The results are in! Going vegan is the most effective way you can reduce your environmental impact on the planet so why not join over 2 million people worldwide who have pledged to go Vegan this January through UK-based charity Veganuary?
By going vegan for one month, you’ll save 30 animal lives, reduce your carbon dioxide emissions by 280kgs and save over 152 000 litres of water! These are just some of the reasons that Veganuary is encouraging people around the world to go vegan in January and possibly longer too.
Accredited dietician and founder of Plant Nutrition and Wellness Kiah Paetz says the benefits of going vegan don’t just stop there: “When eating a vegan diet your body gets access to an abundance of crucial micronutrients, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that it loves. Even trying it for just 31 days can often make you feel more energised and alert, improve cholesterol levels and boost your gut microbiome. It also gives you the opportunity to experiment with different cooking methods and new foods such as tofu and legumes!”
If you like to kickstart your year with strong resolutions to improve your health, diet and lifestyle but struggle to find the support, head to Veganuary’s website and sign up to receive helpful tips, recipes, and support from celebrities and ambassadors from around the globe who have all taken the pledge to go plant-based this month.
Why do Veganuary?

Help our planet – following a vegan diet will help reduce greenhouse gases plus reduce consumption of water and land that animal farming requires.
Save animals lives – for many, going vegan is an ethical choice to no longer consume any products that are derived from animals.
A healthier heart – meat and dairy have some of the highest content of saturated fat so by eliminating these from your diet, you’ll naturally consume less saturated fat which is great news for your arteries and your heart!
Maintain a healthy weight – animal and dairy products are often high in fat and calories, plus eating takeaway food is a little harder when you’re on a plant-based diet so you’ll often find that going vegan means you’re able to lose weight and maintain your weight loss too.
Helpful tips for going Vegan
Organisation is key – meal prepping is a great way to make sure you’re eating a varied, nutritious, and plant-based diet. As Kiah explains, “It's important to not purely eat fruits and vegetables in each meal of the day. As much as these are important and should be on your plate, they are quite low in energy (or calories) meaning that we might not get all the energy we need each day to function. Alongside your fruits and vegetables, make sure you're always including a source of plant-based proteins in your meals. This includes foods like tofu, tempeh, chickpeas, lentils, beans or nuts and seeds. These foods will also help you to stay satiated and full, as well as provide vital nutrients such as iron and zinc.”
Try out new recipes that include a wide variety of ingredients, plus it’s always handy to keep a few vegan snacks on hand when you’re tempted to reach for something naughty!
Make simple swaps – you don’t have to give up your favourite foods when you go vegan. Simply swap out your protein for a plant-based alternative. Whether it’s a burger, curry, burrito or dessert, there are plenty of vegan substitutes that will make your transition so much easier.

Technology is your friend – with an ever-increasing demand for vegan restaurants and recipes, there’s an app for all your plant-based needs. Take a look at Oh She Glows, HappyCow, Vegan Amino and BevVeg to get the latest in all things vegan.
Take a Vitamin B12 supplement – it can be a struggle to meet your daily needs for Vitamin B12 on a plant-based diet so consider taking a supplement to make sure you are meeting those RDAs.
“Eating a plant-based diet is a fantastic way to boost your health as well as reduce your impact on the environment. Vitamin B12 is the one nutrient that we can't get from plant products and deficiency can lead to fatigue, tiredness and nerve damage. If you decide to follow a plant-based diet long term and completely abstain from animal products, it is also important to consider a supplement of vitamin B12,” says Kiah.
If 2022 is your year to try new things and prioritise your health while protecting the environment and helping save animal lives, Veganuary is a great place to start.