6 Tips To Get Started On A Plant-Based Diet In 2021, And Why You Should Participate In The myVeganuari Challenge!

While 2020 hasn’t been the year everyone desired, it has gifted many of us the time for self-reflection and what we can do to further improve ourselves the next year. If you want change your lifestyle for the better, then 2021 is the year to do it. One great way to approach the upcoming year would be by shifting your diet to a plant-based diet.

If you are a veg-curious (yes, a legit new word), and looking for a new experience in 2021, here are some tips to help you get started on a plant-based diet.

Set a tangible goal.

Are you comfortable with one meal a day? Or three days a week? Perhaps you are ambitious and would like to go 100% plant-based immediately. Whatever it is, decide ahead and plan accordingly.

Think about what you CAN eat, not what you cannot.

You may be surprised that many delectable foods are “accidentally” plant-based – stir fries, curries, Oreos. Try out new mouthwatering recipes, explore new cafes and restaurants with vegan options – you’ll open up a whole new world of foods!

Have balanced meals.

Many new vegans report feeling hungry or lethargic when they start out. Take note of your meals, and ensure you are getting sufficient protein. This can come in wide varieties. Tofu, tempeh, beans, lentils and chickpeas are all rich sources of proteins, as well as other nutrients.

Stock up your kitchen.

Make sure you never go hungry! Easy snacks and meals include plant-based milks, nuts and seeds, vegan cheese, frozen dumplings, and of course… vegan ice cream. Surround yourself with foods that taste good and fill you up, so you can continue feeling happy and satiated on this new diet.

Do it with a friend.

Like any other new experiences, it’s always better with someone you trust. Take this as a fun challenge that you and a close friend, spouse or family member can do together. Go cafe-hopping at vegan-friendly places, have date night at a hip plant-based restaurant, try baking vegan cookies with your mum… This is an opportunity to bond with your loved ones by creating shared experiences.

Know that “slip-ups” are normal.

It can take weeks or even months to get used to a new way of eating. You may stumble along the way, but learn from it, focus on the positive steps and notice how different you feel.

Now that you’re ready, start the year with a fresh mindset with the myVeganuari challenge.

myVeganuari will be hosting a month-long January campaign to promote healthy eating, supported by the Malaysian Vegetarian Society. Malaysians can opt to commit to a 100% plant-based diet for 3, 5 or 7 days a week, the choice is absolutely yours!

This campaign is a perfect fit for you if you’re looking for ways to not only feel and look great, but transform your body significantly from within.

A plant-based diet will prevent, treat, or reverse chronic illnesses that lead to premature death, including heart diseases, diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, and cancer. It can also massively reduce the environmental impact from the industrial farming of animals.

myVeganuari challenge is tailored to help you set goals while providing guided support along the way. Another great way to enjoy this experience would be by roping in a buddy in. You will not only gain further motivation, but create meaningful experience together. Also, two’s always better than one!

myVeganuari wants to turbocharge the plant-based movement in Malaysia, via the nationwide challenge to try vegan diet in January 2021. Simply pick 3, 5 or 7 days a week throughout January and you’re sure to feel lighter, sharper, and healthier by the end of it.