Woopie-de-flipping-do! You’ve decided to go vegan this January. I can guarantee it will be one of the BEST decisions you’ll make and although you may not realise it yet, one you’ll wish you’d have made much sooner. Being vegan for over five years now, my journey is all about sharing and passing on what I feel would have helped me in my early steps. So here goes…

Let’s not sugar coat it, some days will be easier than others at first and breaking a habit or making new ones is like a spaceship taking flight- they require a lot of energy to take off but when they’re up, they’re flying with ease.

You may already be in your first few days, wondering how you’re ever going to make it to the end of Veganuary without having an emotional breakdown or wilting away. You may still be feeling the effects of New Years Eve and not mentally quite ready to start. That random box of chocolate celebrations Uncle Derek bought for Christmas is calling your name. Wherever you are up to, if you’ve decided to try Veganuary then you’ll never go short of support. It’s 2018 and going vegan has never been easier, trust me on this one. Ever stuck, mind-boggled or simply unsure on any aspect of Veganism, we’d love to offer you a listening ear.

Below you’ll find some of my HOT tips in making those important steps a real success throughout Veganuary.

Burgers? Check! Pizza? Check! Cake? Double-check! Life as a vegan is not about abstinence. ANYTHING can be veganised!

If you stick to what you know you’ll be more likely to succeed, which is why swapping a beef burger for a vegan burger or switching out beef mince for soya mince in a spaghetti bolognese is your first step. There are so many fantastic alternatives now that can be easily found in supermarkets and specialised stores; the secret is to not get too complicated at first.

Swap cows milk for a plant based alternative such as soya milk or almond milk and don’t be disappointed if something doesn’t suit your taste. There are so many choices out there, some brands are better than others, it all comes down to personal preference so be sure to sample a few alternatives.

Consider ready meals a thing of the past. Cooking is the way forward as it’s healthier and heaps more fun. Roll up you sleeves and get chopping! I would recommend investing in a cookbook, whether you’re feeling fancy or want to stay simple, there’s some real corkers available. Click here too see my favourite five.

Follow one of the many truly inspiring vegan cooking channels on social media and YouTube, such as Bosh!, The Buddhist Chef or Avent-Garde Vegan. These guys are a feast of knowledge!

Contrary to popular belief, there are LOADS of vegan eateries scattered everywhere . A little help from Google and you’ll be sure to find some food joints nearby, many places now offer vegan choices, amendable food options or even their own vvegan menu. Jackpot!

However, it’s the big chains that are turning heads lately: Zizzi, Pizza Hut, Pizza Express, Wagamama, Las Iguanas, Toby Carvery, Weatherspoons- the list goes on! Check out PETA’s guide to eating out in chain restaurants.

Don’t be afraid to ask! Finding your towns’ local vegan Facebook group is a great way to get in touch, meet fellow vegans and gain some well needed support. Often these groovy groups arrange catch ups, get-togethers and meals out which are an absolute must.

Vegan Fairs occur all over the UK all throughout the year, where you’ll find some amazing businesses that sell the most amazing foods, snacks, cakes, merchandise and cruelty free clothing. Feeling like part of a community, will 100% make you more likely to succeed.

If you’ve ever sat there and scrolled aimlessly through Netflix, you’ll have probably come across some documentaries called What The Health, Cowspiracy and Forks Over Knives. These documentaries are basically converting people to veganism all over the world, and with good reason!

They lay out all of the information that’s been hidden from mainstream media and expose organisations who are harming our environment and anyone consuming their products. The films are a gentle reminder as to why veganism is taking the world by storm, so if you need a little extra motivation for your vegan journey, they’re the perfect watch this Veganuary.

You’ve been eating vegan products this whole time and probably didn’t even know it! Yes, some household favourite snacks are what we like to call ‘accidentally vegan’.

Oreos, hobnobs, Co-Op Jam Donuts, Bourbon Biscuits, Fox’s Party Rings, and my absolute favourite – Jus Rol Pan Au Chocolate. Veganuary have compiled a list of accidentally vegan products, click here to check it out! Not enough? Click here to check out PETA’s list too.

You’re doing an amazing thing by going vegan. You’re saving the lives of countless animals by not contributing to their pain and suffering, as well as preventing unnecessary destruction to the planet, along with becoming healthier in the process. WINNER! It really is an amazing thing!

As I’ve mentioned, some days will be harder than others so don’t beat yourself up if you slip up. Just pick yourself up and carry on. The important thing to remember is that this is an exciting journey because you’re discovering new foods and a compassionate way of living . Get out there, explore recipes, make new friends and have fun!