5 Top Tips for Veganuary

1. Make Veganuary suit you.

A plant-based diet isn’t all-or-nothing. You can commit to a plant-based diet as much as you like, and it isn’t just for January (but it’s a great time to start!)

Gradually swapping food groups is a maintainable and enjoyable, but more importantly less restrictive, way to change.

Week 1, try one plant-based meal a-day.
Week 2, swap to plant-based breakfasts and dinners.
Week 3, try out some vegan snacks.
Week 4, try a plant-based diet for the whole week!

2. Research some recipes & meal plan.

Research quick & easy plant-based meals, and even prepare ahead of time!

There’s hundreds of tasty plant-based recipes.

Why not veganise your current favourites? Check out these vegan sushi fillings in the image.

Vegan Sushi Fillings: (bottom) hoisin jackfruit, cucumber, and spring onion; (top left) sweet chilli tofu and red pepper; (top right) sriracha quinoa and avocado.

3. What to eat: meat alternatives and wholefoods.

Replace the meat in your favourite/regular meals with meat alternatives. There’s plenty of meat alternatives to choose from!

If you’re looking to avoid processed foods, use whole foods, such as tofu, vegetables, or legumes- a great step towards a varied balance diet.

Check out my blog on what to eat on a plant-based diet- https://blog.learningkit.com/2021/09/transitioning-to-a-plant-based-diet-careful-consideration-of-what-to-eat/.

4. Reading product labels.

Labelling varies among different products, so it can take time finding the vegan certificate label.

Keep an eye out for milk and egg in the ingredients list, as often these are the ingredients differentiating vegetarian products from the vegan ones.

Focusing your food shop in the fruit & vegetable, plant-based meat and the free-from/vegan sections will help.

Vanilla and Matcha Pancakes, 
with Matcha yogurt, Strawberries, Blueberries, Granola, and Maple Syrup.
Matcha Pancakes, with Vanilla Matcha yogurt, Strawberries, Blueberries, Granola, and Maple Syrup.

5. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself!

Find enjoyment in cooking, and if you eat something “non plant-based diet”, don’t worry!

You’re making some plant-based swaps, so you’re already making a big difference to animal welfare and the environment! Every swap counts!

Katy Bannister
Katy Bannister

Psychology graduate and food content creator.