Veganuary when an individual goes vegan for the month of January. Now, January is currently in full-swing, but that doesnt mean you cant still try your hand at a vegan diet for the rest of the month or even actually try to make the vegan switch entirely. The team at Hoboken Girlspoke with six local women who have adopted a vegan or plant-based lifestyle to share their top tips + tricks on going vegan and why they chose to do so. Keep reading for their stories and some tips on how you can incorporate more plant-based foods into your life.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only please consult a physician before starting any type of lifestyle change or diet.

Veganism completely changed my life! From the way I eat and consume products to running a vegan business and dedicating my days to spreading the mission.

Ive been vegan since 2010, so a full decade now.

I really believe it is the most compassionate way to live my life. I love the way it makes me feel inside and out.

Getting educated. You need to first understand why you want to make the switch and really solidify the why. You can come back to this motivation when things get hard!

Realizing how many things include animal products. Its not just the cheese or chocolate, its your face wash, your laundry detergent, and most beauty products you own. This realization was what brought me to start The Vegan Warehouse, which takes out all the guesswork for consumers by providing verified vegan products in all life categories.

But plants have feelings too.

Go at your own pace and make it work for your lifestyle. I think veganism and the vegan community, in general, can be a bit intimidating for beginners, and I really want to change that. I personally believe that everyones journey to the lifestyle is different some of us transition overnight and others take months or years. My biggest advice to you is to veganize your life step by step. Start with the things that are easiest for you to give up and work your way up.

Absolutely! Im all about meal prepping to set myself up for success each week. I have a few favorite lunches and dinners that I prepare on Sunday night to always have something quick on hand. I usually get all of my basic ingredients at the Hoboken Trader Joes and my superfoods from our stores selection.

I love Ali Baba for dinner and Turning Point for brunch they both have some great vegan options!

The Brick Hoboken Pizzeria just introduced an entirely vegan menu. Ive been loving their traditional vegan pizza!

Being vegan over the past 10 years Ive noticed a huge shift in peoples perception of the lifestyle. I used to encounter lots of push back and misunderstanding around my choices and now I see a response of interest and engagement. I think that with the growing environmental concern within our society we are all starting to question our contribution to the problem. Switching to veganism for just one year can save 119,000 gallons of water, so truly every choice you make matters!

{Photo credit: @animal.babe}

Being vegan has so many meanings for me, but in a nutshell, it means no animals harmed. I always loved animals but I knew I needed my heart, head, and stomach to align with my morals.

Its been a decade! Best 10 years of my life. Admittedly, Ive fallen off the wagon for fish before, but I just hop back on. I always stress to people that these things will happen. Its progress, not perfection.

I grew up being a huge animal lover and always felt very connected to all walks of life. In my early 20s, I really connected with my spirituality and part of that was being authentic. I couldnt continue to eat beings that I also wanted to pet and snuggle, the two couldnt co-exist in my life. I also couldnt imagine hunting them for myself, therefore I decided it wasnt for me anymore. Ive never looked back.

The first step I took, and I tell everyone to take is doing your research. Everyone needs a why whether its for health reasons, ethical ones, or both, the motivation you need is in books, documentaries, podcasts, etc. For me, it was watching videos of what animals endured in the food system as well as learning about inflammatory foods like meat and dairy effects on the body. Once you do that, giving up one animal product at a time and supplementing properly is important. It takes time to let your body adjust and detox, so its more than okay to do it over an extended period of time.

For me, it was telling my family. Im first-generation Italian, my family used to own Margheritas since I was a wee one. I grew up on my dads fresh mozzarella and my nonnas Sunday meatballs. Refusing my familys food was almost disrespectful until they fully understood where I was coming from and that it wasnt a diet or phase. My nonna now fully supports my eating choices and makes me incredible eggplant every time I come over. Any time youre making a change it can take your friends and family a little while to process. Prepare yourself for a little heat and remember your why. Theyll back off or sometimes be influenced by you!

Definitely that vegans eat junk or are protein deficient. Its frustrating sometimes that people assume I eat nothing but tofu dogs or impossible burgers. I eat very consciously and protein has never been an issue for me. You should do your best to eat the rainbow. If you have colorful plates of veggies, fruits, nuts, and legumes, you wont have to track your protein. I promise. Im turning 33 next month and Im in the best shape of my life, I accredit my diet to this.

[Do it] slowly! I think we can get caught up with the labels vegan, plant-based, carnivore. Try to drown those labels out and focus on your relationship with food and your body. As you cut out each animal product and supplement it with a plant-based alternative, your body will thank you. Youll have more energy, your skin will look better, your digestive system will start to function properly. This will encourage you to keep moving forward. I tell people they can use the term eating consciously during their transition. Slow and steady wins the race.

Oh yes! Its funny because I was never good at cooking meat. Now I work for vegan Chef Chloe Coscarelli and cooking is the most therapeutic part of my day. I have so much fun vegan-izing all my old favorites. Vegan baking is honestly one of my biggest passions.

Whole Foods is where I spend most of my time off of work. I always think Im going to meet my husband there. In the warmer months, I try to go to farmers markets. Trader Joes has a great vegan guide and products, too.

In Hoboken, Im a big Alfalfa or Simply Juiced girl. In Jersey City, I love Subias or Frankie in downtown JC.

Vegan sushi from beyond sushi in NYC; vegan pizza from Porta Jersey City; everything from the Joyist in Montclair; everything from Good Plans in Montclair; and Bang Bang cauliflower from The Crosby Montclair.

The pea dumplings with tofu bchamel from Frankie will make you a believer. I also love the vegan ramen from Miso Ramen in downtown Jersey City. Hoboken, for vegan dessert, has to be the cookies from Shaka Bowl or Tri berry crepes from Simply Juiced.

In a day and age where everyone seems to know the newest nutritional trend, I just wanted to say Im so proud to be someone who has stuck to this way of life for as long as I have. I can confidently say this is the best Ive ever felt inside and out. It has made me a happier, healthier, and more confident person. This choice has stood the test of time for me and Im thrilled to be able to guide people into this lifestyle Im thankful that people trust me enough to take my advice.

{Photo credit: Falcon Griffith}

This is a very difficult question to answer simply and if going by the full definition of veganism, then Im only partway there. When you truly embrace a vegan lifestyle, you dont eat, wear or use animal products. I personally dont eat meat, fish or dairy, however, Im not fully vegan by this meaning. I use a lip balm with beeswax in it and still wear my old Vince leather jacket. Im conscious of my purchase decisions and try very hard to rock vegan leather and use vegan products when possible.

Ive been vegan for 14 years.

I first became vegan 14 years ago, because I was interested in eating as clean as possible and read a lot about factory and fish farming, added hormones and how the meat and fish get to our plates. {Ill spare you the details.} For the past couple of years though, beyond the health reasons, Ive been very into animal activism and dont believe in the inhumane treatment of animals. Ive visited sanctuaries, volunteered at shelters, and the more I learn about the emotional and mental capacity of farm animals, the more I try to use my online platforms as a space to protect them and give a voice to those who dont have one.

Know that you dont have to do it all at once. I recommend enlisting a nutritionist to help you make the transition so that you can focus on all you can eat to find your protein, etc., instead of stressing out about what you cant eat anymore.

When I first went vegan, I wasnt educated about how to create a well-balanced, plant-based meal. I became unhealthy from quitting meat, fish, and dairy cold turkey and had to take time to re-learn how to eat. I was surprised to find out how much protein you can actually get from plant-based foods.

People assume that Im thin simply because of my veganism, which isnt true at all. I eat clean, yes, but I also work very hard to maintain a fit figure.

I love Shaka Bowl, Quality Greens, Karma Kafe, Charritos, and Bare Burger.

Im a sucker for a good smoothie! Also, almost anything Indian.

See More: A Guide to Indian Food in Hoboken + Jersey City

{Photo credit: @jacklynlune.photos}

To me, being vegan means living a healthy lifestyle that does not involve the unnecessary exploitation of animals. This means eliminating animal products {primarily meat and dairy} from the diet as well as from the wardrobe {leather and fur}.

Ive been in and out of veganism for the last 12 years. I recommitted about three years ago.

Originally, I chose veganism for vanity reasons. I read a book called The Raw Food Detox Diet, which drove home the idea that health and beauty begin and end in the gut. Meat and dairy are both cause digestive stress, which can contribute to weight gain, dull skin, and disease. Now, knowing more about the environmental and spiritual implications of the meat and dairy industry makes veganism the obvious choice for me.

Being clear on your reasons for transitioning is key to staying on track! Originally, I went vegan for vanity reasons. Vanity is fleeting, as was my commitment to veganism. But recommitting to veganism for reasons bigger than myself makes it less of a commitment and more of a fulfilling lifestyle!

Its so easy these days! There are substitution foods in every aisle at the grocery store and new vegan restaurants and creative recipes pop up every day.

Ewwwwww! But to be fair, I wasnt raised vegan, so I am very understanding when it comes to judgments and hesitations {especially when it comes to vegan cheese}. I was definitely once a nay-sayer myself. But now so many unsuspecting people are becoming educated on the benefits of veganism thanks mostly to some groundbreaking Netflix documentaries like What the Health and Game Changers that I believe acceptance is at an all-time high.

Start filling your plate with 80% vegetables. Start trying 100% vegan restaurants to get inspired. I find that most people are surprised at how little they miss animal products.

I love cooking sometimes Im more a fan of my boyfriend cooking for me. He went to culinary school, so I get spoiled with gourmet vegan [food] regularly. We generally grocery shop at Key Food and P&K Market in Jersey City, Basic Organic Market in Hoboken, and Whole Foods in Weehawken.

Subias Vegan Cafe!

Im addicted to the breakfast wrap at Subias Vegan Cafe. Tacoria has an amazing Brussel sprout salad {specify vegan and ask for the vegan chipotle on the side}, as well as Brussel sprout nachos. I love the vegan salad at Honey Grow in Hoboken and the Guadalupe Burger at Bare Burger. Koro Koro has the best miso soup and I love their vegan rice balls, especially the Indian! Im obsessed with the Chana Saag at Vaibhav and the Ghobi Manchurian at Honest in Jersey City.

Read More: The Best Healthy Meal Delivery Services in Hoboken + Jersey City

Veganism is so much more than a diet, its a way of life really. Being vegan to me means that I acknowledge that all living things are sentient beings. I believe that you should treat all beings with kindness and compassion including humans. Even humans who dont agree with your lifestyle choices or who choose to live a different way of life. Being vegan does not mean youre more worthy than others or that youre living a better way of life. I do not believe or condone the holier than thou hierarchy because a true vegan judges no one. Everyone in every walk of life does the best they can and I think if you label yourself vegan then thats what youre personally trying to do, living the best life for you.

Ive been vegan or plant-based since 2013.

I chose the vegan way of life initially for health purposes. I learned that the diet itself which is without meat, dairy or any animal bi-product will lower the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes, cancer, inflammation, heart disease, along with other health concerns like obesity. It helped me heal through a lot of healing both physically and mentally. Through that, I then learned how being vegan helped the animals and earth and I learned more ways in which I can contribute to healing the planet and do my part as best I can.

The first step is doing your research. Learn about veganism whether youre doing it for health reasons or environmental reasons, being a voice for the animals, etc just educate yourself on it. Being vegan doesnt necessarily mean healthy. I know people personally who went vegan and got really sick because they did it irresponsibly. As with anything else you need to know what youre doing. Get a health care practitioner, nutritionist, or health coach on board if you can for guidance and structure. Living this way is not and should not be intimidating and its very easy to achieve, but we are all so uniquely different with different needs we also have to be smart.

I grew up in Hoboken and am Puerto Rican and Italian, so my childhood was all meat and dairy. I never looked at what was in my makeup or how and with what my clothes were made. Those things werent even a thought in my head. So if you werent born into veganism then its inevitable to miss the things you grew up on. Cheese is always the biggest one. I agree with the masses on this one though, vegan alternative cheese stinks and they mostly just take like chemicals. I like to make my own cheese and I stick to brands that use quality ingredients.

Also, generally, people are used to having meat with every single meal. At first, you may feel like something is missing on your plate or your plate is not complete and this is all OK, youre breaking out of old habits. You have to get used to the idea that your whole plate will be a mix of veggies, legumes, nuts, and seeds, among other things. Were also in a time that there is a vegan option for anything non-vegan that you may miss. You can give those a go as well, but I say try to at least more so than not, to stay away from the vegan processed stuff. That is just as bad as the non-vegan processed stuff. So again just to reiterate, veganism does not mean healthy. And remember Oreos are vegan.

In the very beginning whats annoying is peoples general opinion on it without really knowing much about it. You get a lot of where do you get your protein from? or I could never be vegan, I love cheese too much.

My favorite always is when they say vegans have an agenda. I am always curious to know about this agenda and how its bad to want to live a healthier way of life and help out the animals and planet. But what I learned from that is when people hear that someone is vegan they automatically assume they themselves are being judged so they get defensive. With me, this is not the case but I know it can be with others because again there are people who think they are better than you if theyre choosing to live vegan. In my opinion, they are no better than a butcher because the whole point and concept of being vegan, per se, is to live life without judgment, harm no one, and do your very best. So basically to stay in your own lane. I dont know if you got this yet but since I am only human I get very annoyed with people who claim to be more woke than others because theyre vegan. Veganism may not work for everyone and thats OK. People need to be respected either way.

Take it one day at a time and dont beat yourself up over any slip-ups. Jumping right into it can lead to a severe detox, [it] happened to me, and it can scare you off. Go into it slow and steady. Start off with your nutrition then start looking into your beauty products, cleaning products, clothes, shoes, etc. Every little bit counts so do what you can in your own way, let go of the guilt. Dont follow people on social media who make you feel bad about yourself because youre not living like them. Appearances are just that, appearances.

Yes, Im a fan of cooking but I wasnt always so dont get discouraged. Since starting NeuroticMommy I like to think that I made cooking vegan less scary and less intimidating. I make what I grew up on and what I love. I like to think I take the leg work out for people and make their lives easier by creating recipes they know, love, and enjoy. I shop at four different places to stay on budget as were a family of four. My first stop is Trader Joes, they have the best priced organic produce and other items like ACV, avocado oil, vegan ramen, and so much more. After that, I hit up WholeFoods, Basic, and ShopRite {which has a ton of options now too}. Sometimes I go to ShopRite first depending on what I need. But I have to say Im very happy with ShopRite because they now carry a lot of what we get for an affordable price so were not breaking the bank.

I mostly cook so I dont really have a go-to spot. But Ill name some of the places I hit up once in a while where I know I can get a vegan meal. HoneyGrow, BareBurger, Madison, Chipotle, Qdoba, Simply Juiced, Acai Ya Later, Pizza Republic for their vegan pizza, Illuzion has a great Pumpkin Tempura Roll, Karma Kafe, and Bluestone Lane.

My favorite vegan-friendly place with all their dishes is down in Redbank called Good Karma Cafe. They are fully vegan and the food is off the charts. When I go into Manhattan, I love Blossom down on Carmines.

Dont feel bad about your life choices, just do the best you can each day. Remember when going fully vegan to do it safely and responsibly. Social media is good for inspiration and recipe ideas but dont take health advice from anyone. Only you know whats best for you so do that. If youre not taking care of you, then youre really no help to other living things and the planet. What I always tell my readers is to take from me what will work for you. There is no one size fits all. Its like saying everyone would look good with the Rachel haircut and we all know {in my best Maury voice} thats a lie.

Being vegan now has a totally different meaning to me than it did when I first transitioned. Today, being vegan for me is truly conscious living. Consideration and compassion for the earth and all living things. I am not a poster child for this way of life but I take small steps to enhance and improve on it every day.

Ive recently made a year. I started off pescatarian about three years ago, then vegetarian, and vegan just last year.

Being vegan was never part of the plan for my life. The exact opposite in fact. But a few years back, my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. It ignited a deep dive into the black hole of truth about our food and nutrition and I happened upon many documentaries, one being What The Health. Im a very by the book person and I dont like the feeling of being lied to or manipulated. As crazy as it sounds, once I learned the truth, I felt that the food industry had been doing just that my entire life so I made the decision to break that generational, cultural cycle. Just strongly believe that simply because weve been living a certain way for years, doesnt mean it is right and should not be changed.

Ive been blessed to have many friends and loved ones in my personal life and supporters/followers online ask me this question and I always say the same thing. My answer is to find your why. It works for practically everything in life. Figure out your reason for going vegan. Is it for your health, for the planet, for the animals? All of the above? Whatever it may be, remembering your why throughout that journey will keep you on the right path. My why has changed multiple times throughout my journey but it continuously keeps me going.

Discipline. Point blank. The main reason why remembering your why is so important! Personally, I lack discipline in things I am not passionate about. I was never much of a cook, I never meal prepped, I never cared about reading the ingredients or nutrition facts on anything {I assumed everything was good for us because otherwise why was it being sold to us?}, but I eventually completely adjusted and it all became second nature.

Honestly, I couldnt possibly pick just one thing. The thing is, I was once that person. I didnt know any better and used to speak from not what I knew but from what I was conditioned into thinking and believing. So as annoying as it is to hear people tell me that Im wrong for living this lifestyle or that Ill die from malnutrition, I used to think the same. So I try to have as much patience as I can and put myself in their shoes to then try to open up their minds.

Take your time! When I made my decision to transition out of animal products, I went cold turkey and cut them out the very next day. But I also wasnt prepared, didnt do my research and was totally winging it. I now tell anyone interested to start with an animal-free day one day out of the week like a meatless Monday or dairy-free Tuesday or cruelty-free Wednesday {which would be all animal products at once if you feel that youre up for it}. Once you get into a routine, you can start to add another day to the week and slowly but surely youll be animal product free all week. No one is asking you to go cold turkey like I did. Its too rash and I wouldnt recommend it. Take your time to get it right.

Like I previously mentioned, I was never into cooking. My type of cooking is trying my best to follow and not totally screw up a recipe I find online or in a cookbook. Ive always been super lazy in the kitchen and would constantly opt for instant meals. Going plant-based changed that for me {something I never anticipated}. I try my best every week to cook/prep meals that will keep me on track. Im at a point now where I know what I like and have my go-to recipes. And trust me, theyre all as simple as can be. Every now and then I make the effort to find and try new things to expand on.

Luckily, were at a point now where plant-based options are being more readily available and accessible in most grocery stores. My personal go-to stops every week are Whole Foods and Trader Joes.

Oh man, literally as local as it gets because its like 15 mins away from my apartment, but Seak is Edgewater is my jam. I love Thai food and their Thai eggplant with tofu is absolutely everything and more!

I dont think I have one favorite dish or spot for that matter, but to be honest, Ive also become pretty disciplined with refraining to eat out these days since Im big on saving these days, but on my treat days, Ive definitely got my go-to spots.

Veggie Heaven for incredible vegan Chinese food, By Chloe and anything by Chef Chloe Coscarelli in general, Subias, Tea NJ, Montclair Vegan, Good Plans Cafe in Montclair, Joyist, Johns of 12th Street for amazing vegan Italian, Bare Burger is always a nice fast food option, PS Kitchen, Red Bamboo, Beyond Sushi has great vegan sushi, Peacefood Cafe, and so many more but Ill stop there.

Do you have any vegan lifestyle tips youd like to share? Let us know in the comments!

Arielle is a born-and-bred Jersey girl and like a true NJ native, half her diet consists of bagels and the other half pizza. As a graduate of both American University and City, University of London, shes been a passionate writer ever since she wrote her first book in the first grade. When shes not furiously typing away at her keyboard, she spends her time ticking places off of her to travel to list, trying any and all new foods, and trying to stop herself from spending too much money at Zara.

Link:
Local Vegans Weigh in on Secrets to Their Plant-Based Diets - hobokengirl.com