I’m usually not one to promote eating plans, especially in January. But I like “challenges.” And I’m vegan for ethical reasons (having to do first with unnecessary animal suffering and second for environmental reasons). Not only that, I know lots of people who say they aspire to follow this way of life but they worry that it’s too hard. Besides the ethical arguments, there are loads of health reasons to eat plant-based diets.
If you’re not interested in doing that, read no further. This post is not aimed at converting anyone. If you’ve toyed with the idea of going vegan, which means ditching all animal products from your diet and indeed from your life, then this post is for you.
As a long time vegetarian who turned vegan five years ago, I know all too well the thought that it’s just too hard. Too hard to give up cheese, eggs, your favourite yogurt, or cream cheese. Too difficult to pass on all those amazing desserts that inevitably have eggs and milk on them. And did we already mention cheese? That was me. And to be honest, I haven’t completely succeeded. But I aspire towards vegan in my food, clothing, and other purchases. One thing I’ve learned is it’s not nearly as tough as you would think.
I did lots of reading leading up to my decision and the change from veggie to vegan went more smoothly than I could have imagined.
One resource that’s out there right now, but was not when I started, is Veganuary. It’s a month long challenge, started in the U.K. In 2014, for people who might want to make some changes in that direction but can’t figure out how.
Despite that I’m already doing my best to live that way, I’ve signed up because I’d like to recommit to the consistency I maintained when I was just starting out. I don’t presume to know everything and I am always on the lookout for new recipes. The website is full of information about labels, reasons to be vegan (including health), how to get started, recipes and myths.
If you sign up they send you an electronic copy of a cookbook (haven’t tried it so I can’t vouch for it).
What do you think? Have you been curious about going to a fully plant based way of eating, with no animal products? If so, how about giving Veganuary a try? You might discover it’s not as tough as you thought.
I had signed up for something like that before going vegan but it is not what made it happen for me. It happened by accident of not having any dairy or egg for a week, noticing that and noticing how great I felt and just thinking: why not continue! I would not go back. I never have the cravings people talk about for cheese even if I used to eat quite a bit of it. I think that with food, just like with anything, we are very much creatures of habit.
You’re so practical! I think you’re right. My biggest challenge is going out for breakfast to a regular diner. I manage to get it right about 50% of the time (toast with PB and jam, homefries, fruit salad) and wrong the other 50% (poached eggs or pancakes). I do not crave cheese at all, and have found vegan pizzas to make and order that do the trick there.
Breakfast out is a challenge, certainly!
I’m doing i! I actually started transitioning to veganism a few months ago, but this challenge is a great excuse to take it to the next level 🙂
Awesome! Keep me posted on how it’s going for you! Good luck with Veganuary.
I am doing it too 🙂 Thanks for the inspiration!
Excellent! Good luck and let us know how it goes.