Veganuary. Or January as a Vegan, is upon us. And you’ll know that because everywhere you turn there is leaf-laden emoji tweets, recipes on Insta-stories, web articles, blog posts, This Morning TV segments and Netflix recommended documentaries – all about encouraging people to convert to this way of living.

It’s my first January as a vegan (although it is something I hope continues beyond that) and as I navigate the apparent mine-field that is this lifestyle choice, I’ve thought of a few helpful ways you can stop yourself from being a bell-end – whether you’re taking part or not.

Each To Their Own

Part of being kinder to each other this Veganuary is understanding that not everyone thinks or believes in the same things you do.

Just like you might believe David Beckham is the hottest celebrity, I might plump for Louis Theroux. Choices.

But this goes both ways. Whilst you may be taking part in Veganuary for health, planet or animal reasons, others may not be taking part for their own, equally valid reasons.

And that’s perfectly OK.

Understand privilege

There has been a wide debate over whether going vegan is a ‘middle class pursuit’. A choice that is afforded to people who have money to buy fresh food and ingredients or the education/knowledge/ability to make food in different ways.

It has also been suggested that if you are already healthy and not suffering with any eating or mental health disorders that you will find it easier to become vegan.

Whether you agree or disagree with the above, there’s one thing we should all agree on and that’s our privilege.

If we consume ANY food, it’s a privilege. If we are fully able to prep healthy and fresh food, it’s a privilege. But so is eating takeaway, meat and dairy. Just in different ways.

So which ever side of the fence you fall on this Veganuary, it’s always worth looking at your choice from the outside.

There may be people who wish they could be vegan but can’t for a whole host of reasons as well as people who can’t eat a lot of different types of food for a variety of reasons.

Not being aware of the privilege of being able to make ANY food choice isn’t inclusive and could harm others.

Avoid sabotage

You may disagree with people suddenly becoming vegan, for whatever reason, but trying to sabotage their pursuit is not OK.

Displaying foods that they are trying to avoid, spiking meals with ingredients you know are off-limits or any general food douche-baggery needs to not happen.

Changing your diet and adopting a new lifestyle is REALLY HARD for anyone, what people need this month is support, kindness and awareness, not practical jokes and proving a point.

Don’t preach

No-one likes a dickhead Vegan. The one that gets up on their 100% organic, natural wood, plastic-free soap-box and spouts thousands of statistics and scary messages to try and convert people to their way of living.

If you’re doing Veganuary because you’ve read or seen things about the animal industry, the damage to the planet or the risks for your own health – that’s great that you’re trying to make a difference. But there are people that have chosen not to do the same (again for their own personal reasons) and they are just not interested in what you have to say.

Sure, there will be people who are interested. People who just may not understand the lifestyle or the reasons behind making these choices – feel free to share your new found knowledge with them but don’t pretend you are suddenly Jesus Vegan who can cure everyone’s ailments and enlighten them all. Some people are just Atheist Vegans and that’s their choice.

In 2018, it’s time we are all kinder to each other so let’s agree to disagree on our differences this time round and just not be a twat to each other this Veganuary.

If you ARE taking part in Veganuary, I’m sharing what I eat each day over on my Insta-Stories so make sure you follow me.

I’d also recommend giving my gal Laila a follow and read as she always has banging Vegan content.

If you’re not doing it but have questions – feel free to hit me up on Twitter. I am definitely not Jesus Vegan but just like talking to my buds that are going through the same thing!