My Veganuary Journey
And just like that, Veganuary is over. This challenge has been such an eye opener in so many ways, it has definitely been a journey of discovery and growth. This month has made me question my life choices, ethics and morals. It has been an awakening experience. Not only have I changed my dietary habits, but I have made a big push towards a vegan and eco-friendly home too.
Veganuary has made me think and analyse so much about myself, society, media and why we live the way that we do. How did we get here? Why is it ok and 'normal' to live so un-sustainably? How was I so unaware of the impact the meat industry has on our planet and water supply, not to mention how many animals suffer in this process?!
Educating myself has been the biggest part of my vegan journey. It has been a roller coaster of emotions; shocking, difficult, saddening, maddening, I am embarrassed that I have been so ignorant, but I have also been humbled and inspired to do better for myself and future generations.
Surprisingly, keeping to a vegan diet was much easier and cheaper than I thought it would be, which was great! Noticing the positive changes occurring motivated me and inspired me to expand and experiment with my new vegan lifestyle. My biggest highlights so far have been:
- Feeling full of energy (I have started working out again)
- No more upset or bloated tummy
- Better sleep (not as many nightmares as usual too, which is an extra plus!)
- Strong nails
- Weight loss
- Lower grocery shopping bills
I know, it sounds too good to be true and these are just my main positives, but there have been some smaller changes I have noticed too. Thankfully there aren't many negatives to report. My biggest speed bumps have been craving my mum's chicken soup when I was sick, craving my favourite chocolate bar when 'aunt flow' came to visit and not being able to have eggs (which I now realise how much I relied on them for quick meals, breakfast and salad fillers). Luckily I was able to find vegan alternatives which I reluctantly swapped and was pleasantly surprised.
My eco-friendly living and easy home changes are listed and pictured below.
- Vegan & plastic free dish soap, hand soap, body wash, moisturiser, shampoo & conditioner
- Vegan, waste free laundry and cleaning products
- Vegan food wraps & silicon lids instead of using clingfilm
- Biodegradable bin liners & doggy bags
- Charcoal water filters instead of plastic Brita water filters
- Vegan, waste free toothpaste tablets, dental floss, bamboo toothbrush & eco ear buds
- Compostable dish sponges, wipes, natural loofah & soap pouch
- Recycling as much as possible
- Using reusable produce bags, shopping bags & water bottle
This is my vegan journey, which I believe has been a positive one. I hope your journeys have been just as positive or better! For those of you that haven't tried it, but are curious, I would recommend visiting @weareveganuary or www.veganuary.com. You can sign up at any time, not just January, and they send you daily inspirational emails with recipes, resources and info. They have helped me so much this month, I couldn't have done it without them.
All in all, this month has inspired me to be a better version of myself, for my sake, the planet and future generations. I would wholeheartedly recommend this challenge to everyone. Together we can make a difference!
P.S. If you have any questions, need some advice or just want to talk it out, contact me x
Zero Gib x