Top tips for Veganauary from VEGANS

by Lucy Moore | 27 December 2016

Joanna Randall

'Have fun and treat yourself. Buy a vegan cookbook and try a new recipe, splurge on some cruelty-free cosmetics or a pair of non-leather shoes, go to a vegan festival, host a vegan wine and cheese night, whatever you enjoy. Reward yourself for making the choice to be kind to animals – you deserve it!'

Vegan on Female First

Jayna Mistry

'Have fun with it! It's not all tofu, lettuce and boring salads. There are some great sites out there with really delicious recipes that are far from the stereotypically dull cucumber-munching vegan diet that so many people expect.'

www.thugkitchen.com

Pola Pospieszalska

'It would be to first of all change your thinking to 'its easy' - it is easy and technically never been easier ever. Most restaurants and food places have now plant based options. Try and hang out with a vegan friend to sample vegan restaurants and if you don't have any vegan friends yet it would be to join internet support groups or Facebook groups. Go on Instagram and search #vegan and #veganfood for inspiration. The internet community is huge and very helpful x'

Sascha Camilli

'Learn to cook! Don't rely on snacks and ready meals, but experiment with the endless variety offered by fruit, veggies, beans, grains, and nuts - all full of plant-based goodness.'

Jenny Liddle

Here's my top tip for doing Veganuary from Jimmy Pierson, organiser of the new VeggieWorld London event (veggieworld.de/en/event/london-en)...

"Familiar tastes and textures can help when changing your diet, but you don't need to be missing out - there are vegan versions of pretty much everything now from plant-based steaks and chicken burgers to melty vegan cheeses for your pizza. The major supermarkets keep expanding their vegan-labelled stock, while Holland & Barrett and independent health food stores will have even more an even wider range."

"It's important to recognise that everyone's different. There's no right or wrong way. Some people go vegan overnight and if you can, then great - go for it! But for the majority, it's a longer journey comprising a number of smaller steps. Just go at your own pace. If you slip up, don't worry, just keep on going!

"If you're going from omnivore to vegan, then transition gradually. Replacing one thing in your diet at a time makes it easier to adjust to each change. Swapping meat for healthier alternatives is a great start then, once you're comfortable with that, start replacing your dairy products. There are so many delicious plant-based milks available. Try them all, and find your favourites.

"It's always a good idea to educate yourself. I'd recommend watching documentaries like Cowspiracy (on Netflix), Earthlings (free on YouTube) and Forks over Knives to better understand the realities of animal agriculture and the benefits of the vegan diet.

"It's also important for everyone to learn how to eat well. A balanced vegan diet provides all the nutrients you need to be fit and healthy, but make sure you're getting a good balance of protein, carbohydrates, fats, and all the vitamins and minerals you need. You should also supplement or eat foods fortified with vitamin B12 and, as with all diets, vitamin D.

"In terms of cooking for yourself, Google any dish you like with the word vegan in front of it and you'll discover some of the most amazing, delicious-looking recipes. Whether you want fajitas, burgers, salads or Indian, Italian, Mexican or Thai dishes, you can find a vegan recipe.

"Eating out is easy. Lots of mainstream restaurant and cafe chains now have their own separate vegan menu including Wetherspoons, Toby Carvery, Prêt-a-Manger, Cosy Club and Handmade Burger Company. And most major towns are now home to great vegetarian and vegan restaurants - visit HappyCow.net for your nearest one.

"What about the cost? It is actually one of the biggest misconceptions that being vegan is more expensive. On the contrary, with a bit of know-how, eating vegan can actually be significantly cheaper! Soups, stews and currys are all fantastic budget meals, far less expensive when made with whole vegan foods, and can easily be made in bulk and frozen to last you a while.

"Join a support network. Facebook is full of vegan groups, which help and support those starting out. There are also lots of vegan events, such as VeggieWorld London, where you'll have a chance to try the amazing range of vegan food currently available and experience the vegan lifestyle for yourself."

Jennifer White

'My advice would be to do your research in advance and look up simple ways to swap your favorite meals into vegan specialties. Love spaghetti bolognaise? Use dried wheat pasta, Tesco Soya Mince and Violife Parmesan for a delicious alternative.'

George White

'January is a time when we are making resolutions so make it a 2017 goal to make a difference for animals, your environment and yourself. When I became vegan it helped that I had vegan family and friends, so try Veganuary with someone else so that you can support each other, otherwise make sure you get to know other vegans online through social networking sites and groups and go to events so that you get to know people face to face. The Veganuary website is also full of recipes, ideas and support to help you on your way so make sure you take advantage of that.'

Olivia Jordan

'Head over to PETA to order your free vegan starter kit packed full of delicious recipes, tips and inspiration!'

Victoria Eisermann

(Vegan life magazine columnist, K-9 Angels co founder & model)

1- Don't give up I promise you won't regret going vegan. It was the best decision I ever made!

2- Veganuary continues to gain in popularity so if you don't give it ago you'll never know.

3- Why not make 'try a cruelty free diet' as a New Year's resolution?

4- Remember by adopting a cruelty free diet you are not only saving innocent animals from dying but you are helping our planet and you will benefit from better health.

5- As a general rule, vegans tend to look younger and live longer.

6- These days there's so much out there now for vegans so you won't feel alone, everything from restaurants to magazines and tons on Google for any information or help you may require.

7- Remember it's Veganuary- it's only 5 weeks of your whole life so stay with it, what have you got to lose?

Veronica from Wrapped in Newspaper

"My top tips during Veganuary is not to get too daunted, and just initially think of it as one decision at a time, rather than a whole month. I find it best to have the attitude of "I choose not to eat" this rather than "I can't eat this", it feels like you're more in control than being restrictive with yourself. Make sure you've got some vegan alternatives to hand when the cakes or chocolates are getting passed around in the office so you don't feel like you're missing out. If you're going to a restaurant where there doesn't look like there are any vegan options phone ahead, most places are really accommodating and you'll be surprise what they'll rustle up for you!

Karin Ridgers

'My top tip is to know your reason why what want to go vegan… is it because you want to have nothing to do with animal cruelty? Is it that you want to leave a lower carbon footprint? Is that you need to be healthier or cut out cholesterol or a mix of things? Whatever your reason why write it down on sticky notes – put them on your fridge, on your PC on your phone…. And when in the early stages you could be tempted you will remember your reason why and feel stronger.'