Veganuary: Benefit Yourself and Your Planet

 by Eliza Stevens

Each year, as we make the transition from December to January, it has become an increasingly popular trend to embark on a new journey of healthcare and diets. In 2014, Jane Land and Matthew Glover started the craze of Veganuary and since then it has been estimated that every January more than a million people will stop eating animal products.

There are many positive impacts that Veganuary brings to the planet, as well as the people trailing this new diet. The diet is not only considered good for the planet, but also very healthy, and as some health experts say, it is possible to see these health benefits even if it is just for a month. Currently, food consumption is held accountable for around 17% of greenhouse gases in the UK each year, however if everyone in the UK became vegan for a month, the greenhouse gas emissions would drop by 6%. To put it into perspective, this is the equivalent of six million round trips between London and New York. This is a significantly beneficial outcome of Veganuary for our planet. Furthermore, regarding health benefits, within a few of becoming vegan you will see a positive effect on blood sugar levels, cholesterol, blood pressure and weight loss. However, all this being said, it is incredibly important to be gradual with the transition from full-time carnivore to completely vegan. 

The reason behind this is that, you need to ensure that you are going to continue to get enough calories, protein, vitamins and minerals. A good way of making this change to your diet gradually is by finding some vegan recipes that you can learn to make and know you will like so that you can ensure you will have a good aray of food choices when you do turn fully vegan. You can begin by adding in plant based food such as tofu, tempeh, seitan, beans, nuts and seeds. When you no longer are eating meat you also have to keep an eye on B12 which is a vitamin that is vital for our nerves and blood cells to keep functioning. B12 also plays a part in the synthesis of our DNA and this helps prevent megaloblastic anemia, this would cause weakness and exhaustion. Another important aspect of veganism to remember is that you no longer have an easy supply of calcium, iron, zinc and protein which you would have got from your meat and dairy products. However, it is easy to replace these important nutrients through adding beans, legumes and soy products into your diet.

 According to Oxford University, becoming vegan is the “single best way” to reduce your impact on the planet. If you want to feel as though you are single handedly making an important difference to the current state of the planet and are able to slowly make subtle changes into your diet, then have a go and try going vegan! Even if it is just for a month!