First of all, Congratulations to all of you have completed Veganuary this year, You Rock!   As you know if your reading this, Veganuary is a month-long challenge where individuals pledge to follow a vegan diet for the entire month of January. For many, it is a way to kick-start a healthier lifestyle and to experience the benefits of a plant-based diet. However, the challenge of sticking to a vegan diet can be difficult, especially after the month is over. Here are some tips and strategies to help you continue on your vegan journey.

1. Know your reasons for going vegan Before you begin your vegan journey, it’s important to know why you are doing it. Are you doing it for animal rights, health reasons, environmental concerns, or a combination of these? Understanding your motivations will help you stay committed when the going gets tough. Write down your reasons and keep them somewhere visible, like your fridge or bathroom mirror, to help keep you on track.

2. Plan your meals Planning your meals in advance will help you stay on track and avoid reaching for unhealthy vegan junk food. Make sure to include a variety of whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, in your diet. It’s also a good idea to try new recipes and experiment with different cuisines to keep things interesting.

3. Keep healthy snacks on hand Keeping healthy snacks on hand will help you avoid reaching for non-vegan junk food when you’re feeling hungry. Some good snack options include fruit, raw veggies, hummus and crackers, and vegan protein bars.

4. Learn to cook Cooking at home is not only more cost-effective, but it also allows you to control the ingredients in your meals. Try to make time to cook a few times a week and experiment with new recipes. You can also meal prep for the week to make things easier.

5. Find a support system Going vegan can be challenging, especially if those around you are not supportive. Finding a community of like-minded individuals, whether it be online or in person, can help provide the support and encouragement you need to stay on track.

6. Educate yourself Education is key when it comes to sticking to a vegan diet. Learn about the health benefits of a plant-based diet, how to replace common animal-based products, and how to ensure you are getting all the necessary nutrients. This will help you feel confident and capable in your vegan journey.

7. Be patient with yourself Transitioning to a vegan diet can take time, and it’s important to be patient with yourself. Don’t be too hard on yourself if you slip up or have a non-vegan meal. Just get back on track with your next meal and keep going.

8. Find vegan replacements for your favorite non-vegan foods One of the biggest challenges of going vegan is giving up favorite foods. However, there are often vegan replacements for non-vegan foods, such as vegan cheese, plant-based meats, and dairy-free ice cream. Try these options to see if they can satisfy your cravings.

9. Be prepared when eating out Eating out can be a challenge when you’re trying to stick to a vegan diet. Make sure to research restaurants beforehand to see if they have vegan options. If not, consider bringing your own meal or ordering a vegetarian dish and asking for it to be made vegan.

10. Stay positive and focused Going vegan is a positive step towards a healthier lifestyle, so try to stay positive and focused on your goals. Remember why you started and keep your motivations in mind.

Like forming any new habit, changing what you eat will be tough at first but you've already done the hard work, stick with it and remember, if you have the odd slip up it's not the end of the world.  It's better to be 90% plant based and happy than 100% vegan and beating yourself up for any slips you may have along the way.

We'd like to reward anyone who took part in Veganuary (and read to the bottom of this article) so you can use the code VEGANCHAMP to receive 50% OFF your next box of vegan ready meals you order from us.