The first challenge of the year - Veganuary

Veganuary comes from combining the words vegan and January. The challenge is a movement that started in 2014 and has been very popular ever since. The essence of the challenge is to follow a vegan diet for a month. Veganism is a well-known nutrition trend which rejects all products of animal origin. It's not only focused on nutrition, but it's a complex lifestyle. Vegans don't consume animals and animals products like clothes, cosmetics and so on. People choose to eat plant-based for health, animal walfare or environmental reasons. 

What are the benefits?

1. Good for the planet

Although environmental polution comes largely from industrial and agricultural sources, you can do a lot as an individual to reduce the amount of harmful substances. Not to mention that plant-based foods have a significantly lower ecological footprint than meat, dairy products and eggs, since the production of plants requires less land and water than animal-based foods.

2. Good for your body

Many people take up the challenge in the hope of developing a healthier lifestyle. Those who choose a vegan lifestyle report more energy, better digestion, better sleep and a better sense of well-being. The development of most civilizational diseases originates from harmful lifestyle factors. A whole food palnt-based diet has been scientifically proven to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes. 

3. Good for your shape

According to statistical data, the body mas index (BMI) of people living a vegan lifestyle can be kept in the most healthy range. The high fiber content of plant foods is an important factor not only for our health, but also for preserving our shape, as it provides a feeling of fullness and increase the feeling of satiety.

4. Good for animals

Nearly 70-75 billion land animals and 1,5-2,5 aquatic animals are slaughtered for food each year. Most farm animals are kept in miserable conditions, overcrowded, often without even seeing sunlight until they are sent to the slaughterhouse. Nowadays there are enough information to know that the lives of a farm animals are not as happy as shown on food labels. 

5. Good for your taste buds

Many people think that the vegan food is boring, tasteless and vegans only eat salad. Veganuary is a great opportunity to disprove these beliefs. It's time to try new flavors, ingredients and techniques that support your health and the planet. 

Pay attention to these if you try the vegan diet

B12 - vitamin B12 is essential for brain health and function, energy metabolism and the production of red blood cells. It's only found in animal products, so it is especially important to pay attention to their intake.

Iron - is a mineral, that plays the role in the oxygen transport of red blood cells. Iron deficiency is very common, so it is worth to supplement your diet with it. 

Omega-3 fatty acid - by abandoning the consumption of fish, your Omega-3 intake also decreases. Omega-3 is found naturally in flay seeds, chia seeds, nuts and legumes. However, it is very difficult to provide the right amount needed by the body, so it's recommended to replace it in the form of a supplement. 

Calcium - a mineral that is important for muscle function, contributes to brain function, plays a role in blood clotting and helps wound healing. The calcium content of poppy seed, hazelnut and soy is considerable, but it is worth supplementing it from an external source by giving up diary products.