January brings many things, and various days of awareness. One of the biggest in recent times is the Veganuary campaign trying to get as many people as possible signing up for the ‘challenge’ of spending a month living plant-based.

What began in 2014 as a campaign for people to try the lifestyle grew to include more than half a million people in 2021 and has major food producers introducing more and more vegan items each year.

So, should you give it a go? That’s not for us or anyone else to judge although there are many documented health benefits there are also risks if you don’t know what you are doing.

In a survey conducted during the 2020 campaign 38% of those taking part said they were doing so for health reasons, just ahead of the 37% who cited animal welfare as their primary motivation.

Aside from the personal impact, plant-based living also has a proven benefit when it comes to the environment. Fewer livestock and a smaller production chain leads to less emissions.

Paul McCartney, Joaquin Phoenix, and Chris Packham all back the campaign, as does Patrik Baboumian who was crowned Germany’s strongest man in 2011 showing what is possible on the diet.

If you don’t want to commit to the whole month, maybe try a few days, or even just a few meals.