By Lucy Odell

As 2022 slowly comes to an end, out with the old and in with the new, many of us may already be planning that exhaustive list of unrealistic resolutions to start come January 1st (and will almost certainly be forgotten about by February). Instead of being unfair on yourself with unnecessary extracurriculars and extreme diets, why not be kind to yourself and the planet by challenging yourself to Veganuary? The challenge was started in 2014 by a non-profit organisation that goes by the same name as the trend it started. Think of it not as dietary deprivation, but as more of a mind-opening experience with many benefits to the planet that you live on.  

With nearly 80 million people across the globe eating plant-based, there’s nothing stopping you. Making switches from meat to plant can have a huge impact on the reduction of environmental damage – some vegans even swear by their diet as an aid to chronic illnesses and health conditions. Most people who follow a plant-based diet report higher energy levels and a much better quality of sleep, too. Doesn’t sound too bad, does it? 

And for those of you reading this and fearing for your daily protein intake, look no further than Venus Williams; the tennis luminary went vegan in 2011 following the diagnosis of an autoimmune illness and said on her ‘What I Eat in A Day’ for The Beet that she’s “never felt better”. So many plant-based foods are surprisingly high in protein and at little cost in comparison to lots of non-vegan options. Here, we’ve done the research, so you don’t have to: 

  • Peanut Butter (a sustainable option as long as there’s no palm oil) 
  • Lentils and beans 
  • Chia and hemp seeds 
  • Spirulina 
  • Edamame  
  • Tofu 
  • Seitan 
  • Vivera Greek Style Kebab- enjoy on a flatbread with hummus and salad 
  • Cathedral City Plant-based Dairy-free Cheddar Block  
  • Aldi’s Plant Menu No Pork Sausage Rolls 
  • THIS Isn’t Bacon  

If you’re considering Veganuary, or even just a lifestyle change, be ready to glow. Making the switch can work absolute wonders for your skin. Living plant-based can reduce skin inflammation and even help with rebuilding skin cell structure, giving you that babyface skin people spend thousands to get. And for all you beauty aficionados, don’t worry, once again we’ve found the best products for your face the vegan world has to offer: 

  • Intro to Facetheory Mini Set- All your skincare essentials in tiny form!  
  • Cocunat Vegan Black Eye Pencil 
  • Green People Natural Volumising Black Mascara 
  • Luviva Vegan Lipstick (various shades) 

Still not enough to persuade you? We’ve got you. Check out these Instagram accounts for the best vegan food and lifestyle content, then try and say no. Oh, and we’ve also given you our secret recipe for the tastiest vegan mac and cheese you’ll ever sink your teeth into.  

  • @bosh.tv 
  • @sepps_eats 
  • @pengveganmunch 
  • @veganbrownting