How to take part in Veganuary

Founded in 2014, Veganuary is an initiative that encourages people across the world to try veganism in January. Here, we look at the reasons to take part and how to survive a month – or more – without meat and dairy. Veganism has ballooned in recent years, with a record 400,000 people signing up to the Veganuary movement in 2020. Documentaries like ‘What the Health’, ‘Cowspiracy’ and David Attenborough’s ‘A Life on Our Planet’ have helped drive the trend, all of which shed light on the benefits of a vegan diet for our health and for the planet.

What is veganism and why should you try it?

A vegan diet is one that excludes all animal products, including meat, dairy, eggs and even honey in favour of plants and plant-based products. In short, a vegan lifestyle is one that tries, as much as possible, to exist without harming animals. The benefits of adopting a more plant-based diet are numerous. David Attenborough said himself that our planet simply cannot sustain seven billion meat eaters, and scientists have claimed that eating large amounts of meat and dairy is linked to several health conditions too. When done correctly, it’s possible to get all the nutrients you need from a totally plant-based diet. It can also help you lose weight and introduce you to more fruits, vegetables, seeds and grains that you wouldn’t normally incorporate into your weekly shop. Veganism may not be for everyone, but even just trying it for a month will reduce your carbon footprint and may encourage you to eat less meat and dairy in the future.

The big question: how?

Supermarkets, cafes and restaurants have been filling their shelves and kitchens with tasty meat and dairy substitutes over the last couple of years, meaning finding something you like is easier than ever. Book shops and the internet are packed full of tasty recipes, and if you sign up to Veganuary you’ll receive weekly tips and recipes to keep you on track. Seitan, Quorn and tofu are fantastic substitutes for meat and can be used to create plant-based versions of your favourite dishes. They’re all easy to cook, packed with healthy plant proteins and have a very convincing meat-like texture. Supermarkets are now filled with a huge array of plant-based milks, including soy, oat, almond and coconut, and a huge variety of vegan cheeses too. Although they won’t taste exactly like the real deal, they’re close enough – and delicious in their own right! Eating out is also easier than ever, with more restaurants adding vegan options to their menus.

What about your health?

Contrary to popular belief, you can get all the nutrients your body needs from eating a varied and balanced vegan diet. The only vitamin that’s difficult to find is Vitamin B-12, but thankfully many cereals, soy milks – and even Marmite – are fortified with this essential vitamin. Eat your five-a-day, pack lots of protein-rich beans and pulses into your diet, and get your calcium and iron from green, leafy vegetables and wholemeal bread. If you find it difficult to cram everything in, supplements are an option and the Veganuary website has plenty of nutrition tips for going vegan the right way. Visit uk.veganuary.com to sign up today.