Have you ever considered a more healthful diet? One that can potentially increase your lifespan? Perhaps you want a more animal-friendly diet? A diet that is better for the environment? Maybe you suffer from Alpha-gal syndrome, a disease triggered by a tick bite, and want family members to better understand your dietary requirements. If so, then perhaps Veganuary is for you!
The idea of Veganuary may not be popular in the Midwest, where meat production is a major part of the economy, but going vegan is quickly gaining more attention worldwide.
Veganuary is a yearly challenge, run by a non-profit that takes place in January, and was founded in 2014 by Jane Land and Matthew Glover. Millions of people from around the world have participated, including celebrity sponsors who advocate for veganism and help promote Veganuary. This year’s sponsors include famous names such as Paul McCartney, Joaquin Phoenix, Billie Eilish, and Mayim Bialik, just to name a few.
Going vegan for life or even for a short period of time can give you a great health boost. Personally, I have better controlled my cholesterol and my A1C, which is a measurement of how my diabetic blood sugars have been over a period of time. By cutting out animal fats, I have improved my heart health and have more energy. After only four months of a plant-focused diet, I reduced my A1C by a whole point, which is a lot if you are familiar with the struggles of maintaining healthy diabetic blood sugar levels. This is important in my life due to the fact I have had Type 1 Diabetes for 55 years.
According to the ADA (Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics), a well-planned vegan diet can help manage and prevent chronic diseases like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, and obesity. The reason for this is the link to lower intake of saturated fats and cholesterol, along with a higher intake of fiber and beneficial plant compounds. Even if you were to adopt a vegan diet a few days a week, you could see potential health benefits. In 2025, 81% of Veganuary participants reported a significant diet change six months after taking part. Nearly two-thirds saw health benefits of more energy, better skin, and improved mood.
Before transitioning to a vegan diet, it’s important to start taking a Vitamin B12 supplement. Be sure to consult your physician before making any major dietary changes, and spend some time learning the basics of plant-based meal planning. A helpful place to start is the Veganuary website at veganuary.com.
At vegnauary.com, you will find support, a Q&A section, over 500 delicious recipes, including an online celebrity cookbook, a sign-up for 31 free coaching emails, and much more. You can opt for the coaching emails to begin immediately, or select a date of your choosing. These emails are meant to help in supporting your shift to a healthier, more mindful diet on your schedule. So even if you are not ready to jump right into Veganuary this month, it’s a great place to start with preparation and guidance. January is an excellent time to explore the lifestyle and learn more.
I personally plan to sign up this year. Even though I have been eating some form of a plant-forward diet off and on for decades, I can always use support and guidance.
My longest stretch as a vegan lasted seven years, and I won’t lie, it was a challenge. Living in the Midwest, for a while in Kansas City, being surrounded by some of the best BBQ in the world, I did have cravings. Born and raised on red meat, growing up in a family that owns multiple restaurants, a vegan diet was not something I was educated on. I first became interested in a meatless diet through my deep concern for animal welfare. It was only later that I learned how much better I felt physically and mentally! Then I began to study the impact on the environment from factory farming. At this time, I follow a pescatarian diet, which means I occasionally eat seafood, and I plan to maintain this commitment for life.
Whatever your reason for considering giving a healthier diet a try, you should go for it! Even if you do not like to meal prep and cook, you will find vegan-friendly prepackaged foods in your local grocery store, as well as mail-order meal kits. With Impossible Burger, which is ground beef made from plants, you can create “hamburger” based dishes that will fool even the harshest critic, especially when making spaghetti or chili, where the flavors meld. It isn’t difficult any longer to find meals for vegans, even in the Midwest, although I do look forward to our local restaurants adding more plant-based options to their menus.
You may wonder if you will crave and miss meat. Yes, from my experience, you will, especially in the beginning. However, you will adapt over time. You may even find that consuming animal meat can make you feel a bit queasy as your body becomes less burdened by heavier foods and adjusts to a cleaner diet. Over time the cravings typically fade, and the satisfaction you will get from feeling better becomes its own motivation.
There are other benefits as well, such as plant-based bacon, which is, for me, a must-have that I eat almost daily for breakfast! Bacon fat from animal meat is not something one should consume that often, but with my “facon”, as I call it, I can indulge!
Being vegetarian has presented challenges in my life, from holiday meals with family to eating at a restaurant, but I feel those are small prices to pay for my health! My family is very supportive, and we always make sure there is plenty of good food that meets my dietary needs. There have been times, in the past, when I faced a bit of side-eye regarding my non-meat diet, but over the years, attitudes are changing as society is becoming more aware of the benefits of mindful eating.
Fearful of sticking to it? Having an accountability partner can be helpful. Ask a friend to join you on your exploration into Veganuary! It can be fun supporting and challenging one another as both of you realize the benefits.
Not ready to begin a fully vegan journey? You might find that a Mediterranean diet is a better fit.
It is similar to my own diet but also includes other animal products like poultry.
No matter where you land, whether you’re exploring healthier options, looking to support the planet, or prioritizing animal welfare, the real beneficiaries of healthier eating will be you and your family.
Please like this post and comment below. I would love to hear your thoughts and feelings and your experience may be helpful to someone else.
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