We are starting 2021 with a fresh new start! If you are new to Veganuary or plant-based eating, you are in the right spot!
All month long I will be posting weekly every Friday right here with a different vegan-related resource to provide you with ideas, recipes, and encouragement.
Let’s start with the basics!
What is Veganuary?
Veganuary is a month-long vegan challenge in January to encourage plant-based and vegan eating. Some people use this time to also veganize other parts of their life like their makeup, skincare, or clothing. I believe the most sustainable way to pursue this lifestyle is one step at a time, starting with your food.
What is the Difference Between Plant-Based and Vegan?
The terms plant-based and vegan are often used interchangeably. However, there is a difference between what these terms mean.
Plant-based typically refers to someone who eats a diet of only plant-based foods but still buys other items that are produced with animal by-products like leather shoes. It can also mean limited processed foods are consumed but not always. It really varies depending on the person.
Vegan refers to someone who does not consume animal-based products in any capacity including skincare products, makeup, clothing, etc. Typically, most people start out plant-based and transition to vegan as they continue making changes to their lifestyle over time. This is what I did and strongly believe a gradual transition is the most sustainable way to a vegan lifestyle.
Why does a Plant-Based or Vegan Lifestyle matter?
The purpose of a plant-based or vegan lifestyle is to cause less harm. It’s that simple! By eating plant-based and vegan you are causing less harm to the animals, the planet, and yourself. The standard American diet is unhealthy, unethical, and destroying our planet.
There are tons of resources that outline in more detail but I recommend watching this video to start.
Eye Opening Speech on Veganism by Ed Winters
The reason I recommend this video is because Ed’s approach to veganism is through logic and a calm presentation of facts. He breaks down the ideology of animal consumption and why animal agriculture is so easily accepted. In 30 minutes, you’ll have a more in-depth understanding of why veganism is so important for the earth, the animals, and yourself.
How To Participate?
There are no true requirements to participate aside from switching your meals to plant-based options. However, there is a ton of support by signing up for emails through Veganuary.com and I will be sharing tons of resources, recipes, and ideas right here and on my Instagram all month long!
Veganuary Tips to Get Started
Think about your natural routine.
What do your meals currently look like?
Make a list of what you currently eat for each meal and write a plant-based alternative next to it. This will allow you to keep your routine similar.
Plan ahead.
By thinking ahead of what you will be eating, you can plan for success. Sounds cheesy but it’s true! When you are prepared for each meal whether it is having meals prepped and ready to go or having the recipe picked out, a plan in mind will make mealtimes go much smoother.
Ingredient Prep
You do not have to cook every meal a week in advance. I do recommend preparing the basics you can use in multiple meals so they are ready to throw together. I like to make rice, quinoa, lentils, and pasta, chop all vegetables, and clean all fruit in advance so it’s ready to go. This makes meals faster and easier!
Review Menus
Ordering out? Review menus ahead of time! It can be overwhelming the number of things to consider when eating out. Prior to ordering at a restaurant, look at the menu, and see if there are vegan options or dishes you can make vegan. Things to look for: buns, loaves of bread, and dressings often have egg, and mayonnaise in them so ask for allergen information if it is unclear if it is vegan or not. Dairy and egg are common allergens that all restaurants should be able to disclose this information. Do not trust that by asking if something is vegan the staff will know for sure. Many people confuse gluten and vegan or simply don’t know all the ingredients in the food.
What are your biggest hesitations with a vegan and plant-based lifestyle?
What other veganuary tips would be helpful?
Let me know how I can help in a comment below!
While you’re here- check out these other vegan posts!
8 Tips to a Successful Vegan Transition
Collectively, Karmen
Pin It – Save For Later
