“Combining the words “vegan” and “January,” Veganuary is an annual challenge encouraging people around the world to switch to a vegan diet and lifestyle for the month.

This entails abstaining from animal products including food, clothing and cosmetics. And while it may seem like a daunting task to many, a record 500,000 people signed up for Veganuary in 2021.”

For more about Veganuary and how to embrace a more ethical lifestyle, look here:

Veganuary was started by a husband-and-wife team, Matthew Glover and Jane Land, back in 2013. They wanted to find a way to introduce more people to the “ethical vegan lifestyle” but without scaring or shaming them into it. By making Veganuary just a one-month challenge, they did just that.

Veganuary was started by a husband-and-wife team, Matthew Glover and Jane Land, back in 2013. They wanted to find a way to introduce more people to the “ethical vegan lifestyle” but without scaring or shaming them into it. By making Veganuary just a one-month challenge, they did just that.

What can a vegan eat and do?

Vegans can eat most things and do even more things!

The truth is that vegans get a bad rep because of misinformation. Yes, vegans do not use or eat any products that exploit animals in any way, but they are, for the most part just like you or me.

The Veganuary challenge is about stepping away from our mindless, conspicuous consumption and consumerism and embracing a more ethical approach to eating and living.

Taking part in this challenge is simple:

Ethical veganism means giving up meat, dairy, eggs, honey, leather, wool, silk, and all other animal products. It means embracing a low waste, kinder approach to how we live and eat, and finding a new balance for ourselves within the living world.

For most meat-eaters, this total cold turkey approach to January can seem impossible.

Small steps make a big difference:

If Veganuary sounds too difficult, why not just make a small change to your life?

• Only eat meat once a week. (If you MUST…)
• Use dairy alternatives as far as possible
• Ensure that all your cosmetics and household cleaning supplies are cruelty free (not tested on animals)
• When you do choose to eat eggs, ensure that you buy proper free-range eggs from a reputable farm with ethical farming practices.

The benefits of a plant-based diet cannot be denied

Not only is a high fibre, high protein plant-based diet much better for your overall well-being, but as long as you watch out for over processed imported products, it can also be a much greener and sustainable way of eating.

We are not saying its easy, but it is definitely worth it!

For delicious vegan meal inspirations check out these Jamie Oliver recipes.

For an inspiring vegan dining experience in Johannesburg, go to either: Lexi’s Eatery or try out Kaylee’s Eatery.