Every year, more and more people take part in the Veganuary challenge—committing to a month of vegan eating in January. It’s a fantastic way to test the waters and explore plant-based living, whether motivated by health, ethical reasons, or environmental concerns. But, as many Veganuary participants will tell you, when the month ends, so does the commitment for some. Old habits creep back in, and those familiar, comfort foods return with a vengeance.

If you’ve recently completed Veganuary, you might be feeling unsure about what comes next. Do you go back to your old ways, or do you keep the plant-based momentum going? As someone who made the transition from the January challenge to a fully vegan lifestyle, I can share that it’s not always easy. But trust me, with a bit of planning and a dash of patience, maintaining a vegan diet after Veganuary can become second nature.

In this guide, I’ll share some of the tips and strategies I’ve learned over the years to make it easier to stay vegan long after the 31st of January.

1. Find Your Favourite Vegan Comfort Foods

One of the best parts of Veganuary is realising just how many tasty vegan options are available. However, when February rolls around, and you’re left standing in front of your fridge with nothing to eat, it’s easy to fall back into old habits. That’s why it’s essential to replace your go-to meals with their plant-based counterparts.

Take a trip to your local supermarket and explore all the vegan versions of your favourite snacks and meals. From plant-based cheese to vegan ice cream, and even meat substitutes for your favourite comfort foods like burgers or sausages—there’s no reason to sacrifice taste. Over time, you’ll figure out which replacements work best for you, and soon enough, you won’t even miss the non-vegan versions.

If you love a takeaway on a Friday night, explore local vegan-friendly restaurants or takeaways that offer plant-based options. Even some of the big-name chains now cater to vegan diets, so you won’t have to settle for just chips or a salad. And, if you're feeling a bit lazy but still want a delicious meal, Root Kitchen offers a variety of vegan ready meals that are perfect for those evenings when you just can’t be bothered to cook.

2. Bulk Prepare Your Meals

We’ve all been there: you’ve had a busy day at work or school, and the last thing you want to do is start cooking from scratch. Meal prep can be a real game-changer here. If you’ve got a freezer full of hearty, ready-to-go plant-based meals, you’re much less likely to fall back into eating unhealthy processed foods or—dare I say it—tempted to grab a quick takeaway.

Set aside one day each week (Sunday afternoons are perfect) to batch cook meals for the week ahead. Cook up a few different dishes you enjoy and freeze them in individual portions. This way, when hunger strikes, all you need to do is heat up your pre-made meal, saving you time and mental energy. Some of my personal favourites to make in bulk include curries, stews, and homemade vegan burgers. They freeze and reheat wonderfully, and they’re perfect for a lazy evening or a quick lunch.

If you don’t have the time or inclination to cook, don’t worry! Root Kitchen offers a fantastic range of frozen vegan meals that you can pop in the microwave or oven for a quick, satisfying meal without the effort. This can be a real lifesaver when you're craving a tasty plant-based dish but don't have the time to prepare it yourself.

3. Visit Restaurants with Dedicated Vegan Menus

Eating out can be one of the trickiest things about maintaining a vegan diet—especially if you find yourself in a group where no one else is vegan. But in recent years, things have started to change. Many restaurants, especially chains, now offer vegan and vegetarian menus, so you don’t have to wade through pages of meat-heavy dishes. This is a great option for those times when you feel tempted to give in to a non-vegan meal.

When you’re craving something familiar, a restaurant with a dedicated vegan menu can also help you feel more satisfied. No more picking out the only vegan option from a menu that was clearly designed with meat-eaters in mind! Many vegan menus are diverse and exciting, so you won’t feel like you’re missing out.

Plus, being in an environment where vegan options are the norm makes it feel less like a “special” decision and more like a regular part of dining out.

4. Adapt Your Favourite Recipes

A lot of people find comfort in cooking meals they’ve always made—whether that’s a hearty curry, a pasta dish, or a classic stew. The good news is, you don’t need to give up these comfort foods just because you’ve gone vegan. Most traditional dishes can be easily adapted to suit a plant-based diet.

For example, if you’re craving a hearty shepherd’s pie, replace the meat with lentils, mushrooms, or even tofu. If your favourite curry usually includes chicken, swap it for chickpeas, soy protein, or a variety of vegetables. With a bit of creativity, you’ll find that your favourite meals can be made just as delicious without animal products.

When I first went vegan, I spent some time searching for vegan versions of my go-to recipes, and over time, I’ve gotten better at improvising. There are so many blogs and recipe websites that offer veganised versions of traditional dishes, so don’t be afraid to experiment in the kitchen.

But let’s be honest, sometimes the thought of cooking from scratch just doesn’t appeal. For those times when you want something quick, easy, and absolutely delicious, Root Kitchen has a range of prepared vegan meals that can be delivered straight to your door. This is a great option for busy days when you need a meal that’s both convenient and wholesome.

5. Be Kind to Yourself: Don’t Stress About Slip-ups

Let’s face it—going vegan is a big change, and sometimes you might slip up. Maybe you’re out with friends, and the only available option is a sandwich with cheese. Or you’re craving a bit of chocolate, and the one you grab has milk in it. It happens to the best of us.

The key to sticking with a vegan lifestyle is to remember that it’s about progress, not perfection. If you slip up, don’t beat yourself up about it. Instead, learn from it and keep moving forward. For some people, a 100% strict vegan lifestyle may feel too rigid, and that’s okay. Find a way of eating that feels sustainable and enjoyable for you. If reducing your animal product consumption is your goal, then that’s already a win.

6. Ensure Your Diet Is Well-Balanced

When you’re transitioning to a vegan diet, it can be tempting to focus mainly on fruit and vegetables. While those are crucial parts of any healthy diet, it’s essential to ensure you’re getting a full range of nutrients, including protein, iron, calcium, and vitamins B12 and D.

Be sure to include a variety of whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, and plant-based alternatives like tofu and tempeh in your meals. There are also many fortified foods available, like plant milks and breakfast cereals, which can help you get your essential nutrients.

If you’re unsure whether you’re meeting all of your nutritional needs, it’s always a good idea to check in with a doctor or nutritionist. They can provide personalised advice and recommend supplements if necessary.

7. Join Vegan Communities for Support

Making the switch to a vegan lifestyle can feel isolating, especially if most of the people around you aren’t following the same path. That’s why finding a supportive community is so important. Whether it’s through social media, Facebook groups, or local meetups, connecting with others who are vegan or vegetarian can help you feel supported and less alone in your journey.

There are also plenty of vegan influencers and recipe creators online who share delicious ideas and helpful tips. Following these accounts can be a great source of inspiration, whether you’re looking for new recipes, advice, or just someone to share in the vegan experience.

8. Embrace the Journey

Lastly, try to think of going vegan as an exciting new adventure rather than a daunting challenge. Sure, there will be bumps along the way, but with time, it will become easier, and it will start to feel more natural. There are so many amazing vegan products and foods to discover—think of it as exploring a whole new galaxy of flavours and textures. And hey, even a new vegan chocolate bar can feel like a little victory when it’s the perfect thing to satisfy your sweet tooth.

It’s all about taking things one step at a time. Don’t feel like you need to have everything figured out right away. As you continue to explore plant-based eating, you’ll find what works best for you and your lifestyle.

Final Thoughts

Making the transition from Veganuary to a long-term vegan lifestyle can be challenging, but it’s absolutely worth it. By finding your favourite vegan foods, preparing meals in advance, eating out at restaurants with vegan menus, and being kind to yourself, you can make the switch much easier.

Above all, remember that this is your journey. Stay focused on the reasons you started in the first place, whether that’s for your health, the planet, or animal welfare. With the right mindset and support, you’ll find that living vegan can become as simple and enjoyable as it is