I Did Veganuary, and Here's What I Learned

Updated on 1/22/2020 at 10:05 AM

Last January, I embarked on my first Veganuary. After watching Cowspiracy on Netflix the previous year (and a month-long chocolate and cheese binge, also known as December), I decided it was time to put words into action and try to follow a completely vegan diet for one month.

I am not going to preach about the unethical practices of the meat and dairy industries and their environmental impact (you can watch the documentary for that), but I will say it made me rethink the way I was eating. It's probably important to note that I am lifelong pescatarian (blame my parents) so this challenge may not have been as difficult for me as it would be for a full-fledged meat-eater. However, as someone who has an unhealthy obsession with cheese, and used to eat eggs for dinner four nights out of five, I knew this wouldn't be easy.

Spoiler: it really wasn't. But it wasn't as hard as I thought it might be, either. I definitely won't be going vegan forevermore, but it has made me think that when eating at home, it's a totally doable lifestyle. This is what the month taught me.

Loads of Things Aren't Vegan

Seriously, loads! Before embarking on the challenge, I never knew I couldn't eat honey (the bees!), many wines and beers (Veganuary + Dry January = boring January), and most Indian curries (which are full of butter). Yep, I was shocked, too.

Asian Food Is Your Best Friend

When it comes to eating out with confused nonvegans, Asian cuisine is usually your safest bet. Scope out the local scene on Yelp, and find out what Asian spots are worth checking out!

I’m Surprised I Didn't Turn Into a Coconut

Coconut oil, coconut water, coconut milk . . . coconut is a staple of a vegan diet, and an excellent replacement for dairy. I've now even started putting it on my face, but that's a story for a different day.

You’ll Be More Creative With Your Cooking

Learning how to eat differently means learning how to cook in new ways. Discovering the recipes you love may take a while, but at least you're more likely to get your five a day of fruits and veggies. After all, you can't fall back on scrambled eggs for dinner.

There’s a World of Inspiration Out There

The internet is full of blogs and resources that can help inspire you if you're feeling a little lost. Minimalist Baker, Naturally Sassy, and Green Kitchen are brimming with ideas to start you off.

Avocado on Toast Is 100% a Legitimate Meal

Sometimes you just need something super quick and easy, and avocado on toast definitely fits the bill.

You Won’t Always Eat Healthier

Plant-based doesn't automatically equal nutritious. Thanks to the burgeoning vegan fast food scene, there are myriad ways to indulge.

Peanut Butter Tastes Good on Everything

Porridge, toast, stir-fry, a spoon. There's a very good reason nut butters are high on most vegan's shopping lists. You need the protein, right?

You’ll Definitely Get Some Weird Questions

Some people will find it difficult to fathom why you would opt to do such a thing, and they won't just have questions — they'll have opinions, too. These people don't deserve your attention, so don't feel the need to justify your decision if you don't want to.

Vegan Restaurants Are Amazing

Veganuary is a great excuse to test out some new restaurants, and you'll be spoiled for choice. No sad stuffed mushrooms or bland lentil curry here, but instead you'll find innovative ingredients and exciting recipes.