By Ashley Carter

Now that we’re officially into a new year and a new decade, it’s the perfect time to try out those big lifestyle changes you’ve been putting off.

This month it’s estimated millions of people will take part in Veganuary, a worldwide campaign to test out the vegan diet and lifestyle.

Completely changing your habits can be extremely daunting, but these 9 tips will help you make the big change a little easier. 

1. Get planning

There’s nothing worse than coming home from work with no clue what you’re going to eat and nothing in the pantry. Going vegan for the first time is a 

Search through some cookbooks, YouTube videos and Pinterest boards and find some quick, easy plant-based recipes to help you through the month. 

2. Go searching

It’s never been a better time to go vegan. Every week I notice a new vegan café opening or a new plant-based menu at an already popular restaurant.

Do a quick Google search of the best vegan places to eat and do yourself a favour and check at least one of them out. 

3. Phone a friend

Your vegan or vegetarian friends who’ve been eating that way for years are bound to have an array of go-to, easy, meat-free recipes. 

Asking around will not only help you figure out what the hell to eat, but it will also help create a network of support to get you through the month (and prove that it’s not as hard as you think).

4. A vegan twist

Remember your mum’s classic lasagne, covered with melt-in-your-mouth white sauce and oily cheese? Never fear, you can still enjoy your favourite meals without the guilt.

Google some recipes for vegan versions of your favourite meals and if you can’t replicate it how you’d like, just replace the animal products with a plant-based alternative. 

5. Stock up on vegan products

I repeat: There 👏🏻 Has 👏🏻 Never 👏🏻 Been 👏🏻 A 👏🏻 Better 👏🏻 Time 👏🏻 To 👏🏻 Go 👏🏻 Vegan 👏🏻

Have a browse through your local health food store, bulk food store or supermarket and you’ll find vegan ice creams, dips, candy, chips and more. 

6. Veganise your home

A plant-based or vegan lifestyle doesn't just have to be about food. 

Check out your cleaning products, skincare, makeup and clothing and slowly replace what you need with cruelty-free, and ideally low waste, replacement. Check out Banish's vegan range.

7. Do your homework

As soon as you quit animal products, you’ll get a million questions from certain friends or family members. At the end of the day, it's your personal choice and not everyone will agree. 

Know your stance and also know the facts of the ethical, environmental and health impacts of modern-day animal agriculture. 

8. Don't stress

Don’t stress if you slip up, you’re only human. Jump back on the bandwagon and start again. 

9. Learn what works for you

At the end of the month, assess what did and didn’t work and figure out how you can implement those changes going forward. 

You don’t have to be 100 per cent vegan to still make a difference.

About the author

Ashley Carter is a journalist, veggie eater and low waste enthusiast. When you can’t find her writing or cooking up a storm, you’ll find her lazing on the beach with a good book and her dog, Freddie. You can find her on Instagram @ashleyjcarter.