The year is almost over and I love setting new goals for the new year. Every new year brings inspiration to do something new and hope that we are going to achieve all of our goals. Every year I love to challenge myself and test out my self control to discover how strong I can be and do something that is great for my health. In the spirit of challenges and trying something new, I challenge you to take the pledge for Veganuary.

What is Veganuary?

Veganuary is a charity inspiring people to be vegan for the whole month of January! (Vegan + January = Veganuary!) During the whole month of January you will receive daily emails on helpful tips, yummy vegan recipes, meal plans, how to stock your pantry and information on all the nutrients you're getting from eating a whole food plant based diet! Why should you take the pledge for Veganuary? There’s a reason for everyone to try vegan and I’ve listed out 5!

Eat Healthier & Lose Weight

The most common new year’s resolution that everyone makes is to eat healthier and lose weight. According to Statista, 45% of people’s New Year’s resolution in 2018 was to lose weight. Well guys eating a whole food plant based diet will in fact help you lose weight. Researchers found that average BMI was lowest among vegans, while average BMI was highest among the meat-eaters. Most fruits and vegetables are naturally low in calories and high in fiber which helps you feel full. Fruits and vegetables also provide essential vitamins and minerals, fiber, and other substances that are important for good health.

Get in Shape

Losing weight and getting in shape go hand in hand. When you start eating better your performance will also get better. Fueling your body with foods rich in vitamins and minerals will help you perform your best. The number one question vegans get asked is "Where do you get your protein?" My favorite quote by Pino Caruso says it perfectly, "People eat meat and think they will become as strong as an ox, forgetting that the ox eats grass." Plant proteins offer antioxidants, fiber, minerals, vitamins and phytochemicals while animal proteins come with saturated fat, cholesterol, added hormones and antibiotics.

Glowing Skin

A vegan diet requires that you eat more fruits and vegetables and less dairy, meat, and processed foods. Fruits and vegetables contain natural antioxidants that have a great impact on your skin. Studies have shown that removing dairy from patients' diets improves their acne. Besides just helping with stubborn pimples, going vegan can also improve your complexion. Dermatologists have noticed patients who follow a plant based diet have brighter skin, better texture and less bloating in the face. Overall, a better diet and lifestyle will lead to feeling beautiful inside and out.

Animals

Compassion for animals is connected to goodness in character. Did you know that an average person living in a developed country (who is not a vegetarian or vegan) will consume approximately 7,000 animals during his or her lifetime. 25 million farm animals are slaughtered for food in the United States EVERYDAY. In just ONE day of going vegan you will save 1,100 gallons of water, 45lbs of grain, 30 sq ft of forest, 10lbs of Co2, and one animals life. For 31 days that’s 31 animals, 34,100 gallons of water, 1,350 lbs of grain, 903 sq ft of forest, and 310 lbs of Co2, that pretty much makes you a superhero!

Environment

Vegetarians and vegans greatly impact the suffering of animals and environmental damage caused by the agriculture industry. According to United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, Global meat production is responsible for more greenhouse gas emissions than all of the trains, cars and airplanes in the world combined. And let’s not forget the plastic problem in the ocean, 46% of plastic in the ocean comes from fishing nets. Giving up plastic straws is one thing but giving up seafood is the best thing we can do to help marine life and the planet.




There are so many more great reasons to go vegan for just a day, a week, a month or even a year! I know a lot of people are curious and want to give it a try so why not kick start your new year with Veganuary!? Take the pledge! What the heck I’ll take the pledge with you!