Say goodbye to meat! We tell you how to make it through Veganuary like a pro...
Whether you like it or not, veganism is gaining traction in Singapore. From delicious vegan spots to the plant-based alternative Impossible Foods sprouting its way to popular establishments, it’s an exciting time for vegans or for anyone who loves meatless fare. And it’s only gonna get better…
Top tips on how to survive Veganuary
If you’re looking to dip your toes into this plant-based lifestyle for the new year, be it for your health or the environment, this is the month to do it. In all honesty, you can go vegan anytime, but you’d be more inclined to stick to it now as you’ll see more vegan content online in January.
A play on words, Veganuary encourages people to ditch meat, dairy, eggs and honey in January. After originating from the UK in 2015, Veganuary has since gained popularity all over the world. We don’t know about you, but we definitely need a month-long detox from all the festive turkeys and roast meats.
In theory, it might seem easy, but the first few days can be challenging. So, buckle up and read on to find out how to successfully complete Veganuary. And who knows, you might ditch meat for good.
1. Dig into a breakfast of champs
You know the saying: breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Start the day with the right food and your body will thank you later. Try adding fermented foods such as plant-based milk yoghurts to your diet. In a rush? Go for wholewheat toast with avocado or tahini.
2. Choose forks over knives
Don’t dwell on the food you can’t eat. Instead, think about what you can eat. There’s a vegan alternative to almost everything. Experiment in the kitchen with inspiration from popular vegan cooking channels on Youtube like Bosh! and Avant Garde Vegan.
Of course, we’re going to address the elephant in the room: Will you get enough protein? Just know there’s more than tofu when it comes to plant-based proteins. You can try lentils, chickpeas, chia seeds and quinoa (it’s high in protein) – take that, steak! We also have a great selection of plant-based milk including soy, almond and oat varieties in Singapore.
3. Eat right when you eat out
You can easily find vegan food these days, from vegan establishments to popular dining institutions dishing out tasty meatless meals. George Jacobs, chairman of Animal Allies (the animal welfare arm of Centre for a Responsible Future), recommends Genesis Vegan Restaurant and Nomvnom for good vegan food. If you’re out and about, you can download the plant-based food app, abillionveg. It helps diners find vegan dishes in the vicinity – nifty!
4. Plan ahead
You know that feeling where you’re hungry like a wolf? Yeah, it’s best to avoid that ‘cos chances are, your primal instincts will kick in and you’ll inhale anything in sight to satiate yourself. So it’s better to plan your meals and have a snack in your bag for extra measure.
5. It’s okay if you slip up
It’s not the end of the world if you cave in and give in to your meat cravings. Veganism isn’t about perfection; it’s about making better choices for the planet and yourself. Plus, a huge commitment like this takes a little more time. Just take a step back and reflect on your triggers so you can be prepared in the future if you feel your inner carnivore coming out.
6. Stay motivated
You must have reached some sort of epiphany before you decided to embark on this adventure. But if you need a reminder, there are documentaries focusing on the benefits of going vegan like The Game Changers, What The Health and Cowspiracy. Oh, and by the end of the month, you’ll likely start reaping the benefits of your new lifestyle choices. Some perks of going vegan include better skin, quality sleep and higher concentration levels.
So, are you ready to conquer Veganuary like a champ?
