
Veganuary: How to start the new year vegan
January is the perfect time for many people to start new routines: more exercise, more mindfulness - and often a more conscious diet. This is exactly where Veganuary comes in: a global initiative that invites you to eat vegan for a month in January (or anytime!). The aim is not perfection, but curiosity: discover new foods, question habits and diversify your diet.
Convince yourself that eating vegan doesn't have to be complicated or boring.
Veganuary can be a real game changer because you:
- automatically integrate more fruit, vegetables, pulses and wholegrain products into your everyday life.
- discover new favourite dishes.
- consciously support your body with fibre, vitamins and plant power.
- realise how easy it can be to replace animal-based products.
5 vegan alternatives for your everyday life
Whether it's breakfast, lunch or a coffee break: these alternatives make the switch very easy.
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Milk: plant-based drinks (oat, soy, almond)
Plant-based drinks are a classic and super versatile. They are suitable for muesli, in coffee or for baking.
Tip: Oat drink tastes particularly mild and slightly sweet - ideal for cappuccino or porridge. Soy drinks are great for cooking. -
Yoghurt: coconut, soy or oat yoghurt
Vegan yoghurt is perfect for a quick breakfast or as a snack. Combined with fresh fruit and nuts, it makes an uncomplicated meal for in between meals.
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Cheese: nut spreads & yeast flakes
Cheese is the biggest challenge for many people when it comes to a vegan diet. But there are great alternatives:
- Nut spreads (e.g. cashew-based) are creamy and savoury.
- Yeast flakes provide a "cheesy" umami note and are great with pasta or in sauces. -
Eggs (when baking): Flaxseed or bananas
You don't necessarily need eggs for baking. Flaxseed or bananas also work in pancakes or muffins.
Flaxseed egg: Mix 1 tbsp ground flaxseed with 3 tbsp water, stir and leave the mixture to stand for 5 minutes.
Bananas: 1/2 mashed ripe banana is equivalent to one egg.You can find more egg alternatives here.
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Cream: coconut milk, oat or soy cuisine (cooking cream)
For soups, pasta sauces or curries, plant-based cooking creams are the perfect alternative. They are creamy, neutral in flavour and can be used like normal cream.
Tip: Build each meal from three parts: Plant protein + colourful fruits/vegetables + healthy fats. Fruit is ideal for adding some sweetness and freshness and lightness to dishes.
Three vegan meals for inspiration:
- Wheatgrass Banana Porridge with colourful fruits, oats and cashews
- Pineapple Buddha Bowl with quinoa, chickpeas and avocado
- Seitan gyros with cucumber, tomato and lettuce in wholemeal pitas
Your vegan diet doesn't have to be perfect
Eating vegan doesn't mean changing everything - it means making conscious choices. With a few smart alternatives and fresh ingredients, veganuary becomes a real enrichment: for your diet, your routine and your lifestyle.
And who knows: maybe "just January" will turn into a new favourite habit.
Mini challenge for you: Start with one vegan day a week or replace an animal product (e.g. the milk in your coffee) with a vegan alternative - and see for yourself how easy it can work.