For many years, I have been a faithful listener to the podcasts by vegan cookbook author and animal advocate, Colleen Patrick-Goudeau. Colleen’s podacasts, called Vegetarian Food for Thought, available on itunes and her website, cover every single topic you could think of concerning veganism.
In fact, before I made the switch from vegetarian to vegan, I pointedly ignored the episodes that concerned eggs and dairy! Colleen is so clear and true that I knew if I listened, there would be no going back. When I was finally ready to let eggs and dairy go, I then listened to those episodes to educate and motivate myself.
I was delighted when Colleen gave me an opportunity to review her new membership program! I was even more excited when after I had tested the program and given my feedback, she thanked me by giving me a free membership to hand out to one of my readers!
We are going to raffle this free membership off right here, right now! But first allow me (and Colleen herself) to tell you about the program.
Here is a list of topics that are covered day-by-day in The 30-Day Vegan Challenge:
Day 1 – Taking “Vegan” Out of the Box (turns out veganism isn’t as fringe as you thought!)
Day 2 – Stocking a Healthful Vegan Kitchen
Day 3 – Reading Labels
Day 4 – Getting to Know the Grocery Store
Day 5 – Eating Healthfully Affordably
Day 6 – Trying New Foods
Day 7 – Making the Time to Cook
Day 8 – Starting the Day off Right: A Bevy of Breakfast Ideas
Day 9 – Eating Out and Speaking Up
Day 10 – Packing Lunches
Day 11 – Rethinking Meat Cravings: Fat and Salt Taste Good
Day 12 – Discovering there IS Life After Cheese
Day 13 – Cutting out the Middle Cow and Getting Calcium Directly from the Source
Day 14 – Plant-Based Milks
Day 15 – Putting to Rest the Great Protein Myth
Day 16 – Better Baking without Eggs
Day 17 – Strong Like Popeye – Increasing Your Iron Absorption
Day 18 – B12 – A Bacteria-Based (Not Meat-Based) Vitamin
Day 19 – Finding Abundant Options while Traveling
Day 20 – Skipping the Middle Fish: Getting Omega 3s from the Source
Day 21 – Keeping Things Moving with Fiber
Day 22 – Demystifying Tofu: It’s Just a Bean
Day 23 – Special Considerations for Particular Groups
Day 24 – Eating by Color
Day 25 – Eating Confidently and Joyfully in Social Situations
Day 26 – Finding Harmony in a Mixed Household
Day 27 – Compassionate Fashion: It’s Cool to Be Kind
Day 28 – Understanding Weight Loss – Part One – Calorie Reduction
Day 29 – Understanding Weight Loss – Part Two – Calorie Expenditure
Day 30 – Keeping it in Perspective: Intention Not Perfection
Day 31 – Wrap Up and Reflection
Seriously, Colleen leaves no stone left unturned here. Material is delivered entirely online. You can log into the website at any time day or night and read the material, listen to audio, watch video, and interact in the member forums.
And some of the recipes you receive:
Creamy Leek Polenta
Simple Bean Burritos
Lentil Mushroom Barley Stew
Panzanella (Bread Salad)
Tofu Scramble
Black Bean Squash Quesadillas
Southwestern Quinoa Pilaf
Mexican Chocolate Cake
Green Smoothies
Lemon Artichoke Tapenade
Tofu Cacciatore
Coconut Red Lentil Dal
Spicy Red Bell Pepper Soup
Soba Verde Salad
Truffle Popcorn
No-Bake Apple Crumble
Un-Split Pea Soup
Lemon Poppyseed Muffins
By and large, Colleen’s recipe are simple and use easy-to-find ingredients, even for those of us outside of North America.
While I felt that The 30-Day Vegan Challenge, was probably best for a new vegan just learning the ropes, I did listen to every single day’s material and even learned a few new things, such as the trick to making the tastiest tempeh and how to make fluffy vegan biscuits (which I will eagerly save until Israel gets healthy vegan margarine! Speaking of which, I did find the grocery store tour a little depressing. American vegans, you have some seriously amazing choice of food products!)
Here are some of the FAQ’s from the website:
I’m vegan already. Will I get anything out of The 30-Day Vegan Challenge™?
Absolutely! The vast amount of information provided in this program is perfect for vegans who want to arm themselves with the knowledge they need to answer questions, debunk myths, and guide others. Colleen is continually told by long-time vegans that they continue to learn through her work, which encompasses so many aspects of living thoughtfully and well. Colleen’s no-nonsense approach will quite literally have you walking away each day with succinct, relevant, compassionate responses to the typical questions and challenges vegans hear. In addition, her nutrient-dense recipes and resources and tips for eating as healthfully as possible are helpful for everyone, whether they’re vegan or not, brand-new vegan, or long-time vegan!
I already own the book, The 30-Day Vegan Challenge. Is the content of the online program different from the book?
All of the recipes are completely different from the now out-of-print book. They are brand new, created for The 30-Day Vegan Challenge™ online! Though some of the content is similar to the out-of-print book, it has been re-worked to suit different mediums: print, video, and audio, making it very fresh and new. For instance, the online program enables Colleen to share video cooking demonstrations and messages, which is impossible to do in a book.
So, if you’d like to save yourself the $20 sign-up fee, you can enter to win the free membership here! Just leave me a comment below telling me why you’d like to win The 30-Day Vegan Challenge. Then check back on Sunday, December 16th, the last night of Hannukah, when I will announce the winner! Contest is open to anyone with a computer and internet access, anywhere in the world.
If you’d prefer to skip the contest, The 30-Day Vegan Challenge can be purchased directly HERE.
(This is not an affiliate anything. Colleen is just generous and I love helping her spread her work.)













I’ve been vegetarian for 18 years – over half my life, but now I’m learning about veganism, it seems more right. However, I need a bit of a nudge to go all the way… This challenge might be the kick up the backside that I need.
Hi there! Thank you so much for this contest! I love compassionatecooks.com – the podcast, the books, the ideas – everything!
My path to being vegan began about a hear and a half ago. I started going basic vegetarian, and now essentially only eat scraps of salad cheese or cooked-in butter when I’m unable to ask for adjustments out and about, or in a pressured situation that I haven’t not figured out how to deal with. I am getting better at ahead of time preparations and asking to contribute to pre-planned food-related gatherings, as well as being able to talk about my decision to go vegan with clarity and polite honesty. I credit much of this to Colleen and her podcast, as well as her amazing book, The Vegan’s Daily Companion. I keep it at my bedside table, and read from it every night! The discovery of her no-nonsense, transparent, and compassionate explanations and advice, really sank in with me, and gave me a much-needed push over the hurdles I was struggling with.
Now I’m at a place where I want to dive in deeper, as well as really refine my lifestyle to be more than just food, and more than just the basics I’ve developed. I’ve loved every moment of this process, and can’t imagine every going back. I feel whole, happy, and at peace. And now that my husband and I are expecting our first child, I can’t think of a better time to increase my education and clarity. I want to learn more, experience more, and grow more, so I can live through example, and share with others, with my children, what has become a truly life-changing part of my life!
I have been a vegetarian for 2 years now along with my husband, and I am ready to become a vegan. In order for my husband to come along with me however, I am going to need some help. I don’t really know how to replace diary products in recipes, for example, and even through all of my internet research, am having a hard time finding some really tasty recipes my husband will enjoy. I would like to start my new lifestyle on Jan. 1st, but can’t afford to drop the $20 dollars on the 30 Day Vegan Challenge (which is another reason why I think it would be extremely helpful to me, because it teaches how to be a vegan affordably).
Thanks for taking the time to read this and consider me as a winner of your giveaway.
Hannah
I’d love to win this! I’ve been struggling to go back to veganism after a 2 year hiatus and I think this would really help!
Would love to win the giveaway. I am vegetarian right now, haven’t made the jump yet to vegan.
Thanks for the opportunity to win!
I am entering this contest because I love Colleen and her message. I am a soon to be holistic nutritionist and I would love to have more confidence and knowledge in this lifestyle so that I can better assist future clients!
As a new ‘vegie” this sounds JUST like the sort of information that I’m missing. i do have a couple of cookbooks and there are some AMAZING sites out there but I still find myself eating a lot of toast and peanut butter

I love the idea that so much diverse information is offered on one site and the option of being able to watch it all on video sounds AWESOME !
If I win I’ll invite you all over to dinner
Debbie
Hi. I was a vegetarian for over 20 years before recently making the (somewhat daunting) transition to veganism. I honestly feel like I was “asleep” for over 40 years & now-miraculousy-my eyes have been opened to the amazing benefits of eating a plant based diet. Benefits, not only for my health but to the preservation of our planet (which clearly cannot sustain a carniverous lifesyle), as well as to the many defenceless animals which are abused & slaughtered solely for the purpose off ending up on someone’s plate!! I feel so passionately about needless animal suffering that I only wish I had “discovered” veganism long before now. I feel as though I have been gifted by the opportunity to share my newly acquired knowledge of the health benefits of a vegan lifestyle, as well as the cruel & abusive practices which are inflicted on so many precious animals. I would truly love & appreciate the opportunity to do Colleen’s 30 Day Vegan Challenge & I know I(and my family) would benefit greatly from every single one of the 30 topics, as well as the fab recipes. Thanx for this opportunity. Natalie.
Emily – You have been my inspiration to not only eat more healthy foods but to take care of my health, mind, body and spirit as well. I have been a vegetarian for a year now and am following Dr. Fuhrman’s Eat to Live program. I am not vegan – yet – but firmly believe in taking care of my body and soul in the healthiest way possible. I have become more mindful of what I eat, how I eat and how it affects my health.
I would love to win this challenge to learn more about vegan options, to spread the news with my family and friends and to adopt and adapt to a vegan lifestyle.
Thanks Emily!
I’d love to win the “30 Day Vegan Challenge” as the motivation would keep me on track to becoming 100% vegan! Thanks a lot!
I have examined lots of literature about going vegan and have participated in the CHIP (Coronary Heart improvement Project) and found I had a decrease in joint pain and lost 11 lbs in one month, not to mention my improved cholesterol and blood pressure numbers. But, at the moment I am stuggling with getting back on track and would love to participate in the 30 day Vegan Challenge to help restart my new eating habits.
I’ve just found out that I’m pregnant, and I want to bring this child into the world in both good health and full of compassion. I’ve actually been vegetarian and vegan previously, but it’s always been a struggle because I’ve had a lack of focus or resources in the past that seemed relate-able and realistic. I love Collean’s approach from what I’ve seen in cookbooks I’ve borrowed from the library, and I would LOVE to participate in The 30-Day Vegan Challenge to make a lasting change in my life, as well as the new life I’m creating
Hi,
Thank you for this opportunity.
I would love to win this membership for 2 reasons. The first – I am the only (99.9%) vegan in a dairy and meat eating house and I would LOVE to be able to make dishes for myself that also they would enjoy – which would help cut down on my time spent in the kitchen
In addition, I live in Israel. There are no Engine2 Immersions with all the famous doctors to teach you everything you ever wanted to know about veganism, to encourage you, support you through it. Some fruits and vegetables are not grown here. You won’t find seasoned rice vinegar on the shelf either
So I’d really like to be able to get this to help me stay strong to my commitment. Thanks!
I’ve been vegetarian for four years, but haven’t made the full switch to vegan yet. Ironically, I’m sitting here watching Dr. Oz and he has two other doctors on the show with him who are citing research that just 30 grams of lactose per day increases the risk of ovarian cancer. Yikes! I’m the type of person who has to know the “whys” behind things before I can truly make the switch, so I’m throwing my hat in the ring for this one!
I know that vegan is the right way. Being vegetarian while eating dairy and eggs just doesn’t make sense – it doesn’t help at all, on any level. However, it’s such a hard jump to make. I need to know how to make e.g. kneidlech and kugel without eggs. Creamy pasta sauces without cream and cheese…. I need guidance into this new territory.
I am neither vegetarian or vegan. I have done many cleanses and detox programs which ultimately provided me with a taste of a vegan lifestyle. I always feel so great afterwards and slowly go back to old habits. As a mother of 2 boys and working full time it is just easier to stick with what I know. It would be great to win this to have the support I need consecutively for the 30 days to help maintain what I know is a better lifestyle choice.
I’d like to win so I can try non meat based meals and incorporate more vegan meals into our standard meals. Always looking for inspiration. I could probably be convinced back into vegetarianism at the very least.
You’re so funny Annette! In 3 months you never asked me for any recipes and I didn’t offer b/c I didn’t think you were interested in vegan stuff. If you want, I can send you lots!
My daughter has been a vegetarian for 11 years and recently became a vegan for both health and ideological reasons. I’ve always been concerned about feeding my family in a healthy way and am always looking for more ideas. Mostly at the urging of my daughter I have been considering a vegetarian diet for myself, and perhaps a vegan diet. I already eat very little meat or chicken except for Shabbat. I need to lower my cholesterol without going back to statins (which I recently stopped due to side effects) and believe that if I learn how to plan and cook I will be able to make the change for myself and also make healthier alternatives for my husband and children. When I read about the 30 Day Vegan Challenge I thought perhaps this will be the push that I need to help me make this change.
Sounds like a great program Emily. I haven’t been vegan if several years, but might be time to experiment with it again.