How to Nail Veganuary (and Make It Count for Animals, Too)

Veganuary isn’t just about the food on your plate; it’s a chance to create real change for animals (AND the planet). Here’s how to stick with it and go beyond the dinner table to make an even bigger impact this year.

1. Start Simple

Nobody’s asking you to become a Michelin-starred vegan chef overnight. Start with what you already know and love—spaghetti Bolognese? Swap the mince for lentils or a plant-based option. Burritos? Just skip the cheese and go big on guac. There are plant-based versions of pretty much everything these days, so keep it simple and find what works for you.

2. Make Your Snacks Work Smarter

Snacking is life, so stock up on vegan-friendly options to keep cravings in check. Grab some Oreos, hummus and crackers, or your favourite fruit. And don’t forget to explore brands that specialise in vegan treats like chocolates and sweets!

3. Follow the 80/20 Rule

Let’s face it: perfection is overrated and there are no vegan police! If you accidentally eat something with milk powder or you’re unsure about the vegan status of a restaurant dish, don’t sweat it. Focus on progress, not perfection. The animals don’t need you to be perfect—they need you to care and keep going.

4. Don’t Be Afraid of the "Why"

Educate yourself on why veganism matters. Watch documentaries, research online, or follow activists, organisations, and animal sanctuaries on social media. Knowing how your choices help animals and the planet makes it so much easier to stay motivated.

5. Bring Friends (or Instagram) Along for the Ride

Got a friend who’s curious about veganism? Ask them to join you for Veganuary! Not only is it more fun, but you can also share recipe fails, wins, and moral support. No buddies willing to join? Post about your Veganuary journey online—it might inspire someone else to try it, too.

6. Think Beyond Your Plate

Being vegan is about more than food—it’s a mindset. Use Veganuary to consider other areas where you can make compassionate choices:

• Fashion: Say no to wool, leather, or fur and opt for cruelty-free alternatives.

• Beauty: Switch to vegan skincare and cosmetics (brands like UpCircle and The Body Shop make it easy).

• Household Products: Choose cruelty-free cleaning brands that don’t test on animals.

7. Learn How to Answer Questions Like a Pro

"Where do you get your protein?" "What about cheese?!"—sound familiar? You don’t have to memorise a TED Talk, but having some solid answers ready can make these conversations easier (and less frustrating). Pro tip: humour works wonders when people ask the same questions for the hundredth time. If you're struggling with this sort of conversation, or you'd like to learn how to change people's perceptions of the vegan movement, we highly recommend Ed' Winters's book, How to Argue With a Meat Eater.

8. Support Local Sanctuaries or Rescue Groups

Take your Veganuary impact further by supporting animal charities. Volunteer at a sanctuary, donate to an animal advocacy organisation, or even sponsor an animal. It’s a tangible way to see the difference you’re making and connect directly with the animals you’re helping.

9. Be Loud, Proud, and Positive

Talking about veganism doesn’t have to be 'preachy'. Share your journey in a way that feels authentic to you—whether it’s raving about a great vegan burger or sharing an easy recipe. Positivity is contagious, and people will be curious when they see how much fun you’re having.

10. Treat Yourself

Tried veganism for a week? Celebrate with some dairy-free ice cream. Stuck with it all month? Treat yourself to a meal at a vegan-friendly restaurant or that cookbook you’ve been eyeing. Rewarding yourself keeps you motivated and makes the journey more enjoyable. We probably shouldn’t be saying this but Veganuary also doesn’t have to mean healthy healthy healthy all month. You can still enjoy your usual guilty pleasure takeaways or fast food, just give the McPlant a go for a change!

11. Don't Stop at January

When Veganuary ends, don’t just dive headfirst back into dairy. Use the momentum you’ve built to keep exploring veganism, even if it’s just a few days a week to start. The goal isn’t to stop at January—it’s to keep creating positive change for animals, the planet, and yourself. If you've discovered a great plant-based alternative to one of your usual faves, stick with it! Again, you don't have to commit to completely cutting out every animal product to make a difference. If you've found that there's just some things you simply can't give up, then don't! Going mostly vegan but still eating cheese is better than doing nothing to change.

12. Remember: It’s About Progress, Not Perfection

Every vegan choice you make saves animals, reduces harm to the planet, and helps build a kinder world. Don’t worry about being perfect or doing it all at once. Veganuary is about trying, learning, and taking small steps toward big change.

Final Thoughts

Veganuary is your chance to have fun with food, experiment with new ideas, and make a real difference for animals—all while proving to yourself (and the doubters) that you actually can live without bacon.

If someone tries to tell you that going vegan won't make a difference, remind them (and yourself) that a vegan diet saves the lives of around 200 animals per year. So, you are making a tangible difference (and you're doing a heckin' great job).

Enjoyed this blog and interested to learn more about animal advocacy? Stick around! Here at TAAP we specialise in making animal rights issues accessible and feel-good (no guilt-trips in sight), so sign up to our newsletter and follow us on socials to keep the good vibes rolling!