Veganuary is Over, Now What? - By Guest #Solmate Rocket & Honey

by Rebecca Veksler on August 26, 2019

“Veganuary. To some people, this is there worst nightmare, but to others, it can be the start of something great.”

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We are hearing about veganism more regularly than ever in the media at the moment. I think many of us are now aware that high levels of meat/dairy consumption can be really detrimental to human health. Especially when it comes to the rising amount of heart disease, obesity and high cholesterol rates. Although going plant-based has actually seemed to turn into a trend, it doesn’t mean it’s a bad thing. In fact, it’s probably one of the best trends going at the moment.

Veganuary is an opportunity for people to challenge their minds, bodies and beliefs. It’s a chance for people to make a positive change to their lives, learn about world issues that may be completely new to them, and also grow as a person all for a better cause. Maybe you took part in it, maybe you were aware of it but didn’t take part, or maybe this is your first time hearing about it at all. 

Whatever the case. It really is a very interesting concept, and I love the fact it gives people a chance to learn about a topic they may normally dismiss or not have a chance to talk about with somebody else.

Vegetable Pasta with Spinach and pine nuts topped with balsamic glaze

Interested, but have not idea where to start? Check this out!

The Vegan Starter Kit

Giving you all the information you could possibly ever need when it comes to helping you out on your plant-based journey.

The Vegan Society

Take the pledge – I remember doing this a couple of years ago, and although I didn’t go vegan at the time it was so interesting finding out about different types of vegan foods. I loved their daily facts and trying all the ‘vegan sweets’ (Aftereights, Oreos, Jelly Tots, Skittles and the list goes on).

Vegans United

There are so many good facebook groups out there that can be so helpful when starting out. They can be great for meeting like-minded people near you.

 

Sweet & Sour Vegetables on a bed of cous cous

Be Flexible

Now although I myself try to live a plant-based life doesn’t mean I haven’t been on the other side. I haven’t eaten meat for five years now, but I did eat fish and dairy. It wasn’t until late last year that I decided to take the step to being a completely plant-based consumer.

To be perfectly honest with you, I am very much a flexi vegan when it comes to what I consume. I do not ever purchase any animals products or by-products. Although if there is food with cheese on that is going to waste I will most likely eat it. I work in a pizza restaurant, it’s pretty much against the rules to let pizza go to waste, also I don’t think I have enough willpower to turn down pizza.

Flexibility is key! I feel like it is important to be flexible when it comes to many things in life. Especially when it is food and fitness related. With health being a forever predominant topic in the public eye, and the added influences of social media, people are definitely feeling the pressures. Which is why at the end of the day you should just do what you can do. Stay away from falling into the vicious cycle of obsessiveness and be comfortable with your efforts.

After specifically asking for the cheese to be taken off and to add avocado instead, they still topped it with cheese. It’s moments like this where you need to be flexible. I would rather eat a tiny bit of cheese than waste a whole meal

Now What!?!

What now? January is over, along with the pressures to stick to Veganuary. Do you go back to old habits or stick to it? Maybe it was just an experiment for you, which is absolutely fine. Congratulations for sticking to it for a whole month! Maybe you stay vegan during the week and be flexible on the weekends. Or maybe your breakfast and lunches are plant-based and your dinners more flexible.

However you decided to go about it, any little effort is better than none. It really is not healthy for us to consume meat and dairy at every meal. By giving your body food that is more easily processed such as plant-based meals, it will really help when it comes to the rate at which your body metabolises food.

Yes! Pizza still tastes incredible without cheese

Facing up to Challenges

I’ve been living in Byron Bay, Australia since going vegan, but recently went on a road trip and realised how spoilt for choice I am with vegan options in Byron. It isn’t always the easiest things, and you definitely can feel like a bit of a nuisance at times when eating out with others.

You can also feel incredibly proud at times, that you are doing something for other reasons than just because you want to. Going plant-based has been proven to be beneficial for our health, but it can also be a very selfless act. It is an act that effects others not just yourself and so it really can feel very rewarding at times.

Maybe you have decided a plant-based diet isn’t for you, and that is ok too. It’s a choice that we all have and at the end of the day, life is about balance. That goes for diet and nutrition as much as anything else. As long as you are trying your best, and doing what works for you then you should be proud and positive.


Tahini dressing + a full half an avocado = a vegans dream

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Love Annie | Rocket & Honey

Social Media | @rocketandhoney

xxx

 

 

Being plant-based can be very challenging and times, but the benefits really do outweigh the negatives. At the end of the day, we all want to be the best version of ourselves. If you think there are other ways we can do that we would love to hear about them. We love hearing about other peoples journeys so please do get in touch and share with us your experiences.  

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