A new year always marks the start of something new and fresh. There is no better feeling than to start a new goal or way of doing things come January 1. If you have considered contributing to a greener planet, lowering food bills, gaining better health and being kinder to animals, then now is the time to try going vegan.
If you wanted to give it a go but you just didn’t know how, then signing up to Veganuary is one of the best starts you can make. Signing up to the 31-day challenge is free and you get access to all the support tools you need including meal plans, coaching emails, recipes, and a free celebrity cookbook.
But what happens after January? Will you keep going? Or will you decide enough is enough? One thing is for sure – travelling the vegan road does have its moments but it is a chance for you to get the basics right in January. Here are the ways that can help you make the switch stick.
Removing all non-vegan foods from your home
Removing temptations is the bet way to help you make a change. Once you have gathered all non-vegan food items, share them with non-vegan friends and family members, or even donate them to a free food panty in your neighbourhood.
Join a local vegan meet-up group
Early in my vegan journey, I found this to be an effective way to stick to my new lifestyle while meeting some amazing friends along the way. Community is everything, and you can feel supported by being around other vegans who are making the same journey as you. You will find lots of community groups on Facebook, and they tend to host regular in-person meet-ups.
Host your own potluck event
Once you have met amazing vegans in your area, be sure to return the favour by hosting a potluck at a local park. Ask guests to bring a sweet or savoury plate of food to share. Make sure you ask guests to include a list of ingredients in case there are guests who have allergies.
Try unfamiliar places to eat
It is exciting when you start a new lifestyle like going vegan. One of the best parts is that you can try out new restaurants and cafes in your area that are all-vegan or have loads of vegan options. By trying unfamiliar places, you can also experience new cuisines and dishes you have never tried. You can also discover amazing vegan alternatives to traditional non-vegan dishes. Apps like Happy Cow are an excellent resource for finding unfamiliar places in your area or while you are travelling.
Share newfound vegan knowledge
Sometimes, long-time vegans do not always get to all the places and eat all the vegan food. When you try somewhere new in your vegan travels, or find new vegan products, spread the word, and share your knowledge. This helps your vegan friends as well as support the businesses you patron.
Be of service to others
If you want to give back to the vegan community, put your hand up and volunteer at a local sanctuary or for a not-for-profit with vegan values. Not only will you be helping others that need your help, but you will also learn new skills and make new vegan friends along the way. If you cannot spare the time, consider making donations to organisations that are in need. Some may need supplies, while others prefer money so they can buy specialised products or offer professional care to animals who need it. Or why not host a fundraiser for an organisation you are passionate about?
All views expressed in this blog post are those of Justine de Jonge of Fire & Tea. Fire & Tea does not have any pre-existing affiliations with any of the programs or companies mentioned in this blog post.
