A January reset doesn’t need to be a battle

The beginning of a new year feels like the perfect time to make a change, whether that involves organizing, exercising, or eating. This explains why Veganuary and Dry January are both increasingly popular activities. However, some people feel like this reset has become a battle between meat eaters and vegans or teetotalers with drinkers. These commitments need not be divisive, as Meera Sodha explains in her recent article in The Guardian regarding Veganuary.

Sodha says that instead of seeing the challenge as one pitting carnivores against vegans, we should celebrate the opportunity “to start a new relationship with food and let yourself experiment with new vegetables and flavours at a time when the path is relatively clear.” Without major holidays on deck there is less pressure to consume heavy meals or alcoholic drinks. Also, because Veganuary and Dry January have achieved a high level of visibility and acceptance, you are more likely to receive support (or at least less pushback) from bars, restaurants, family, and friends, making it easier to participate.

There is one group of people who may still have an issue with this month of abstention: those of us with January birthdays. Getting friends to come to a party is challenge enough during this dark and frigid time here in the north without taking away all of the good celebration material! Of course I kid; I would never ask my friends to break a commitment just for a birthday party. And I would rather have a January birthday than one in December when the holidays can make planning a party a nightmare. Plus there are two words that destroy the dreams of children with December birthdays: combined present.

Back to the original premise – January presents a great opportunity for a shift in how we think about food and drink, and a reset can make you appreciate things you often take for granted. It can also introduce you to new dishes and provides a great opportunity to explore different cuisines. With the explosive growth of alcohol alternatives, there is no better time than now for drinkers to try a dry January, especially given the increasing number of studies that link alcohol consumption to a variety of illnesses. Long live Veganuary and Dry January.