ActiveNutrition5 mistakes everyone makes with VeganuaryTrying Veganuary this year? Avoid making these mistakes for a successful plant-based monthWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
ActiveNutrition5 mistakes everyone makes with VeganuaryTrying Veganuary this year? Avoid making these mistakes for a successful plant-based monthWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
Trying Veganuary this year? Avoid making these mistakes for a successful plant-based month
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Anna Pelzer / Unsplash)
(Image credit: Anna Pelzer / Unsplash)
The start of the new year is filled with many challenges, like Dry January, RED January and Veganuary. The latter, Veganuary, has become increasingly popular since it was founded in 2014, meaning this year marks its 10 year anniversary.
If you’re a meat eater or a vegetarian who relies on eggs and dairy as big components in their diet, it can be hard to go from having meat or dairy every day to cutting it out completely for 31 days. To help you achieve a successful vegan month, here are five mistakes everyone makes with Veganuary and how to avoid them so you can complete and enjoy the challenge.
P.S. Want more challenge ideas? Check out theseJanuary challenges you need to tryand don’t forget toGet Fit for 2024with T3 for diet and fitness advice.
1. Keeping non-vegan food in the house
The biggest mistake everyone makes during Veganuary is keeping non-vegan food, drink and other products in the house. Having non-vegan ingredients in your fridge or cupboards gives you the temptation to reach for the things you’re trying not to eat for the month. Instead, remove all obstacles from your home so you’re less likely to slip up during the challenge. To minimise food waste, store leftover meat and cheeses in thebest freezerfor the month while you conquer Veganuary.
2. Not stocking up on vegan essentials
For a successful Veganuary, it’s important to stock your kitchen with basic vegan and plant-based ingredients so you always have something to hand to prepare your meals. Keep yourbest fridgeand shelves stocked with ingredients like oats, rice, lentils, beans, nut butters, sauces and fresh fruits and vegetables. Most products that make vegan cooking easier have a long shelf life, so you can use them at all times, whether you’re vegan or not. To make your life easier (and tastier), it’s also good to have vegan snacks available, especially at the beginning of the challenge when you might feel hungrier than normal as you figure out how to properly follow a vegan diet.
(Image credit: Taryn Elliot / Pexels)
(Image credit: Taryn Elliot / Pexels)
3. Expecting vegan alternatives to taste the same as meat
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4. Forgetting about vitamins and supplements
As you’ve removed something from your diet that your body is used to having, you might feel sluggish or weak for the first few days or weeks of Veganuary. As long as you’re eating enough food and a balanced diet, the right vegan foods will give your body all the protein, iron, calcium and other nutrients it needs. However, there are some vitamins that are harder to get when following a vegan diet. According toHealthline, vitamin B12, vitamin D and omega 3 are often lacking in a vegan diet. Taking supplements with these in can help ensure you’re getting the vitamins and minerals you need (although I’d encourage you to speak to a healthcare professional first).
(Image credit: Daily Nouri / Unsplash)
(Image credit: Daily Nouri / Unsplash)
5. Not being adventurous with your meals
BONUS: Beating yourself up if you fail
If you’re struggling with Veganuary or you’ve accidentally eaten mayonnaise without realising it’s not vegan, it’s important to not beat yourself up if you fail. It’s a hard challenge if you’re used to consuming animal products regularly, so rather than completely give up, accept the slip and carry on as best you can until the 1st February. If you’ve found that you can’t do Veganuary in its entirety, tweak the challenge to your needs and preferences, for example, have a vegan meal a day or an entirely vegan day once or twice a week.
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