Firstly, I really, really did think that I had created the term ‘Veganuary’.

To explain, back in November last year, I had anticipated the gluttonous indulgence that would ensue during the Christmas/New Year/holiday period and thought that in the true spirit of January renewal, I should take some affirmative action to address some of my health concerns.

You see, through some accidental occurrences, I discovered that perhaps there are some food items/groups I shouldn’t be consuming quite so much of, if at all. On days where I didn’t eat meat, I would notice that the arthritis in my finger showed great improvement. And I would put sugar in my tea to counteract the nausea induced by the milk content, which was hampering my weight loss efforts, so why not just stop drinking animal milk altogether? Eggs had started to disagree with me and cheese was not always my friend either, both wreaking havoc on my digestive system.

With all this in mind, what better than to have a month of cutting out a few things from my diet? Let me be vegan for January I thought, Vegan-uary, as I broke it down to my family. Turns out this is already a fully established movement…..

So how did it go? Like all other diets you start! In the beginning you spend most of your time thinking about the very things you’ve told yourself you will no longer allow your body to endure. I craved a chicken pitta from Nando’s, yearned for pizza with all its glorious cheese. And just to make matters slightly more difficult, I don’t really like veg. Yes, like a big kid. I know.

Preparation is key, generally in life but definitely even more so with taking on veganism. It’s true that restaurants have become far more accommodating in recent months and you’re likely to find at least one or two suitable dishes to choose from. It was the everyday lunches at work where I sometimes struggled. The idea of eating the same meal for a few consecutive days doesn’t phase me but I certainly didn’t want to be held to ransom by the few options available near the office.

Lots of online searches offered a whole plethora of alternatives. Over the course of the month, I tried new recipes, opened my palette to a greater variety of meal options and generally expanded my mindset towards leading a vegan lifestyle.

Approaching the end of January, I found my urge to eat meat wasn’t quite as strong. In fact, the nearer it got to the 31^st, I didn’t actually miss it quite so much anymore. I was feeling so good within myself that the idea of returning to habits that were having a detrimental effect on my health seemed ludicrous. So I extended my abstinence from meat until the end of March, giving myself a full 3-month period to assess how much of a difference it was really making. From February onwards, I would ease up on being a vegan, leaning more to vegetarianism, with the occasional allowance of fish.

Barring a tiny chicken skewer canapé at my cousin’s wedding on 1 April, I’ve kept it up! I call myself a Pesce-Veggie-Vegan now. I admit, this is a completely contradictory term. In essence, I would prefer to refrain from eating meat and dairy, although I am open to incorporating fish into my diet and will allow the odd bit of cheese but for the most part, won’t have any other dairy or eggs, if I can help it.

I know, I know, it doesn’t really make sense. If it were that I had any moral standpoint on the consumption of animals and animal produce, it might have been a lot more clear cut on what it is I should be doing. Of course, I don’t advocate the mistreatment of animals but at the same time, I’m not saying I’ll never get my chicken pitta. Right now, for me, it’s all part of adjusting in the best interest of my health for the long-term.

Heading into May, I’m really glad I’ve kept it up. My arthritis is much better for it, skin consistently clearer, digestive system far more settled and overall energy levels have improved. Chicken pitta can wait for now, the gains from going without have proved to be too good.

Of course, a little extra incentive makes it all the more easier. What might that be you ask? I met someone…..and he’s been a vegan for 3 years. More on that later though 🙂