Planning to go vegan this new year? 5 things you should know before you do so

With the New Year on the horizon, lots of people start thinking about making changes — and for plenty of folks who care about their health or the planet, that means going vegan. Cutting out animal products is shaping up to be one of the most popular resolutions for 2026. Maybe you’re in it for your health, maybe for animals, or maybe you just want to shrink your environmental footprint. Whatever your reason, going vegan can be a big, satisfying shift. But let’s be real, it’s not a small tweak. You’ll rethink not just what you eat, but how you live, shop, and even socialize.

Before you dive in, you’ll want to get your head — and your body — ready. Being vegan can be great for your health, but only if you plan things out. Go in blind, and you risk missing out on key nutrients that keep you feeling good.

But don’t worry — we’ve got your back. Here, in this guide, we’ll jot down five key things you should keep in mind before committing to veganism this New Year.

Let’s get going!

Veganism isn’t just another diet. For most people, it’s a whole lifestyle, shaped by personal ethics, the environment, or health goals. Maybe you care about animal rights, maybe you want to cut your carbon footprint, or you just want to feel better and manage your weight. Knowing why you’re doing this keeps you grounded when things get tough.

Vegan diets can mean better heart health, lower risk for diabetes, and fewer certain cancers—mainly because you’re eating more fiber and less saturated fat. But don’t fool yourself: just skipping animal products doesn’t guarantee you’ll eat healthy. There’s a lot of junk food out there with a vegan label. Stick to whole, nutrient-dense foods whenever you can.

Here’s something you can’t ignore: you have to plan your nutrients. Some things are just easier to get from animal foods, so as a vegan, you need to be more intentional.

Take vitamin B12. Your body needs it for nerves and blood, but plants don’t make it. You’ll need to get it from fortified plant milks, cereals, or just take a supplement. The same goes for a few other nutrients:

Iron: Plant sources like lentils, beans, and spinach are great, but your body won’t absorb their iron as easily as it does from meat. Eat them with something high in vitamin C (like oranges or peppers) to help out.

Calcium and Vitamin D: Usually found in dairy, but you can get them from fortified foods, tofu, leafy greens, and by getting some sun.

Omega-3s: Crucial for your brain and heart. Look for chia seeds, flaxseeds, or algae-based supplements.

Skip planning, and you could end up tired, sick, or worse. Talk to a nutritionist before you start, just to make sure you’ve covered your bases.

A lot of people think vegan food is boring or limited. That’s just not true. There’s a massive world of plant-based foods out there. Think tofu, tempeh, seitan, beans, lentils, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and a mountain of vegetables and fruit. These give you all the protein, fiber, vitamins, and good fats you need.

Don’t be afraid to experiment. Try new recipes and mix up your meals so you don’t get bored. The more variety you eat, the more nutrients you’ll get. Some crowd favorites: hummus, quinoa bowls, bean curries, veggie stir-fries, and smoothies packed with plant protein.

Let’s be honest, some nutrients are just harder to get from plants. That’s where supplements and fortified foods come in handy. Pretty much every vegan takes B12, and you might need vitamin D if you don’t get much sun. Fortified plant milks, cereals, and nutritional yeast can help you fill any gaps.

Focus on food first — beans, greens, seeds, fortified products — then add supplements if you need them. It’s smart to get a blood test before and after you switch, so you and your doctor know if you need to tweak anything.

Going vegan feels great, but let’s be real, it isn’t always easy. Sure, more restaurants offer vegan dishes now, but you still have to think ahead, especially if you’re eating out or heading to a party. You’ll get pretty good at scanning ingredient lists and speaking up about what you need.

Find people who get it. There are tons of online groups and local meetups where you can trade recipes, swap tips, or just vent a little. Don’t pressure yourself to be perfect right away. Everyone messes up or craves old favorites sometimes. The important thing is to keep learning, stay open, and just keep going.