Why Going Vegan Feels So Hard — And What Actually Helps You Stick With It

Let’s be honest: starting something new is always exciting... for a while.

You watch a few documentaries, maybe scroll through some amazing vegan recipe videos, and tell yourself, “This is it. I’m going to do this right.”

But then? Life kicks in.

You get busy. You forgot to grocery shop. You run out of ideas. You’re hungry, and someone orders pizza.

And before you know it, your well-meaning plans quietly fade away.

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. A lot of people want to go plant-based — for health, for the animals, for the planet — but struggle to stay consistent. And it’s not because they’re lazy or undisciplined. It’s usually because they’re trying to figure it out all on their own.

Let’s talk about why it feels hard… and what actually helps make it easier (and even enjoyable).

1. Why Most People Struggle to Stick With a Vegan Diet

Making a big lifestyle change like going vegan can be overwhelming. You’re suddenly thinking about every meal, every snack, even what’s hiding in your condiments. It’s like learning to walk again in your own kitchen.

Here are a few reasons why people often struggle:

• Lack of structure. Without a clear plan, it’s easy to fall back into old habits.

• Decision fatigue. Constantly thinking “What do I eat?” or “Is this even vegan?” gets tiring.

• Social pressure. Eating out with friends or going to family dinners can feel awkward when your choices are different.

• Nutrient confusion. Worrying about getting enough B12, protein, or iron can feel like another full-time job.

• Boring meals. If your food isn’t exciting, your motivation fades fast.

2. You’re Not Weak — You’re Just Missing Support

Here’s the thing: it’s not about willpower. Most people fail at new habits not because they aren’t strong enough, but because they try to do it alone.

Think about it: when you learned to drive, someone guided you. When you started a new job, there was training. But when it comes to going vegan, most people just dive in cold.

No wonder it feels hard.

What we need isn’t more pressure — it’s more support. More structure. More encouragement. And a reminder that it’s okay to start small, take it one day at a time, and lean on tools that make things easier.

3. What Actually Makes It Work

Let’s break it down. What helps people succeed with a vegan diet long term?

💡 1. Strong Motivation

Whether you care about animals, your health, or the environment, having a reason why helps you stay grounded when it gets tough. You don’t need to be perfect — you just need to keep your “why” in sight.

🥦 2. Basic Nutrition Knowledge

You don’t need to study nutrition, but it helps to know a few key things. Like how to get enough iron from lentils and spinach, or why vitamin B12 is important. Understanding the basics takes away a lot of fear and confusion.

📝 3. A Plan You Can Follow

This is the game-changer. Having a 30-day vegan meal plan with simple recipes and grocery lists saves you from daily decision fatigue. You’re not asking “What do I eat today?” — you already know. That kind of structure makes it so much easier to stay consistent.

🤝 4. Real Support

Community matters. Whether it’s an online group, a friend doing it with you, or a structured challenge with daily emails, it helps to feel like you’re not the only one doing this. Even small check-ins or encouragement can keep you on track.

🍛 5. Food You Look Forward To

If your meals are bland or repetitive, you’ll get bored fast. But if you learn how to cook flavorful plant-based meals — especially using ingredients from global cuisines like Indian, Thai, or Mexican — you’ll start to crave your cooking. No joke.

4. Small Steps Matter More Than Big Ones

You don’t need to go all-in overnight.

Trying to do everything at once is one of the biggest reasons people give up.

Instead, try this:

• Replace one meal a day with a vegan option.

• Experiment with a new recipe each week.

• Add more plants to your plate, even if it’s not 100% vegan.

• Keep a few go-to meals that are fast, easy, and satisfying.

• Focus on progress, not perfection.

Every little step adds up and builds confidence. The goal isn’t to be perfect. The goal is to keep going.

5. The Power of a Challenge

Sometimes what we need is a little nudge — something to keep us accountable, inspired, and moving forward.

That’s where something like a one-month vegan challenge comes in. It’s not about pressure. It’s about support.

A challenge gives you:

• ✅ Daily guidance

• ✅ Easy-to-follow meal plans

• ✅ Delicious recipes

• ✅ Community support

• ✅ Tips to handle cravings, social situations, and nutrient concerns

It takes away the guesswork and gives you the structure you need to succeed.

You don’t have to figure it all out by yourself. And you don’t have to do it forever. Just one month. One step at a time.

Final Thoughts: You Can Do This (Even If You’ve Tried Before)

If you’ve ever tried going vegan and given up, you’re not alone. And you’re not a failure.

Most people give up because they’re trying to juggle everything with no help. But you don’t have to do it that way.

With a little structure, a simple plan, and the right support, things can feel totally different.

This isn’t about being perfect. It’s about making a shift — for your health, for the animals, for the planet — and finding a way to make it stick for you.

If you’re curious about trying again (or for the first time), there’s a challenge that might help.

It’s not a pitch. Just an invitation.

Want to try it with support this time?

Check out the One-Month Vegan Challenge and see how much easier it can feel when you’re not doing it alone.

You might surprise yourself.

Take the challenge