Veganuary is a fast-growing movement that encourages people to go vegan for the month of January. It’s a great way to experience a plant-based lifestyle and to help reduce the impact of animal agriculture on the environment.
If you’re considering taking part in Veganuary this year, this comprehensive guide will provide you with all the information you need to get started. It will help you transition to veganism by providing tips on how to find vegan food, create delicious vegan meals, and make sustainable swaps for animal products.
In addition to this, the guide will also explain the health benefits of a vegan diet and its environmental impact. Going vegan can be a rewarding experience and this guide will help you make the transition with ease.
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What is Veganuary?
Veganuary stands for vegan january and is a campaign that challenges people to try a vegan diet for the month of January. It aims to reduce the world’s carbon footprint by encouraging people to reduce their consumption of animal products.
Veganuary is a nonprofit organization that provides information about going vegan, including what to eat, nutritional concerns, and the environmental impact of veganism. It also provides information about the health benefits of a vegan diet and features interviews with medical professionals and vegan athletes.
Veganuary was founded in the U.K. in 2014 and has since grown into an international movement. It also has the backing of celebrities such as Joaquin Phoenix and Alicia Silverstone.
The campaign is held during the month of January because it provides an excellent opportunity to transition to a vegan diet. It’s also a time when people are motivated to make changes in their lives and set new health goals.
Free Vegan Guide
Need help going plant-based this Veganuary?
Signup for our going plant-based course with guided recipes, a meal planning menu, and tips.
How to Transition to a Plant-Based Lifestyle
For some switching to a plant-based diet may feel confusing or overwhelming. If so, using the Veganuary challenge is a good way to try out a vegan diet and utilize the momentum and support with other participants or an accountability partner.
January is a great time to try a vegan diet since many of the holidays (often focused on food) are over and many of us are ready to shed some winter weight and improve our health by starting fresh.
If jumping all in seems overwhelming, you may consider easing yourself into it. One option is to try veganizing one meal a day. Many restaurants now offer vegan options, so when eating out you can choose the vegan option and veganize one of your meals at home later on.
If you’re considering making a more permanent transition to a vegan diet, then it’s worth noting that it gets easier to do overtime but in the beginning may take some finetuning. With a little research, it’s easy to find vegan alternatives for all the products you currently consume, and once you learn how to cook a few vegan meals you love it will become second nature.
Buying Vegan Food
If you’re new to veganism, you may find going to the supermarket confusing now. Where do you start? The produce, grains, and legumes sections are good places to start. These foods are simple plant-based whole foods and if they are not processed with other ingredients you can rest assured they are vegan.
It’s important to note that veganism is not just about avoiding meat and dairy. It’s also about cutting out products that contain animal by-products, such as gelatin, beeswax, and honey.
Some examples of vegan-friendly foods include:
- For breakfast: oatmeal, pancakes, chia pudding, and porridge are excellent choices.
- For lunch: sandwiches, salads, wraps, and soups.
- or dinner: pasta, rice, and curries.
- For snacks: nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables.
Vegan Substitutes
There are plenty of vegan-friendly ingredients that can be used to create delicious meals. Many animal-based products can be replaced with vegan options. When going grocery shopping here are some vegan substitute ideas:
- For sweeteners: instead of using sugar, try using agave syrup, coconut sugar, dates, or maple syrup.
- For milk: oat milk, almond milk, or coconut milk are great options.
- For eggs: use ground flax seeds, applesauce, chia seeds, or tofu as a substitute.
- For butter: coconut or vegetable oil can also be used or consider buying a vegan option at the store.
- For meat: plant-based burger patties, sausages, chicken, or substitute for beans, legumes, and grains.
- For cheese: there are a lot of great vegan cheese products on the market, brands like Daiya and Follow Your Heart have been around since the beginning and so many new brands are coming to market - it is worth experimenting until finding a brand you like, but most major stores, especially health food stores typically carry vegan cheese shreds and cheese slices.
Health Benefits of a Vegan Diet
Some people believe that a vegan diet is lacking in nutrients, but this isn’t the case. In fact, a plant-based diet is packed with vitamins and minerals. It’s also rich in protein, fiber, and antioxidants.
Eating a vegan diet can help to prevent a variety of health issues, including heart disease and certain types of cancer. It’s also beneficial for people looking to lower their cholesterol and blood pressure.
A plant-based diet is a great way to lose weight. It contains plenty of vegetables and legumes which are high in fiber and help to improve digestion.
Read about the many benefits when it comes to a plant-based lifestyle - Benefits of a Plant-Based Diet.
Environmental Impact of Veganism
Eating a vegan diet can not only improve health but also improve the health of the planet by reducing the impact of animal agriculture on the environment.
Livestock produces a lot of harmful gases that contribute to climate change. In fact, it’s estimated that livestock is responsible for 14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions. A vegan diet can help to reduce these harmful emissions and protect the environment.
In addition, animal agriculture consumes more resources than a plant-based diet does. These resources include land usage often resulting in deforestation, water usage, and the pollution of the water supply.
Read more about the environmental impact of animal agriculture here.
Veganuary Tips
- Start small: try veganizing one meal a day and choosing healthier snacks. Try snacking on fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds.
- Join a vegan community or challenge like Veganuary. There are numerous vegan Facebook groups and forums you can join. These are great places to get advice and support from other vegans.
- Be prepared. Before you go out, make sure to check the menu and double-check what ingredients are in each dish. Calling before arriving can relieve some pressure so you know what to expect.
- Get creative. Veganism doesn’t have to be boring. You can level up any meal by adding sauce. Sauce is a simple way to liven up tacos, grain bowls, pasta, etc. There are numerous ways to make tasty, healthy meals - see some of the recommendations below.
Vegan Resources
- Veganuary - try the vegan challenge this January.
- Happy Cow - Find vegan, vegetarian, and restaurants with vegan/veg options near you.
- Nutrition Facts - straightforward and easy-to-understand latest nutrition research.
- Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine - a health organization that promotes preventive medicine and empowers people to take control of their own health.
- PETA - exposes animal suffering.
Recipes For Veganuary
Breakfast
- Try this healthy zucchini muffin recipe, it is also gluten-free and free of added sugars, yet it is the most delicious and dense muffin recipe.
- Try this healthy berry chia pudding recipe that can be made with your favorite type of berries.
- Try this tofu scramble recipe, it is easy to make and only takes 10 minutes!
Lunch
- Try this Italian-inspired chopped salad recipe, it is filling and will not leave you feeling hungry or unsatisfied.
- Try this creamy kale veggie wrap with blackened tofu recipe, a light but filling lunch recipe.
- Try this smoked tempeh recipe that is seasoned and marinated with smoked paprika and supporting herbs to create a smoky, savory, and filling vegan sandwich.
Dinner
- Try these black bean quinoa tacos, this recipe is easy to make and high in protein and fiber.
- Try this zesty veggie pasta recipe, it is a savory dish and packed with colorful veggies.
- Try this Thai curry risotto recipe, it is perfect for a light and healthy dinner, made with Thai red curry paste and cauliflower rice for a grain-free meal and roasted vegetables.
Dessert
- Try this creamy chocolate milkshake recipe, you only need 7 ingredients and minutes!
- Try these healthy rice crispy treats, a no-bake treat made with only 6 ingredients.
Check out this post for quick easy plant-based meal ideas that are 30 minutes or less.
Additional Reading
- How vegans get protein & nutrients.
- How to eat for optimal health.
- What a healthy vegan diet should look like.
- Benefits of a plant-based diet.
- Why you should ditch cow's milk & go for plant-based milk alternatives.
- How to level up any meal with this simple addition.
- The health benefits of tofu, a protein-packed food.
Going vegan can be a challenging but rewarding lifestyle change. Adopting a vegan diet can help you to improve your health and reduce the impact on the environment.
To make the transition to veganism, it’s important to find vegan-friendly foods and make sustainable swaps for animal products wherever possible. It’s also important to join a vegan community and be prepared when eating out.
The Veganuary campaign is a great way to get started. It provides information about going vegan and includes tips for making a successful transition. During Veganuary, it’s important to start small and be prepared.
FAQ
A vegan diet is a plant-based diet. Vegans eat fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, and any foods made from plants.
Vegans do not eat foods that are animal-based or come from animals. This includes meat, dairy products, and eggs.
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