Veganuary: a month without animal products
Dominik Chiavi
Giving up animal products for all of January is the simple concept behind Veganuary – a portmanteau made up of “vegan” and “January”. But the idea encompasses far more than just a creative combination of words. The movement was founded in 2014 by a non-profit organisation from the UK with the same name. Veganuary Switzerland is the Swiss branch, that invites you to take on the challenge and offers a lot of help and support.
Vegan January – why exactly?
It would be presumptuous to preach certain ways of eating. The most important principle is choosing a balanced diet. Whether you opt for animal products remains an individual decision. However, Veganuary is an opportunity to take on a new perspective for a limited period of time, and it definitely raises awareness of taking a more conscious approach to your own nutrition.
One undisputed positive effect is the protection of the climate and the reduction of animal suffering. According to WWF Switzerland, the consumption of food in Switzerland accounts for an average of 16% of our carbon footprint. A large part of this is due to animal products such as meat, fish, dairy products and eggs. The ecological footprint of a balanced diet can be up to 40% smaller than the average animal-based diet in Switzerland.
If you’d like to try it for yourself, you can count on the support of Veganuary Switzerland. On their website, you can sign up for Veganuary and receive practical food and shopping tips plus recipes for the challenge throughout the month.
Preparation is half the battle
It’s easy to stock up your cupboards with essentials such as alternatives to dairy milk, margarine, whole grains and legumes. The best thing to do is draw up a meal plan in advance. This makes things easier on your wallet, because you only buy what you really need. Speaking of shopping, never go to the store without a shopping list. This will help you avoid having animal products unexpectedly end up in your shopping basket.
Although the vegan ranges in supermarkets are now much more varied than they were a few years ago, which makes it easier than ever to eat purely plant-based foods, there are always pitfalls. Vegan and organic labels can help. Some foods that can be particularly tricky include the following:
- Pasta: often made with eggs.
- Gummy bears: may contain gelatine, an animal protein.
- Muesli: may also contain gelatine.
- Bread: always look out for L-cysteine, which is made from hair, claws or feathers.
- Wine, beer, fruit juices: gelatine may have been added as a clarifying agent.
- Ready meals: often contain milk powder, gelatine, etc.
Nutrition advice over the phone from santé24
santé24 offers nutrition advice over the phone on topics such as your diet in the event of illness or after surgery, food intolerances and diseases of the digestive system. The advice provided includes recommendations for a healthy and balanced diet as well as support with weight loss and nutritional issues.
Get advice by phone now. This service is free of charge for SWICA customers. Find out more.
