Posted on January 29, 2018 by Kate Halsall

 

According to the Vegan Food and Living website, 2018 had a record number of sign ups for Veganuary. In fact, approximately 150,000 people in the UK signed up this year. Whether you were one of these people or not, it’s obvious that veganuary is becoming more popular.

As a vegan, I’m a little biased on the subject. So instead, I asked two people who have just taken part, “How was your veganuary”.

What made you choose Veganuary?

  • Ellie: I decided to do veganuary because I watched a few programmes about the benefits of a plant based diet and I thought it would be worth t see how it made me feel
  • Sorrell: I have always cared a lot and been extremely interested in Animal Welfare, having been a pescatarian myself for several years. As I follow many animal welfare charities on social media, a sponsored link came up for Veganuary. Their page was incredibly interesting, informative and really promoted the positives to trying out a vegan diet, so I thought, let’s give it a go!

What have you found challenging (if anything)?

  • Ellie: The main thing is when others have wanted to cook for me. At university my housemates often take turns to cook for each other and I haven’t wanted to burden them with the requirements of a vegan diet in their cooking. Also, I had very bad breakouts on my skin after about 10 days – which has cleared up now.
  • Sorrell: The hardest part has definitely been eating out. Although most places are really happy to cater for vegans, there have been a few occasions where I’ve been limited to a piece of fruit! I have also had to give up my place at a local Michelin Star restaurant as they do not cater for vegans, which was extremely disappointing. The other part that I have found incredibly difficult is some people’s reactions when you say you’re doing veganuary. I’ve received a lot of comments like “you won’t get the nutrients you need, we were born omnivores, you’d be a nightmare to cook for, it’s such a fad“

What have you found exciting/good?

  • Ellie: My cooking is so much more adventurous. It has also been interesting trying vegan alternatives and searching for the best ones. I have eaten out a number of times and chosen the vegan option, which is something I would never normally consider. I think restaurants are really trying to cater for veggies/vegans these days which is positive looking into the future.
  • Sorrell: It has been wonderful to find new and exciting recipes and to find out certain products that I already loved were in fact vegan. I have lost a lot of weight after just three weeks and it’s not through trying at all, which has been brilliant. I also feel really proud of myself for doing something that I feel is hugely important and positive.

Would you stay vegan?

  • Ellie: I would like to think that I will stick to vegan principles most of the time moving forward; but I have missed cheese! Surprisingly, I don’t miss meat at all! I think a lot of people form an opinion on veganism before they have done any real research into it and would encourage people to educate themselves and try for a month – you can always swap back if it doesn’t work for you!
  • Sorrell: I am going to make a real go of it! What’s not to love…weight loss, amazing new recipes, cost saving and ultimately no animals are being killed for me to eat. An all-round win I’d say!

Have you or any of your friends or family taken part in Veganuary? How did they find it? If they want to share their stories, let us know!