It’s January 1 again (somehow!) so it’s time to get those New Year’s resolutions into high gear. A popular choice for many nowadays is trying out veganism for 30 days to see if it works for them.
I first became vegan for eco-friendly reasons during Veganuary 2018. It is one of the best things I’ve ever done for myself and has taught me invaluable cooking skills, environmental awareness, and how to be more self-sufficient.
Although I’ve started phasing in tiny amounts of meat and fish for work and special occasions this year, I predominantly still choose plant-based options over anything else. I genuinely do just enjoy vegetables and tofu more than bacon and chicken now – and you might too.
So, as MyLondon’s self-appointed veganism expert, here are my top tips for getting through Veganuary unscathed.
Utilise social media
Vegan food doesn’t have to be boring or expensive – think pasta, rice, bread
(Image: Rebecca McCulloch)
TikTok and Instagram will be your best friends whilst you try out veganism. You’ll find a whole plethora of engaging and well-informed creators sharing recipes, meal plans, and supermarket finds. Most post every day, particularly in January, so you’ll never be stuck for ideas.
Social media is also a great way to discover naturally vegan dishes from countries around the world. India, China and Ethiopia in particular have some fantastic options free of animal products.
Some of my favourite vegan creators include:
Plan ahead
This is probably my number one tip: plan ahead. Take a few minutes to make a quick meal plan for the week so you know exactly what you can or need to buy at the shop. This will stop you getting overwhelmed and confused, and keep spending under control.
The biggest downfall you’ll face will likely happen when you reach for a snack. Many things have got hidden animal products that you wouldn’t even consider. Milk powder in my favourite crisps was particularly difficult for me to work around.
It can also be really hard to give up chocolate when you want a sweet treat but just make sure you’ve got plenty of suitable snacks in the house at all times and you should be good to go.
Veganise your favourites
Making something vegan can be as easy as swapping out the cheese
(Image: Rebecca McCulloch)
Trying out veganism doesn’t have to be as daunting as it can seem. Okay yes, you need to get used to the change but it’s super simple once you get the hang of it.
The best way to keep it semi-familiar is to veganise meals that you already enjoy. Love a spaghetti bolognese? Chuck in some red lentils instead of mince. Fancy a chilli? Canned beans are a great substitute for the carne.
It’s also important to remember many dishes you maybe already will be naturally vegan. These include: baked potatoes with beans, dal, ratatouille, chickpea curry, and tomato pasta.
Keep it low cost
Veganism has exploded in recent years and there’s an alternative for almost every meat and dairy product now. However, I wouldn’t rush to fill your trolley with every single one you spot.
Whilst some are very high in sugar or fat, others can also work out fairly expensive. I’d pick things you definitely use every day like plant milk, butter and yoghurt and leave the rest if you’re on a tight budget.
You’ll also feel miles better consuming predominantly whole foods such as grains, beans, tofu, fruit and vegetables. This is also the best way to ensure you’re getting as many vitamins as possible.
That being said, it’s very fun to try new things so obviously buy whatever you want and can afford. Some particular go-tos for me include the Richmond vegan sausages (great in pasta!), dairy-free smoked Applewood (the only good vegan cheese) and the Linda McCartney meat-free mince (10/10 in noodle dishes).
Don’t forget seasoning
Listen, I LOVE tofu but even I know it’s as bland as boiled chicken. Please, for the love of all things culinary, don’t forget to slather it in spices, encrust it with breadcrumbs, or marinate it in sauce before tucking in.
The same goes for vegetables and beans – treat them like you would meat. Salt! Acid! Umami! It’s all important and will take your plant-based cooking from meh to heck yeah!
Make sure to stock your cupboards with cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, mixed herbs, turmeric, garlic and ginger. Giant bags of these can be purchased from the international aisle in most supermarkets for as little as £1. I’d also invest in some good quality soy sauce, sesame oil and sriracha as you can make an easy stir-fry sauce in seconds.
Don’t feel bad about mistakes
It’s super easy to get tripped up during Veganuary. Even the most seasoned vegans get mixed up, especially when companies make allergy updates or secret changes to the ingredients.
Mistakes are natural and will definitely happen so it’s important not to get upset or frustrated about it. Definitely don’t give up! And remember, reducing your meat and dairy intake even a little bit has some impact so it’s okay to be imperfect.
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