If you’re part of the record-breaking 500,000 people who signed up for Veganuary this year, you may be wondering what to do once January is over. If trying new foods can be fun for a month, many can find it overwhelming to transition to a vegan lifestyle. Interested in continuing your vegan journey beyond Veganuary? Here are a few tips that can help you make the transition.
Remember that it’s a process
Some people find it easy to change their diet or lifestyle overnight because it feels like a fresh start. However, it’s not for everyone. Changing your eating habits and your whole lifestyle does not have to be instant, and most people will benefit from slowly transitioning by making small changes over time.
Take your time to learn about veganism and find what works for you. You may find it helpful to focus on diet first before moving on to hygiene and beauty products, then fashion, and so on.
What to do with non–vegan items
A question that often comes back is “what should I do with non-vegan items?”. Chances are, you will own at least one item that isn’t vegan, whether that’s a pair of leather shoes, cosmetics tested on animals or food.
Again, find what works best for you. You might find that you want to use your trusty pair of leather boots until the end, or you might feel more comfortable with giving it away to charity if it’s in good condition.
Replacing an item once it’s used up with a vegan-friendly alternative is a good way to transition, since you probably won’t use up everything at once, giving you the time to learn about what’s out there. It’s also a budget-friendly way of making changes as costs are spread out over time.
What to look out for
Many people that aren’t familiar with veganism think that it is solely a diet. If food is a great place to start, there are other aspects of your life that you should consider.
Your clothes may be made with materials from animal origin. The main things to look out for are wool, silk and cashmere. Some shoes may also not be suitable for vegans if they are made of leather, suede, or sometimes because of the glue used.
Cosmetics should be cruelty-free (not tested on animals) and not contain any ingredients derived from animals. This can be a minefield, but luckily many blogs have compiled lists of brands that offer products that are vegan-friendly & cruelty-free, and many brands have started labelling their products.
Help spread out the word
You can decide to become vegan for different reasons, but whether you are doing it for environmental, health or ethical reasons, veganism is more than a diet – it can be life-changing. If you’re passionate about the cause, why not help spread information about the lifestyle and what made you become vegan?
It can be as simple as wearing vegan t shirts that will spark a conversation, joining your local community or supporting vegan businesses and charities.
Veganuary is an annual campaign that grows each year as veganism continues to rise in the UK, so if you are looking to continue beyond the challenge, we hope that these few tips will help you. If you’re looking for more guides and lifestyle content, head over to the useful stuff section of the site.
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