As usual I'm a little bit late getting on the band wagon but as with most things I preach - it's never too late to get started!
So, am I going vegan? As of this moment…no.
If you are a trainer you will understand the frustration of taking on a client who sets out with good intentions but has not really made the commitment. We use the '5 Stages of Change' to determine where someone is when going through lifestyle changes.
1. Pre-contemplation - Also referred to as the "denial" stage.
2. Contemplation - Dipping your toe in but hesitant…
3. Preparation - You've made your first step in the right direction i.e starting a gym membership or having a consolation with a PT.
4. Action - On the road.
5. Maintenance - Congrats you've maintained and sustained for a lengthy period of time!
Why I'm sharing this with you, is because I am still in the 'contemplation' stage. I know what I should do and more importantly what I want to do but in all honesty I'm not ready to make the change.
It's easy to feel pressurised, especially when something almost feels like a "trend". And if you're only doing it cause it's what the cool kids are doing, you're unlikely to sustain it in the long haul.
You have to believe in yourself and be ready to make sacrifices - because with anything health and fitness related there are going to be dinners you have to turn down because you're on a plan, or nights out because you booked an early yoga class on Sunday morning and parties because you and "Jack D" can't be trusted after the second or third drink!
Yes, I've gone off on a tangent. However, the point I'm trying to make is that I don't think going vegan will be an easy journey for me. And I'd be surprised if next week suddenly all my IG posts are strictly plant-based. But I'm throwing it out there that it's something I'm considering for my health but mainly for environmental factors.
If anybody is doing Vegan-uary or has been vegan for a while then please share your experience, tips, motivation etc as your girl here is needing a helping hand! or two!
xxx