It’s almost New Year’s resolution time, and it's Veganuary! If you're still considering a resolution to adopt in the new year, how about an eating change (not a diet!) that can make you feel lighter, cleaner, more energetic, less bloated, and have clearer skin. But there’s more: you can also be part of cleaning up the aina, reducing the rate of climate change, and helping save the lives of animals. No other resolution can make those claims!
Going meatless or vegan for 30 days in January are both worthwhile choices. Since 2014, more than 3 million people have signed up to take the Veganuary pledge. People from almost every country took part in 2023.
The mission of Veganuary is to inspire people to try vegan, drive corporate change, and create a global mass movement championing compassionate food choices with the aim of ending animal farming, protecting the planet, and improving human health. Interested in trying a diet change, taking significant action for animal compassion, or helping protect the environment—or all three? Consider taking part in the Veganuary pledge this January.
If you aren't interested in veganism, another option is to go meatless for 30 days. You can even decide what that looks like for you. Resolutions fail when they are too restrictive or too drastic a change from our current lifestyle. You can choose to go meatless one day a week for 30 days. You could choose to only eat meatless for one meal a day, or only during the week. Whatever is doable for you, we are here to encourage you!
Here's a few tips for getting started:
- Remember that the transition to a vegetarian diet should be just that – a transition. New habits never take hold overnight. We are all individuals and when it comes to making lifestyle changes, we all move at our own pace. Have grace and patience with yourself.
- Start by eliminating meat from at least one meal per week. Each week, try to eliminate one more meat-based meal. This allows for a slow but progressive movement toward vegetarianism.
- Have the right ingredients on hand to make tasty veggie foods. See some suggestions here.
- Try different types of meat-substitutes like tofu, tempeh, mock meats, and veggie burgers. You're going to find something you love, and you won't even miss the meat.
If you want to try a meatless or vegan diet, Down to Earth can help you. Our recipe database has over 1,500 plant-based recipes and many are 100% vegan. Our stores are the best place on Oahu and Maui to find vegetarian and vegan groceries, supplements that are never tested on animals, and ono meatless deli foods. We wish you a healthy and happy new year. Hauʻoli makahiki hou!