Beyond Veganuary
photo: Michelle’s vegan “sheezcake”
Has Veganuary inspired you to become vegan or incorporate more vegan food in your meals? Here are some tips, resources and advice from vegans and people who took on Veganuary this year to help you on your journey.
Over the last two years we have used Veganuary to share some of the benefits that making vegan meals can have on the environment. Here are some graphics comparing price, carbon and nutritional values of some food and their vegan alternatives.
You can start by trying out these quick and simple switch-outs for meals. These tips will help you bring more plant-based foods into your day to day life and reduce your carbon footprint.
A great substitute for the classic scrambled egg on toast is scrambled tofu. If you are looking for a simple and quick vegan recipe, this is a great place to start. You can cook along to this video where Tony from our Community Food Team!
Stories and advice from vegans and people trying out a plant-based diet
Lauren, Chief Executive (inspired to try going vegan)
“I attended VegFest in January and the event inspired to try and go vegan. I’ve been veggie since 2020. Although I found that easy and love it, I always thought going vegan would be too difficult and limited. I’m delighted to find that I am wrong to think that – it’s much easier and more fun than I expected.”
“There are so many options… And I feel like I’m doing myself, and the environment, good. My main advice – talk to other people. Other people have shared so many great tips, advice, and recipes with me which has helped. Don’t be too hard on yourself if you eat a non-vegan biscuit by accident!”
Tony Perkins, Community Chef (vegan)
“Don’t be too hard on yourself if you slip up or are finding it a struggle. It’s a pretty big life change for someone to make, you’re not going to make it happen overnight. Do whatever you can that feels doable for you. It’s better to make smaller, long-lasting changes rather than massive changes that you don’t end up sticking with.”
Michelle, Community Engagement Development Worker (did the Veganuary challenge)
“Veganuary called to me as someone interested in switching to more plant-based meals. Although I’ve been veggie since my teens, I never imagined I could do the whole month of plant-based food. Aside from eating a slice of pizza after the bells by accident and taking a mistaken glug of someone else’s builder’s tea – I’ve stuck to Veganuary with ease.”
“Whether you’re motivated by your waistline after the festive session, your pocket, carbon footprint or animal welfare… there’s something for everyone in trying more plant-based food. Huge thanks to loved ones who have supported me (despite initial ‘You’re doing what?’ reactions)”
“Advice – don’t expect ‘like for like’ alternatives – some vegan cheese is better melted and some with chutney.”
Maddie, Energy Advisor (vegan)
“I find it hard to think of just one piece of advice. My best tip would be to find a few staple ‘go to’ recipes you really enjoy, then you’ll always have these on hand when it gets overwhelming. I found it useful finding tasty vegan replacements for meals I already liked such as mac n cheeze, lentil bolognese and bean burgers.”
“Don’t put too much pressure on yourself, it’s a journey, nobody expects you to be perfect!”
Resources
Although Veganuary is a month-long challenge, you can use its resources and website to start or continue your journey anytime.
Visit Veganuary.
The Vegan Society offers helpful resources and shares positive vegan news.
For recipes, check out BBC Good Food’s vegan collection, which features over 100 dishes.
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