7. Learn About Nutritional Balance
A well-planned vegan diet can be highly nutritious. Make sure to include a variety of foods to meet your nutritional needs, especially protein, iron, B12, and Omega-3s. Supplements like Nothing Fishy’s Omega-3 are a fantastic addition to your diet.
8. Focus on Progress, Not Perfection
Don’t let small setbacks discourage you. If you accidentally eat something non-vegan or feel overwhelmed, that’s okay! It’s about doing your best and making sustainable changes over time.
9. Plan Ahead When Eating Out
Many restaurants now offer plant-based options, but it’s always a good idea to check menus or call ahead. If you’re attending an event, bring a vegan-friendly dish to share.
10. Embrace the Journey
Remember, this is a lifestyle change, not a sprint. Celebrate your wins, no matter how small, and enjoy the process of discovering all the amazing things a plant-based lifestyle has to offer.