In January 2019, I embarked on my first Veganuary [1]. After watching Cowspiracy on Netflix the previous year (and a month-long chocolate and cheese binge, also known as December), I decided it was time to put words into action and try to follow a completely vegan diet [2] for one month.
I am not going to preach about the unethical practices of the meat and dairy industries and their environmental impact (you can watch the documentary for that), but I will say it made me rethink the way I was eating. It's probably important to note that I am lifelong pescatarian (blame my parents) so this challenge may not have been as difficult for me as it would be for a full-fledged meat-eater. However, as someone who has an unhealthy obsession with cheese, and used to eat eggs for dinner four nights out of five, I knew this wouldn't be easy.
Spoiler: it really wasn't. But it wasn't as hard as I thought it might be, either. I definitely won't be going vegan [4] forever more, but it has made me think that when eating at home, it's a totally doable lifestyle. This is what the month taught me.
Loads of Things Aren't Vegan
Seriously, loads! Before embarking on the challenge, I never knew I couldn't eat honey (the bees!), many wines and beers (Veganuary + Dry January = boring January), and most Indian curries (which are full of butter). Yep, I was shocked, too.
Asian Food Is Your Best Friend
When it comes to eating out with confused nonvegans, Asian cuisine is usually your safest bet. Rosa's red butternut squash curry with coconut sticky rice [5] was one of the best Thai meals I've ever had (meals eaten in Thailand included), and for nonLondoners, Wagamama [6] has extensive vegan options.
I’m Surprised I Didn't Turn Into a Coconut
Coconut oil, coconut water, coconut milk . . . coconut is a staple of a vegan diet, and an excellent replacement for dairy. I've now even started putting it on my face, but that's a story for a different day.
You’ll Be More Creative With Your Cooking
Learning how to eat differently means learning how to cook in new ways. Discovering the recipes you love may take a while, but at least you're more likely to get your five a day of fruits and veggies. After all, you can't fall back on scrambled eggs for dinner.
There’s a World of Inspiration Out There
The internet is full of blogs and resources that can help inspire you if you're feeling a little lost. Minimalist Baker [7], Naturally Sassy [8], and Green Kitchen [9] are brimming with ideas to start you off.
Avocado on Toast Is 100% a Legitimate Meal
Don't believe me? It's in Nigella's cookbook if you need evidence. Sometimes you just need something super quick and easy, and avocado on toast [10] definitely fits the bill.
You Won’t Always Eat Healthier
Plant-based doesn't automatically equal nutritious. A special mention must go to the afternoon of Jan. 1 when I worked my way through a pack of Hobnobs in bed. Thanks to the burgeoning vegan fast food scene [11], there are myriad ways to indulge.
Peanut Butter Tastes Good on Everything
Porridge, toast, stir-fry, a spoon. There's a very good reason nut butters are high on most vegan's shopping lists. You need the protein, right?
You’ll Definitely Get Some Weird Questions
Some people will find it difficult to fathom why you would opt to do such a thing, and they won't just have questions, they'll have opinions, too. These people don't deserve your attention, so don't feel the need to justify your decision if you don't want to.
Vegan Restaurants Are Amazing
Veganuary is a great excuse to test out some new restaurants, and you'll be spoilt for choice. No sad stuffed mushrooms or bland lentil curry here, but instead you'll find innovative ingredients and exciting recipes. Try Mildred's [12], The Warehouse Cafe [13], and Acorn [14] for a start.
Plus, Pret Always Has Your Back
If there's a Pret-a-Manger nearby [15], you'll never go hungry. Vegan porridge, sandwiches, milkshakes, yogurts . . . they've really got it sorted, and it's all clearly labelled. They even have some veggie-only branches [16] in major cities.