It’s never been easier to be vegan or to try it out – and in case you haven’t heard it’s Veganuary and 2019 is the year of the vegan.

Vegan simply means not eating animals or using animal products. I was first introduced to veganism by our own Miss Herbivore. She’s been vegan almost 2 years now. She was in high school when she made the switch and I wanted to make sure she was getting enough nutrients and yes, protein, and not just eating junk and carbs. So, I did some research and the more I learned, the more I supported her decision and the more animal products I cut out of my plate, bathroom and closet.

“but where do you get your protein”

This is the most popular question for plant-based eaters. The reality is protein is easy to come by. There is a HUGE variety of tasty, non-animal sources. Let me count the ways – lentils, chickpeas and most beans, tofu, tempeh, seitan, quinoa, oats, wild rice, sprouted grains, spelt, nuts, nut butters and seeds, broccoli, spinach, potatoes, asparagus, bananas, blackberries – just to name a few.

The web is full of inspiring vegan recipes, how-to’s, nutritional information, shopping lists; all the inspiration needed to make the switch for a meal or for life. Here are a few of my favorite resources:

• Live Planted
• Veganuary
• The Vegan Society
• NutritionFacts.org – Soy
• Minimalist Baker
• Oh, She Glows
• The Herbivore Clothing Company

Why Go Vegan?

The main reasons for going vegan are health, ethical, and environmental.

I am taking the Veganuary challenge and going full vegan for my health. Eating plant-based makes me feel better all around. I have more energy, no more brain fog and no food coma after a big meal.

The more I researched and learned about this life-style the more I thought – I love animals, so WHY am I eating them and who decided cows, chickens and pigs were ok to eat and other domesticated animals were off the menu? I’ve come to the realization that there is no such thing as humane meat and if I want to do my part to help the planet being vegan is something else I can do.

I did make the switch gradually, and I’m not going to lie, it took some time for me to acquire a taste for some things – cashew cream – and I have not found a tempeh that I like well enough to eat. But, there are so many other wonderfully, tasty and decadent foods out there that I’m never bored and always satisfied.

I have also stopped buying animal products in the form of clothing, shoes, make-up, personal care and other household products. The clothing, personal care products and household items I already have I will keep and use up. When it’s time for new, there are plenty of beautiful, practical and functional choices for non-leather belts, purses, shoes and other non-animal clothing products along with make-up and household items.

Animal agriculture is tough on the environment and our resources check out this article from Your Daily Vegan for more information and how plant-based foods are easier on our resources.

I will be posting other vegan resources and information all Veganuary.