After Veganuary
How to avoid meat all year round
Some plant-based products can hardly be distinguished visually from their animal namesakes. An example of this is the meatless kebab.
© IMAGO/imagebroker
Anyone who continues to eat a plant-based diet after Veganuary will promote their health and protect the environment. This is how it can work.
With Veganuary, many people have already taken the first step towards sustainable consumption. However, those who have successfully mastered the meat-free month are often faced with the question of how to do the new one Lifestyle can be maintained in the long term. Tips and suggestions for keeping vegan dishes on your menu beyond January and living more sustainably.
For the sake of health
Those who live a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle benefit from numerous health benefits. This is one of the reasons why more and more people are deciding at the beginning of the new year to reduce their meat consumption or to avoid animal products entirely. The short-term effects are often noticeable after just a few days or weeks – for example in the form of smoother skin, better mood and more energy. In the long term, a predominantly plant-based diet helps people get sick less often. The positive influence of a vegan diet is also proven a study by the American National Cancer Institute, which identified nine diseases linked to meat consumption. These include cancer, heart disease, respiratory disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, kidney disease, chronic liver disease and infections.
Eat with a clear conscience
Following Veganuary, it is important to focus on conscious consumption. In addition to the positive effects on physical health, a vegan or vegetarian diet also reduces the burden on the environment. Avoiding meat in particular reduces the ecological footprint. In addition, this often supports more sustainable agriculture and thus also contributes to animal welfare. This can be achieved, for example, by buying seasonal food to keep transport routes short. Many products are already labeled as sustainable and provide information about their origin on the label. It is also worth finding out about companies that advertise environmentally friendly production. Reusable alternatives such as fresh nets can help reduce single-use plastic when shopping: This way you can avoid waste.
Plan meals well
Switching to a long-term meat-free diet starts with planning. Because if you plan your meals in advance, you will be able to get all the necessary nutrients. It is important to ensure a balanced supply of protein, vitamins and minerals. Legumes, nuts, seeds, green leafy vegetables and fortified foods are good sources of this. It also helps to protect yourself from spontaneous stimuli with a nutrition plan, be it sweets or savory snacks. But it doesn’t have to be monotonous: the large selection of vegan products always invites you to try out new dishes. In cooking blogs like the Instagram channel “Vegan Miracles” by Chris Washington Vegan cooking is also explained step by step. How about seasonal Brussels sprouts, baked crispy, with pomegranate sauce?
Stay in touch
Anyone who has faced Veganuary alone has shown grit. But the path to a sustainable lifestyle can be easier if you can exchange ideas with other people. And this effect is even measurable: couples who change their diet together are said to have a higher chance of success. This is the result of a survey by Elliptical Reviews, according to the fitness magazine “Fit For Fun”. Friends who lose weight together should also be more successful. Even the relationship can be strengthened by changing your diet together. Conversely, couples in which only one part tries to eat a healthier diet are more likely to be dissatisfied. But you don’t have to give up straight away if your lifestyle is not shared with those around you or there is no opportunity to cook for family and friends. Social media groups or local clubs also offer the option to exchange ideas with others. This can not only support but also inspire.