Veganuary Challenge Inspires to Eat Only Plant-Based Foods in January

Have you ever heard of Veganuary? This annual, month-long event in January encourages people to try veganism for a healthier diet and life.

Highlights:

Veganuary challenges people to eat only vegan foods for the entire month of January
This is done to promote a healthy lifestyle, protect the environment, and end animal farming
Entering the new year with a fresh mindset could turn a new vegan into a full-time lifestyle

January is the perfect time to try something new. The Veganuary movement, the combination of ‘vegan’ and ‘January’ believes it is an especially good time to try out a new diet -- a vegan one, to be exact.

A vegan diet excludes all meat, fish, dairy, eggs, and other animal products. Veganuary challenges you to follow this plant-based diet for the whole month of January and know about its benefit for health.

Fight the Climate Crisis by Going Vegan

At present, climate change and the dangers of environmental degradation are hotly debated topics. People are becoming more aware of the necessity to preserve the environment and the existing resource pool for future generations' sustenance.

Protein Power of Vegan Diet | Vegan Diets are Rich in Proteins
A Vegan diet eaten over the course of a day can meet the human dietary protein requirements and provide all essential amino acids, ensure adequate nitrogen retention and use in healthy adults.

‘Going vegan is not only a diet change but also more of a lifestyle change because of compassion for animals, the environment, and everyone's health.’

As a result, they are looking toward ecologically friendly solutions. Switching to renewable energy sources, sustainable fashion, and eco-friendly eating habits are among them. The latter has gotten a lot of attention, especially with the rise of plant-based meat alternatives.

Companies who source these items are pushing people to give up meat to save the environment by lowering their carbon footprint and reducing the harmful impact of the meat industry.

As we embark on the veganuary month in 2023 to spread awareness of the goodness of plant-based products here is an illustration of the potential of plant-based meat as a climate investment.

Why Switching to Plant-Based Meat is the Best Thing You Can do for Earth?

Health Risks of Meat Eating

: Humans began scavenging for meat as it was readily available and a rich source of energy and nutrition. However, with the discovery of agriculture, human beings settled in instead of roaming the forests as hunter-tribes.

Does Veganism Benefit the Environment?
Lower consumption of animal-based products such as meat, dairy and eggs and adopting a vegan lifestyle can help in reducing carbon footprint.

Unfortunately, many did not adapt as willingly to the change. Most people’s activity pattern is not conducive to adaptation to meat eating. As a result, a diet rich in meat, particularly red meat, may give rise to health problems like cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, obesity, and high blood urea levels. Many of these illnesses can be fatal.

Contribution to Greenhouse Emission

: The meat industry generates approximately 60% of the greenhouse emission from food sources. These emissions trap the earth’s energy and are responsible for global warming ().

Vegan Diet - Better Choice for Weight Loss Than Mediterranean Diet
A vegan diet is more effective for weight loss than a Mediterranean diet. Vegan diet is associated with a reduction in calorie intake and increase in fiber intake.

Cattle raised for meat also produce large amounts of methane while digesting their food. Similar is the case for the manure produced by the industry. So next time you feel concerned about the rising temperature of the earth and the heat waves, you should reassess the requirement of meat for your meal.

Deforestation

: The meat industry cleared thousands of acres of forest area globally to accommodate the growing industry need. To make matters worse, breeders usually clear the forested area by setting fires, which contribute to CO2 emissions and, if left uncontrolled, can cause widespread damage.

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Deforestation, in addition to depleting the earth’s oxygen sources, also means a loss of habitat for a wide range of species and may contribute directly to the extinction of some.

High Amount of Waste Generated

: The waste produced by livestock frequently runs into local water sources and contaminates them. The cattle raised for meat require land for grazing. However, due to intensive grazing, the soil is often left barren, leading to the loss of the fertile top layer to wind and rain. This industry thus also contributes to soil erosion and contamination ().

The adverse impact of eating meat has been well documented. However, despite the gamut of accusations levied against it, giving up meat can be a tall order.

Instead, investing in plant-based meat enables people to make healthier and more sustainable choices without compromising on taste and texture. Various options are available, and this switch is the cheaper option in the long run.

Therefore, start to change the world with a small step- changing how we eat. These efforts may culminate in a healthier body and a happier world.

References:

Food and Climate Change: Healthy diets for a healthier planet (https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/science/climate-issues/food)
Climate Impacts of Cultured Meat and Beef Cattle (https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fsufs.2019.00005/full)

Source-Medindia