Vegnuary has kicked off for another year and there are ways that we can all help animals. As more people join the month-long campaign, and hopefully adopt a vegan lifestyle moving forward, we wanted to share tips from our team of dedicated animal rights advocates. Changing your lifestyle to align with vegan ethics can seem like a daunting task, but there are millions of vegans around the world and it has never been more accessible, affordable and delicious!

Whether it is changes to your daily meals, your clothing, toiletries or days out, we have some tips for you. Understandably, a plant-based diet is a big part of veganism and there are many fantastic resources out there to help you make the vegan swaps. From plant-based meal prep to tips and tricks in the kitchen, by signing up to Veganuary, you will receive a plethora of advice and useful materials. Now let’s get to those tips…

‍Aura, Lead Designer

“Being vegan isn’t about sacrifice, it’s about respecting all life. No one needs to die in order for us to keep enjoying our favourite meals, we just need to make small adjustments. Plant-based food is now so widespread that there really is no excuse not to leave animals off our plates. Not only will you feel better for it, you will also be saving lives in the process. What better way is there to start the new year than by choosing not to partake in the use and abuse of other animals for our benefit?”

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‍Tayana, Campaigner

"My top tip for Veganuary is: you don't need to reinvent the wheel! Make a list of your favourite recipes and simply veganise them! There are vegan swaps for the vast majority of non-vegan foods now, so whether it's spag bol or fish and chips, start experimenting with your favourite swaps. If you're on a budget, then lentils, beans and pulses like chickpeas are great sources of plant-based protein, plus Aldi and Lidl also do very affordable vegan ranges!"

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Claire, Founder and Director

“My Veganuary tip this year is: if you're making the switch to going vegan, set aside a good couple of hours for your first fully vegan shop (and hopefully many more to come!) in a supermarket you usually visit. It will take some time, of course, reading labels and seeking out hidden gems, but in no time, you'll be familiar with all the brands and items to find.

I tend to search the same shelves as the non-vegan goods, as often you'll pick up accidentally vegan foods. Then, make a beeline to the 'free-from' or 'plant-based' ranges where you'll find more specialized vegan 'alternatives.' You'll be surprised at how much of the food you already eat is vegan! Take your time and enjoy the experience of trying out new foods. Thankfully, there's a constant stream of new vegan items nowadays, which means being vegan never gets boring!

It also means if you don't consider yourself a good cook or you're a busy person who doesn't place cooking high up on the priority list, no fret, as there are always newly launched frozen and quick prep meals to work your way through! We're always on hand to help you here at Animal Justice Project; just drop us a line. Welcome to the future!”

‍Ayrton, Campaigns Manager

“I always advise looking into the reasons why people become vegan. It isn’t a diet, and there are a whole array of social issues facing animals that we oppose, alongside animal agriculture: Animal experiments, horse and greyhound racing, zoos and circuses, to name but a few. It may feel difficult making many changes to your lifestyle in the first few weeks, but I can wholeheartedly assure you, it gets easier and it is worth it. The animals will be forever grateful to you.”

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‍Ashti, Investigations Assistant

“My tip is to watch ‘Vegan what I eat in a day videos’ for realistic food inspiration and 'veganise' your favourite meals, veganism is not restrictive you just have to explore new ingredients and recipes! Meal planning and prepping can be helpful to ensure you don't get to dinner and have no idea what to have! Secondly, remind yourself why you are doing it and watch a film about animal farming such as ‘Dominion’.”

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‍Sara, Fundraising Development Manager

“Are you inspired to go vegan? It's easier to eliminate animal-derived foods when you're aware of the suffering behind them, the environmental impact of animal agriculture, and the health benefits of eating plant-based, so why not sign up for Challenge 22? This program offers participants a free, supportive online framework for trying veganism for 22 days. It is an interactive initiative that offers a unique combination of group support and personal mentoring and even provides registered dieticians to address your individual requirements. You'll never look back!”

‍Tom, Social Media Marketing Manager

“As you start on your vegan journey, don’t feel like you have to have all the answers. Rather than feeling obligated to provide an immediate response to questions from non-vegan family or friends, simply express your openness to learning more about the topic. You can just ask if they have any insights or knowledge about it. This not only shows humility but also encourages open communication and mutual learning. It allows you to gather information, expand your understanding of veganism, and have a constructive exchange without people getting their defenses up. Remember, veganism is a continuous learning process. Join your local vegan Facebook groups to connect with other vegans, find plant-based food options, and get support from like-minded people.”

Nigel, Membership & Sales Coordinator

"Connect with other activists and vegan communities, this will help you feel supported and motivated. There is valuable strength in numbers! Educate yourself, what are your reasons for being vegan...ethics, environmental or health? Understanding these reasons will help you stay focused and educate others. Explore the vegan food world, there are SO many plant-based foods out there, try everything, don't knock it until you've tried and tasted it!"

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We hope that you will find these tips useful, or, if you are already vegan, they will be helpful to friends and family who are interested in becoming vegan.

As always,

For the animals.