The New Year inspires the world to introduce healthier and long-lasting habits into their day-to-day routines, and Veganuary –– the global movement to eat vegan for January –– challenges people everywhere to give plant-based foods a chance on January 1. This year, Veganuary reported a record-breaking sign-up rate with one person joining the challenge every 2.4 seconds after kicking off the year this Sunday.
With the help of YouGov, Veganuary found that committing to a New Year’s resolution makes people happier and more hopeful on average at the start of the new year. The poll found that those adopting a vegan or vegetarian diet at the beginning of the year feel better about the year than those who opted out of a resolution (78 percent versus 59 percent).
“The fact that I learned about Veganuary on the radio just driving down the road makes me hopeful that plant-based living is becoming more and more thought about, normalized, and easy to achieve,” Veganuary 2022 participant Anne, age 52, of Watkinsville, Georgia, said in a statement “Learning the numbers Veganuary shares with us about the impact it makes on the environment and the people it reaches and how many people participate makes me feel very hopeful as well!”
Veganuary intends to encourage people worldwide to try eating healthier and more sustainably at the start of the year. Now, the global movement has enlisted over 2.5 million since its founding in 2014. Nearly every country in the world has been involved in Veganuary. The poll also noted that 85 percent of non-vegan past participants have reduced their animal-based consumption since their first Veganuary.
Participants receive 31 days worth of coaching emails including nutrition guides, a meal plan, discounts, and plant-based recipes. The movement also compiled a celebrity e-cookbook with recipes from Dr. Jane Goodall, Venus Williams, Alicia Silverstone, and more.
Vegan New Year’s Resolutions
Veganuary’s recent poll also reveals the most common resolution for 2023. The YouGov survey found that 34 percent of resolution-makers hope to eat healthier overall; 28 percent intend to budget better; 28 percent wish to reduce stress; and 39 percent aim to exercise more. Veganuary primarily intends to instill hope in consumers everywhere, helping encourage people worldwide to fulfill their resolutions.
“Many of us could use a little hope right now,” Wendy Matthews, Veganuary’s US Director, said in a statement “But hope isn’t just wishful thinking –– it’s taking steps that lead to the changes we want to see. Participating in Veganuary is a powerful way to start the year off with positive action, no matter what your resolution.”
Following last year’s Veganuary challenges, 49 percent and 48 percent of participants recorded having improved energy and enhanced mood, respectively.
Plant-Based Debuts For Veganuary 2023
Similar to last year’s campaign, several major brands including Wicked Kitchen, Beyond Meat, Aveda, Violife, and more are debuting vegan items to celebrate the movement. In the United Kingdom, pub chain Hungry Horse unveiled a menu with Meatless Farm burgers, OmniFoods fish and chips, and Impossible Nuggets.
Across the UK and Ireland, McDonald’s is doubling down on its McPlant with the newly imagined Double McPlant, complete with two Beyond patties. Burger King joins in with a collaboration with La Vie and Violife, debuting the Bakon range –– vegan iterations of its classic bacon burgers.
New York City is celebrating Veganuary with its first-ever vegan dining month. Several restaurants will participate in the event hosted by the food and travel website Vegans, Baby. Restaurants featuring plant-based deals and spotlight include Lady Bird, Avant Garden, PLNT Burger, and more.
“I am so excited to launch Vegan Dining Month in NYC after running it for six years in Las Vegas,” Diana Edelman, Vegans, Baby’s founder told Forbes. “The city has such a dynamic vegan dining scene and I am thrilled to create an event here that encourages people to dine out during the month and give restaurants –– both vegan and vegan-friendly –– a try for a good cause.”
For more plant-based happenings, check out The Beet’s News articles.
31 Delicious, Plant-Based Recipes to Make on Repeat
Want fresh ideas for meals that are healthy, plant-based, and delicious? This free newsletter is for you. Sign up to get a recipe of the day delivered to your inbox every morning.
Lemon Artichoke Pasta Recipe
Lemon, Basil, and Artichoke Pasta to Enjoy For Spring
This signature spring pasta dish is loaded with citrus, sweetness, and nuttiness for a refreshing umami taste. The key is to use the freshest produce and quality olive oil. It has 6 grams of fiber and 13 grams of protein.
Spring Salad Recipe
Vegan Bruschetta Pasta Salad
What better way to get into the mood for spring than with a light and fresh Bruschetta Pasta Salad? This recipe is loaded with fresh ingredients like tomatoes, red onions, and basil that go perfectly together.
Sweet and Sour Shaved Cauliflower and Fennel Salad
This sweet and sour shaved cauliflower and fennel salad has the perfect combination of acid, sweetness, and savory flavors with fresh lemon, fruits, salty pistachios. The dressing has maple syrup to counter the bitter fennel. It’s a spring delight.
How to make a vegan chickpea salad bowl
Asian-Inspired Crispy 5-Spice Tofu Lettuce Wraps With Cabbage Slaw
In this Asian-inspired recipe, you will be using traditional ingredients that are commonly used in Asian cuisine but with no meat or dairy. This Crispy 5 Spice Tofu Lettuce Wraps With a Noodle Cabbage Slaw recipe is restaurant-quality and your guests will have no idea that this dish is plant-based
Black Pepper Tofu With Rice and Broccolini
This Black Pepper Tofu can be whipped up in 30 minutes, making it the perfect last-minute meal, packed with protein. Cook it in large batches, and keep in the fridge for an easy weekday lunch.
Recipe of the Day: Blackberry Basil Yogurt Toast
This twist on the usual avocado toast for breakfast is one of the easiest ways to add a nourishing spread with protein and nutrients. The combination of dairy-free yogurt, blackberries, and basil is full of antioxidants and fiber. Rotate it into your routine as a great nutrient-dense option
Summer Rolls w: Sweet & Spicy Peanut Sauce Recipe 5
Summer Rolls with Sweet & Spicy Peanut Sauce
Looking for a refreshing, lightweight meal made with nourishing ingredients? Try these Summer Rolls with Sweet and Spicy Peanut Sauce. The beautiful thing about this recipe is that it requires zero cooking!
How to make Thai Curry Noodle Soup
Vegan Thai Curry Noodle Soup
Today’s Recipe of the Day is Thai Curry Noodle soup, a comforting yet light bowl to enjoy all year round. Thai dishes like this one are especially healthy, with tofu, high in clean protein, and vegetables rich in nutrients and fiber. This dish is sure to fill you up and leave you satisfied.
Vegan, Keto Rainbow Cauliflower Rice Sushi
A lighter, healthier version of your traditional sushi, this recipe swaps cauliflower for rice, which can spike blood sugar. The cauliflower is a keto-friendly substitute for anything high in carbs and is nutrient-rich!
Roasted Sweet Potato & Spinach Grain Bowl
One of the best things about charming farmer markets with stands full of flowers and fresh produce is you can buy what’s in season. This sweet potato and spinach salad is full of plant-based protein and complex carbs that are filling, delicious, and healthy.
Easy Baked Artichokes with Rosemary and Lemon
Artichokes are so easy to make, especially if you’re hosting a dinner party because you can prep them in advance. Skip the buttery sauce and make these with healthier lemon and rosemary dressing instead.
Make This Cajun Caesar Salad with Blackened Chickpeas For a Healthy Lunch
We are always told to eat more salads to be healthy, but lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, and Italian dressing can get old, fast. If you’re tired of eating the same old salad, try this cajun caesar salad with blackened chickpeas, full of fiber, protein, and, most of all, taste!
Roasted Aubergine and Tomato Pasta with Basil Pesto
A delicious homemade pasta is so healthy, packed with vegetables, you can eat the entire bowl without a moment’s hesitation. Add crunchy pine nuts and fresh shaved vegan parmesan, (Follow Your Heart and Violife make great ones). Make this for date night, and listen to raves about your cooking.
Vegan Buddha Bowl With Quinoa and Vegetables
Looking for a healthy vegan buddha bowl? This recipe is gluten-free and makes a great lunch or dinner. Toss in any fresh vegetables from the farm stand or market: Purple cabbage, cucumber, avocado, and more.
Why We Love It: Moroccan inspired salad is gluten-free, low in calories, and easy to make. It’s packed with fresh and whole foods including several immune-boosting foods like cumin, ginger,…
How to make Mark Bittman’s risotto recipe
Mark Bittman’s Barley Risotto with Beets and Greens
Today’s Recipe of the Day is a warm, rich risotto made with red beets and beet greens. Beets help protect your heart, eyes, brain and reduce inflammation in your body, yet they are often overlooked when it comes to cooking because the vegetable is intimidating to many. Enjoy this comfort food meal!
How to make Coconut Ceviche.
Vegan Coconut Ceviche Created by the Chef of Planta
Today’s Recipe of the Day is coconut ceviche created by Executive Chef David Lee of the popular plant-based restaurant, Planta, with several locations in Florida and a new one in New York City. Check out this delectable appetizer, and make it for your next dinner party!