How to get the most out of Veganuary in Glasgow

This popular campaign has been running since 2014 and last year saw over half a million people across the globe sign up to sign off on all animal products for an entire month.

Whether you’re concerned about the environmental impact of your current diet, think giving plant-based eating might help you feel healthier or just fancy using January to try something different, we’ve got you covered with a few simple tips to see you through.

Pictured: A full vegan breakfast at Brooklyn Cafe on Minard Road

Try some of Glasgow’s amazing vegan restaurants

We have some wonderful news for all of you wannabe vegan Glaswegians.

Our city is home to some of the best fully plant-based restaurants in the world that have been in business since long before vegan went ‘mainstream’.

Fancy a pizza crunch and chips? Head to Mono in Kings Court. Want a selection of small plates with a stellar wine list to match? Sylan on Woodlands Road. Or if you're just craving a really massive burger? Go for Steak Cattle and Roll on Merchant Square.

The city is bursting at the seams with vegan fare, so why not use this month as a chance to explore?

You might even find a new favourite.

READ MORE: Where to find vegan versions of your favourite foods in Glasgow from square sausage to prawn toast

Make sure you’re doing it right

You’ve made the commitment to go vegan and that’s fantastic, but if somethings is worth doing, it’s worth doing right.

We’re not trying to be patronising when we tell you that it’s the little things that can easily catch you out when you first start trying out a plant-based lifestyle.

Alcohol is a great example with many people unaware that it’s not all safe for vegans. Some wines and beers contain milk eggs or even fish bladders (Isinglass) due to their filtration process.

Similarly, pesky pitfalls are artificial colourings, most commonly red (cochineal) that is made from crushed up beetles or gelatine and beeswax which are often found in gummy sweets.

The good news is that there’s a huge amount of information on the internet these days so if in doubt, a quick Google search should keep you right.

Join Facebook groups

Speaking of the internet, it’s worth noting that there are thousands of useful groups on social media full of hints and tips on how to live a vegan lifestyle.

Some of our particular favourites include the Vegan Edinburgh and Glasgow (VEG) Facebook group which has been running since 2011 or Vegan Supermarket Finds UK.

You’re sure to find advice, support or even some name brand snacks that you would never have known were vegan.

Read more: Ten of the best vegan food spots in Glasgow

Convince a friend or partner to join you

If you’re not so keen on making virtual friends, then it might be worth asking a friend or partner to join you in your challenge

With all the good intentions in the world, living with someone who is cooking up your favourite meat dishes or cheesy treats for themselves every night makes it more likely that you’ll feel tempted to give up on your veggie pledge.

A little moral support will go a long way.

Know that vegan doesn't have to mean super healthy

How many times have you heard someone say that vegans only eat salad leaves?

Thankfully, this is far from the truth and treats like Oreos, Jammy Dodgers, Starbursts, some Pringles and most Pot Noodles (to name but a few) are all vegan friendly.

Even fast-food chains like McDonald's, KFC and Burger King now offer plant-based options for the days that you just need a little comfort food.

Understand that it’s ok to make mistakes and you don’t have to stay vegan forever

A big problem when you’re considering giving a more plant-based diet a go can be an ‘all or nothing’ attitude.

Firstly, mistakes will happen, but that doesn’t mean you’ve failed. Accidentally eating a product with honey or milk does not mean you’ve ruined all your hard work.

And secondly, it’s important to remember that Veganuary doesn’t have to be a permanent lifestyle change, but a fun experiment.

You might enjoy the month and decide to stay vegan full time, but at the end of the day, only you are in charge of what you choose to eat and there should be no pressure to move away from your usual diet completely.

A small takeaway from the month could be trying to stick meat-free Mondays or even switching to plant-based milks.

Whatever works for you.

Good luck!