The biggest advantage of Veganuary? I have become much more interested and knowledgable on the topic of nutrition. Now, I look more critically at the ingredients list in products and put them back on the shelf if necessary. I also cook a lot more myself and am better about including good-for-you foods like fruit, vegetables, herbs, nuts, seeds, grains, etc.
I haven’t noticed a huge health difference, though I did lose some belly fat. The biggest difference, however, was my skin: After a month of eating vegan, I definitely had clearer skin than before. This was probably due to the avoidance of dairy products, which—like sugar—can cause blemishes.
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Also noticeable: I definitely felt like I had more energy than before, even after hiking trips, long bike rides, and the like. After a workout, I found myself ready to be active again more quickly than before.
Tips for eating vegan
Thinking about a vegan diet? Here are a few tips I learned that I’ll be taking into Veganuary.
Plan your 12 a day
The be-all and end-all of a vegan diet is balance. Sure, spaghetti with ready-made vegan Bolognese is quick and easy. However, that won’t cover everything you body needs in a day. It’s particularly important for vegans to not just rely on vegetables and fruit. Beans and other legumes provide protein, while you can get good carbohydrates from whole grains. In his book How Not to Die, Dr. Michael Greger summarized 12 foods that should be included in a vegan diet every day. You can download that list here.
Take part in things like Veganuary
You might find it easier to stick to your vegan diet if you have other like-minded people to talk to. If you try a 31-day challenge like Veganuary with a friend or two, you can check in with each other and share favorite recipes. Some companies also take part in Veganuary, offering more plant-based options on their menus and grocery store shelves, which makes things a little easier too.
Plan substitutes from time to time
Cheese, burgers, and even feta: There’s actually a vegan version of (almost) everything your heart desires and the taste often comes close to the original. Before you start a vegan diet, think about which non-vegan dishes you’ll miss the most and research options for substitutes.
Keep an eye on what supplements you might need
Vegans can get all the nutrients they need as long as they eat a balanced diet. With one exception: Vitamin B12 is a recommended supplement because it’s only naturally found in animal products. If you are prone to iron deficiency, you should also talk to your doctor to have your blood checked and pay attention to including more iron-rich foods, such as sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, oats, and dried fruit, in your diet.
My conclusion
After Veganuary ends, I think I’ll continue to try eating a predominantly vegan diet. However, I wouldn’t call myself “vegan.” At home, it’s easy to incorporate vegan dishes on a permanent basis. However, I don’t want to exclude or restrict myself when I go out to eat socially so I’ll make exceptions then.
