Veganuary is an annual campaign to encourage and support people from all over the world to go vegan for January. It first took place in January 2014 and has grown steadily ever since! Around 3,000 people took part in the very first Veganuary, and just 8 years later, there were roughly 630,000 participants in Veganuary 2022. Will you be joining them this year?
Why should you take part in Veganuary?
One motivation for adopting a vegan diet or reducing your consumption of meat and animal products is your health. Several studies have reported that vegan diets tend to provide more fibre, antioxidants, and many other beneficial nutrients such as vitamins A, C, and E (Healthline). Research has also shown that a vegan diet can help to promote weight loss, reduce your risk of heart disease by lowering cholesterol levels, and even lower your chances of getting certain types of cancer.
However, the environment and the welfare of animals are often the two main driving factors for individuals choosing to go vegan. Every single year, more than 70 billion animals are killed, with the amount of fish killed being even more startling – 2 trillion. These numbers are truly too large to even comprehend, and more and more individuals are beginning to feel extremely passionately about this unfair and unnecessary wrongdoing.
The harm that the meat industry causes to our precious planet is additionally enormous and long-lasting. Meat production is the single biggest cause of deforestation globally. Meat consumption is also responsible for releasing greenhouse gases such as methane, CO2, and nitrous oxide. These gases are hugely contributing to climate change and global warming.
What does a vegan diet consist of?
Vegans abstain from eating any animal, fish, or anything derived from them. This applies to all byproducts, such as all dairy and eggs, whey, gelatine, and cod liver oil. If you choose to go vegan you can eat fruit, vegetables, nuts, grains, pulses, and legumes. There are also now many vegan substitutes for meat, fish, cheese, and milk.
For some, going vegan (even just for a month) may be a slightly daunting prospect, but we’re here to guide you through it!
Here are 6 top tips for going plant-based for Veganuary:
1) Get planning
The key for getting through Veganuary is to be organised and make sure you’re well stocked up on what you need! This way there will be less chance of you slipping up when you’re hungry! We 100% advise you to sit down and create a meal plan. Beforehand, have a think about what you enjoy eating the most and see if it’s possible to veganize it – most likely it will be! There’s plenty of inspiration online. It’s also a great idea to batch cook meals and perhaps freeze some for your thankful future self. Consider investing in a reusable produce bag if you don’t already have one – to keep your fruit and vegetables fresh for longer. Nothing will put you off your Veganuary journey quicker than some sad and slimy vegetables!
2) Explore the supermarkets
In the last few years the amount of vegan products available has increased dramatically. You’ll be astounded at the number of products that show when you type “vegan” into the search bar on your favourite supermarket website. There are tons of exciting vegan products that maybe you wouldn’t have even considered before. Treat this like a new adventure and a chance to try lots of food you wouldn’t usually do so! Who knows, you might just find your new favourite snack or meal.
3) Do it together
If you can convince a partner, family member or friend to share your Veganuary journey with you, you’ll find it much easier. It’s great to have someone to cook and share recipes with, and even just to simply provide mutual support and words of encouragement!
4) Remember to check labels
When you start checking labels, you’ll be surprised how many things you think are plant based aren’t. Powdered milk and egg seem to be everywhere! Many wines and beers are also not strictly vegan, as they are filtered using animal products. Always check the label and if in doubt, ask, or have a Google!
5) Maintain a balanced diet
Try to eat as many different vegetables, fruits, pulses and grains as you can. Remember to eat the rainbow! This will help to give you all the nutrients you need and your body will thank you for it. With scientifically proven produce bags like Veggie Saver, you can have the confidence to bulk buy your favourite, seasonal fruit and veg, knowing they will stay fresh, crunchy and nutrient dense for 2+ weeks!
It can also be a good idea to take supplements if you’d like to make sure you are definitely getting all the nutrients you need. Vegans are particularly recommended to take b12 supplements.
6) Don’t stress
Remember, it’s the taking part that counts and every little change makes a difference. Don’t worry or kick yourself if you make a mistake. You’re still learning and the important thing is to keep going and to try your best! Try to treat your Veganuary journey as a fun challenge – you may even enjoy it so much that you decide to continue into February and onwards!
If you’re taking part in Veganuary this year, we’re rooting for you and cheering you on! You’ve got this.
Shop Veggie Saver
Remember to get prepared for your vegan journey with a produce bag to keep your fruit and veggies fresh. Veggie Saver is scientifically proven to keep them crisp for 2 weeks or more. It is a natural, non-toxic, reusable produce bag, helping you to reduce waste, plastic pollution and the number of trips you take to the store! Shop on Amazon today.