So, we’re motoring through January now and, for many of us, the enthusiasm for our new found good habits is starting to wane or time constraints and practicality issues are getting in the way. Don’t give yourself a hard time, just like the dogs & Christmas scenario, good eating habits are for the whole year, not just for January so smaller, more realistic changes can be more sustainable.
As always, Veganuary is huge again this year. Put it in an Instagram search and you’ll find 1.6M posts so far. As a plant-based protein company and firm believers in the benefits of this way of eating, both for our health and the health of the planet, this is great for us. But we also appreciate that plant based doesn’t have to mean plant only. There’s no judgement or pressure from us for people to conform to a certain way of eating, especially just because it’s on trend to do so.
So, if you’re feeling like you’re struggling with cutting things out, don’t beat yourself up, we’re promoting ‘Do What You Can-Uary’. Make a few realistic and sustainable changes; these all add up to make a big difference that will last beyond Veganuary.
Rather than thinking solely about cutting out animal products, how about focussing on adding more plant-based foods in to redress the balance.
- add sliced fruit or berries to your breakfast
- add one extra fruit or veg to your smoothie
- buy mixed peppers instead of just red ones
- or mixed leaves instead of just lettuce
- alternate cow’s milk for soy or pea milk in your coffee
- alternate your post gym protein shakes
- use Quorn instead of mince - it’s often hard to tell the difference
BUT be realistic, if you know you hate tofu, you’re not going to suddenly like it for January so don’t cut something out without having an appropriate way to replace the protein or nutrients.
In particular, if you’re active, cutting things out can be detrimental and can negatively impact performance and increase injury risk if you aren’t clued up on what to replace them with. It’s really important to understand how what you eat affects your health, your energy levels and your performance, whatever your goals may be.
Look out for our nutrition educational tips to ensure you understand what you need to put in to get the best out. After-all, the food we eat fundamentally provides our bodies with the tools they need to do the jobs we’re asking of them, so choose your tool kit wisely!
Only cut out if you know how to replace, and that you enjoy what you’re replacing it with. Ask us for help if you have any questions. Food has to taste good and be enjoyable and also needs to meet your energy requirements. Keep an eye out for our selection of quick, easy, nutritious and filling recipes that taste good, do you good and are good for the planet too – and obviously keep a shake to hand as a great way to fill in those gaps!
