Veganuary: Are you wanting a fresh start in 2025?

Why not start by introducing more fresh produce into your diet? Every January, people around the world take part in Veganuary – a month-long challenge to go vegan. It has become a popular way to kickstart the year, promoting plant-based eating for health, the environment, and animal welfare.

But what even is a vegan? What are the benefits of going plant-based? More importantly, what are the negatives? Keep reading to see how Sport and Faith Coach, Luke unpacks Veganuary. 

"Health Benefits of Going Vegan 

Switching to a vegan diet for a month might feel like a big change, but the health benefits can be incredible. A well-balanced vegan diet is packed with nutrient-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and legumes, which are all great for your overall health. Studies have shown that vegans tend to have lower rates of heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes, largely due to the absence of saturated fats from animal products. At Sportily we believe that moving more is good for your mental and physical health; eating a healthy range of foods works well to complement being active.  

Moreover, many people report feeling more energised and less bloated when they adopt a plant-based diet. Plus, with so many delicious plant-based alternatives available today, it's easier than ever to enjoy satisfying meals without missing out on flavour. I'm sure a ‘meat-free meal’ has caught your eye in the local shops recently.   

The Cost Factor 

One of the common misconceptions about going vegan is that it’s expensive. While certain speciality vegan products (like plant-based meats or dairy alternatives) can be pricey, you can actually eat very affordably on a vegan diet. Beans, lentils, rice, pasta, and seasonal vegetables are all budget-friendly staples that form the backbone of many plant-based meals. Buying in bulk and cooking at home will save you money, too. Plus, with the growing popularity of veganism, supermarkets are increasingly offering affordable vegan options, making it easier to stick to your budget. And what should you spend the saved money on? More Sportily sessions of course!  

Environmental Impact 

If you’re looking for a way to make a positive impact on the planet, Veganuary is a great place to start. Animal agriculture is one of the leading contributors to climate change, deforestation, and water pollution. By going vegan for just one month, you can significantly reduce your carbon footprint. Apparently, a vegan diet can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 50%. Plus, it takes far less land and water to grow plants than to raise animals for food, meaning you’ll be contributing to the conservation of our natural resources. You’re far more likely to know where the food has come from, the conditions it was grown in and sleep peacefully knowing that no animals were harmed.  

No doubt there will be an organic farm shop local to you (don’t pretend you didn’t wince at the thought of the prices), which offers a variety of seasonal produce from sustainable locations. Adding these products to your diet means you know where your food is coming from, you can trust that the quality is higher than store-bought, and your money is going to the farmers, not through a production chain starting thousands of miles away.  

A Month of Awareness 

Participating in Veganuary is more than just a diet change; it’s an opportunity to learn about where your food comes from and how it affects your health and the world around you. You don’t have to commit to being vegan forever, but the experience can open your eyes to a new way of eating – one that’s kinder to animals and the planet. 

So, whether you’re in it for the health benefits, the environmental impact, or simply to try something new, Veganuary is a great way to start the year with a positive, mindful approach to food. And who knows, even if you don’t stick with it beyond January, it should give you a couple of new recipes, and you’ll be well-appreciated by any vegan friends coming over for dinner.   

We back the old saying ‘Health is Wealth’, so why not try something new to improve your health this year, adding more plant-based meals to your food plans, and joining others in your local community to move more!"