January. A month of depleted finances and walks through dark streets lined with dead Christmas trees. Days spent working out how to live off a tenner for the next three weeks turn into nights spent scrolling through everyone's #bestnine and developing crippling FOMO. It's enough to make you want to take a four week nap.
Never a species to rest on our laurels, whilst the rest of nature hibernates until April, we set about improving ourselves and thanks to the fact that, by January, most of us are made up of 90 per cent brie, 10 per cent everything else, our goals are often health focused.
With growing concerns about the environmental impact of the meat and dairy industries, it's little wonder that the vegan tribe is on the rise and we now have an entire month dedicated to following this kind of diet.
Whether you're doing Veganuary because you're tired of the Christmas cheese and meat sweats, want to feel zen or reduce your carbon footprint, having a comprehensive guide is a good place to start.
Step away from the double cheeseburger: we've found the tomes that'll get you to February animal product free.
The Oh She Glows Cookbook by Angela Liddon
Creator of award-winning vegan blog ‘Oh She Glows’, Angela Liddon knows a thing or two about making non-dairy meals look and taste amazing. The gorgeous photographs in this book will keep you motivated, while tempting recipes like Creamy Avocado Pasta and Chilled Chocolate Espresso Torte will encourage you to cook more. Don't pull this out midweek, though: with lists of ingredients both incomprehensible and arduously long, this is better for languid Sunday cooking.
£11.89, Amazon, Buy it now
Ms Cupcake: The Naughtiest Vegan Cakes in Town by Mellissa Morgan
Morgan's motto - 'because everybody deserves good cake' - is a sentiment we can get on board with. The idea of baking without dairy and eggs might sound unachievable, but the recipes in this colourful book – written by the creator of London’s first all-vegan bakery – prove that you can still make indulgent treats using simple substitutes. With veg making up much of the starchy content, it's also a great way to slyly ply your children with their five a day.
£14.78, Amazon, Buy it now
The New Vegan: Great Recipes, No-Nonsense Advice & Simple Tips by Aine Carlin
Following the success of her first book – Keep it Vegan, author and blogger Aine Carlin returns with this inspiring read full of useful tips and easy-to-follow recipes. Recipes such as the jerk cauliflower steaks help to ease in steadfast meat eaters and the useful vegan fashion and beauty tips will help readers on the way to a cruelty - free life. Pretty much all of the ingredients are available in local supermarkets too, so it won't take much effort to prepare these recipes during the week.
£10.78, Wordery, Buy it now
Thug Kitchen: Eat Like You Give a F***
Proving that veganism isn't all goji berries and matcha, Thug Kitchen provides some humorous relief from the sometimes pious and alienating tone of vegan food writing. in their new cookbook. The authors behind the popular food blog have created a fun, humorous and informative cookbook that’s just the ticket for those completely new to vegan living. From Broccoli Burritos to Baked Spanish Rice, you’ll find something for every mood and occasion.
£11.89, Amazon, Buy it now
Healthy Happy Vegan Kitchen Paperback by Kathy Patalsky
Who knew kale salad could taste so good? This beautifully-presented book contains a range of approachable recipes that will help you turn those basic ingredients into something wonderful – there's even a vegan philly cheese sandwich. Hallelujah.
£18.76, Amazon, Buy it now
Keep it Vegan by Áine Carlin
Another one on the list from Carlin. Upon its inception, her popular Pea Soup Eats blog was welcomed with open arms by the then underrepresented vegan community. Even non-vegans will be sated by the food on offer- dishes such as Sweet Potato Sushi and Watermelon Bulgar Wheat Salad are satisfyingly substantial- and it’s a great book to have on hand if you’ve got to entertain someone who’s meat free or, equally, have to satisfy meat lovers coming for dinner.
£10.49, Amazon, Buy it now
15 Minute Vegan by Katy Beskow
We can all have excellent culinary intentions, but when pushed for time and money often end up reaching for something quick and instantly satisfying like a frozen pizza or shop-bought tortellini. Vegans, on the other hand, don’t have this luxury as limited options in the prepared food aisles mean they really have to think ahead. Thank goodness, then, for this new 15 minute book, offering up meat and dairy free meals that can be whipped up in an instant. We particularly love the sound of the breakfast burritos and butternut squash macaroni.
£10.50, Amazon, Buy it now
Vegan in 7 by Rita Serano
One of the worst things about cooking from scratch is buying the ingredients, which often end up costing more than a meal out. Luckily, Vegan in 7 is on hand to keep your bank balance high and your blood pressure low by working off the premise that every recipe only requires - you guessed it - seven ingredients. From stirfries to quiche, Katy Beskow imparts the art of cooking fuss- free.
£6, Amazon, Buy it now
Feed Me Vegan by Lucy Watson
Made in Chelsea fans are probably aware that former cast member Lucy has left behind her 'up in my grill' days and taken up a wholesome vegan lifestyle. So far, we've only been privvy to this through her instagram posts, but since the release of her cookbook back in September, we've gained more of an insight into the kind of foods she eats. Whether you're feeling a Pad Thai or are hankering for a slice of pizza, Lucy's got you covered with her easy - to - follow, approachable style.
£6, Amazon, Buy it now
