A Cheat’s Guide to Doing Veganuary … Without Having To Live on Lettuce Leaves

So, you’ve decided to bite the bullet (not the chocolate-covered ones, though, cause they’re made with milk!)  and join the millions of people participating in Veganuary this year! Whether you’re motivated by the desire to do better for your furry friends, mother nature, or your own self-health, breaking up with all things dairy and meat for an entire month can feel daunting. Especially if you’re used to your regular stash of cheese, eggs, or that crispy chicken wrap from your favourite takeaway! However, here to help is this cheat’s guide to doing Veganuary the easy way. Complete with hacks and healthy recipe ideas that will make you feel like a plant-based pro.

Start slow (No need to go cold tofu!)

To get the plant-based ball rolling, don’t feel pressured to go all-in at once. If the idea of jumping into an entirely meat-free month feels overwhelming, just start slow. The key to success is ease and consistency, not perfection. For the first week, you might swap just one meal a day to vegan, or perhaps try a Meatless Monday and gradually expand from there. Before you know it, you’ll be comfortably living the vegan life – without feeling deprived or overwhelmed.

Understand your vegan essentials

One of the best ways to make this transition easy is by stocking up on vegan essentials. If you’re well-prepared, the whole process becomes so much simpler. There are plant-based milks to suit every taste – whether it’s almond, oat, coconut, soy, or cashew. You’ll soon find that these are just as satisfying in your daily coffee, smoothies, or cereal as regular milk. Also, vegan butter and mayo are now so good, you’ll barely notice the difference. Tofu and tempeh are great protein-packed options that can be used in a variety of ways – from stir-fries to sandwiches and scrambles. And, canned beans and lentils are perfect for a quick dinner, packed with protein and incredibly versatile. Oh, and don’t forget vegan cheese! Whether it’s a creamy spread or a melty version for your pizza, you can still enjoy all your cheesy favourites, but without any animal products.

Veganise your favourite meaty versions

When it comes to your meals, you don’t have to give up your favourite comfort foods. There are tons of easy vegan hacks that make classic dishes just as tasty (if not better!). Take lasagna, for example – just swap ricotta for tofu or cashew cream for that rich, creamy texture. You won’t even miss the dairy. If you’re craving pizza, use plant-based cheese or simply go for a delicious tomato base, then top it with veggies like mushrooms, olives, and spinach. Add a drizzle of olive oil or balsamic glaze for an extra touch. And for those comfort food cravings, a vegan mac ‘n’ cheese made with cashews, nutritional yeast, and almond milk will satisfy your cheesy desires, without the dairy. If you’re super stuck, try this recipe for Drew Barrymore’s Vegan Harissa Spaghetti.

Stock up on supermarket staples

There’s also no need to worry about cooking every single night. We all have days when making dinner feels like the last thing we want to do. Luckily, the vegan ready-meal game has come a long way. From frozen burritos to vegan burgers, you can easily find meals that are both delicious and plant-based at most supermarkets. When you’re picking up something pre-made, just be sure to check the labels for hidden animal products (like dairy or eggs), which can sometimes sneak in unexpectedly.

In the beginning, you’ll likely miss some of your favourite non-vegan products, but don’t worry – there’s a vegan version of nearly everything these days. If you love to bake or need an egg substitute for cooking, try aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas). It’s a great egg replacer, and you’ll be amazed at how well it works. For breakfast, you can try vegan bacon made from tempeh or even coconut. It’s crispy, smoky, and just as satisfying as the real deal. For sweet tooth cravings, vegan ice cream is a must-try – and it comes in endless flavours made from almond, coconut, or cashew milk.

Make meal prep your mantra

One of the easiest ways to make Veganuary manageable is by setting aside a little time for meal prep. This doesn’t have to be complicated. You can simply chop up veggies, cook up a big batch of grains like quinoa or rice, and roast some chickpeas or tofu for the week ahead. With these ingredients ready to go, you’ll have quick, nutritious meals at your fingertips. It’ll make it so much easier to stay on track when you’re hungry and pressed for time.

Snack smart

Vegan snacking is where the fun happens! Stock your kitchen with protein bars, popcorn flavoured with spices like smoked paprika or garlic powder, and even vegan jerky made from soy, seitan, or mushrooms. You’ll be amazed at how many tasty options are available.

Sweet (dairy-free) treats

Finally, just because you’re doing Veganuary doesn’t mean you have to skip out on desserts. There are plenty of vegan options for sweet treats. A vegan chocolate mousse made from silken tofu and dark chocolate is rich, creamy, and absolutely delicious.

Remember, Veganuary doesn’t have to be about perfection. It’s about trying something new, exploring new flavours, and making a positive change through a plant-based approach to living.