January. The month we all decide to start changing our lives and adapting them to our new year’s resolutions. These resolutions usually consist of getting more sleep, sticking to an exercise regime, following new food habits etc. Although not many of us actually follow these through for the whole year, there is one resolution many people seem to be getting interested in.
Veganism has been on the rise since 2010. But what is veganism really about?
Becoming vegan involves giving up all meat, poultry, seafood and animal-based products. It is essentially vegetarianism without eating animal products either. People have been increasingly interested in following this vegan diet, which has come about due to the accessibility of documentaries and videos showing animal cruelty in the agricultural industry and the benefits to your health on becoming vegan.
As of January 2014, the charity Veganuary has encouraged many people to try veganism out for the whole of January, to show people what it is really like to follow a plant-based diet. The charity has made this transition very easy, by supplying meal plans and recipes to the participant via their emails weekly. By trying out this diet, many people have come to realise how simple and beneficial it is to become vegan, helping many to transition permanently. A vegan diet has become the best way for people to start of the new year with a healthier diet, swapping the turkey sandwiches to chickpea curries and green detox smoothies, following the Christmas period binge.
Emily Kerr, who is trying out Veganuary for the first time has told me, "I found that I feel healthier and more guilt free after not eating any animal products. It had been a good experience and everyone should try it."
