The Veganuary movement is celebrating its 10th year anniversary this year. According to the Veganuary website, Veganuary has inspired and supported millions of people to try vegan since 2014, with participants from almost every country in the world. They have encouraged more vegan options for businesses to offer in shops and restaurants and have made veganism more visible and accessible by getting the word out.
A friend of mine was chatting with a friend in another country who was complaining about the price of meat, saying he could only afford it a few times a month. She suggested he try going completely vegan. He retorted that he didn't need to eat that kind of processed foods. When she tried to clarify that vegan food included all plant-based, whole foods like produce, grains, legumes and seeds, the conversation took an odd turn. “That's just normal food. Vegan is when they make all those processed foods that say vegan on the package.” he began to argue.
What is Veganuary about?
More people than ever are embracing plant-based diets, and January offers the perfect opportunity to join the growing movement. The Veganuary movement embraces the annual pledge to try veganism for the month of January. Veganuary energy is gaining momentum, fueled by increasing awareness of the health, environmental, and ethical benefits of a plant-based lifestyle.
Veganuary brings focus to better health
The rise in chronic, preventable diseases is a significant factor driving interest in Veganuary. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the U.S. Here are a few statistics from CDC:
- Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men, women, and people of most racial and ethnic groups.1
- One person dies every 33 seconds from cardiovascular disease.1
- In 2022, 702,880 people died from heart disease. That's the equivalent of 1 in every 5 deaths.12
- Heart disease cost about $252.2 billion from 2019 to 2020.2This includes the cost of health care services, medicines, and lost productivity due to death.
Type 2 diabetes affects more than 37 million Americans, and many cases could be prevented or managed through lifestyle changes, including dietary modifications.
Veganuary spotlights diet and health, not to mention the kindness factor
While veganism typically focuses on not eating animal products to raise awareness of kindness to animals, the big side effect is brilliant health. What goes into our bodies does matter. Numerous studies have demonstrated the link between diet and chronic disease. A 2023 study published in the *Journal of the American Medical Association* found that individuals following a plant-based diet had a significantly lower risk of developing heart disease compared to those consuming a diet high in animal products. The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) highlights research indicating that plant-based diets can help prevent, manage, and even reverse Type 2 diabetes.
Beyond Veganuary
Beyond individual health, the environmental impact of animal agriculture is another compelling reason to consider Veganuary. The United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimates that livestock production accounts for 14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Reducing meat consumption can significantly lessen one's environmental footprint.
Veganuary offers a supportive framework for those curious about exploring a plant-based lifestyle. The organization provides resources, recipes, and a vibrant online community to help participants navigate the transition. Whether motivated by health concerns, environmental awareness, or animal welfare, Veganuary provides a platform for positive change. This January, consider joining the millions making a difference, one plant-based meal at a time.