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The Triangle is embracing veganism due to a fresh initiative known as ‘Veganuary.’
This initiative encourages residents of Durham, along with individuals beyond Bull City, to adopt this lifestyle in 2025 and take charge of their well-being.
Durham Mayor Leonardo Williams is among those leading the effort with the Bull City Mayor’s Veganuary Challenge.
So far the municipality informs WRAL News that at least 60 participants have signed the online pledge to become vegan this year.
UNC Rex Registered Dietitian Shelly Wegman mentioned that there are “numerous reasons” to embrace a vegan lifestyle.
“One is the environmental impact: it reduces the consumption of meat and animal products which require a significant amount of water and resources,” stated Wegman. “Two are ethical considerations, including animal welfare and concerns related to that.”
Wegman pointed out that a plant-centric diet also lowers cholesterol levels. The fat-like substance is only found in animal-based products.
“It has been demonstrated to decrease your cholesterol and lessen the risk of heart disease. It can lower the chances of certain cancers. It can enhance blood pressure — all those fundamental health issues,” Wegman explained.
As with any dietary or lifestyle adjustment, Wegman remarked that successfully going vegan revolves around equilibrium.
“You could label yourself vegan and survive solely on rice cakes and peanut butter and that’s not a well-rounded diet,” the dietitian cautioned.
Wegman indicated that challenges related to veganism involve insufficient protein intake and a lack of essential vitamins and minerals.
“B12 is a major concern because that is exclusively found in animal products,” Wegman mentioned. “A deficiency in B12 has been associated with certain cognitive issues.”
Vegans can prevent nutrient deficiencies by seeking alternative plant-based sources.
For instance, tofu, almonds, broccoli, leafy greens, and non-dairy items are all ample sources of calcium.
Vegans can also keep track of their protein consumption by increasing their intake of tofu, beans, and lentils.
Wegman emphasized that a B12 supplement and nutritional yeast can also be beneficial.
The dietitian remarked that transitioning to veganism will necessitate preparation, especially during grocery shopping.
“When you’re at a grocery store, anything that is displayed on the front of the package is a marketing tool,” Wegman stated. “It’s merely there to catch your attention. Turn the package over and examine the nutrition label; that will inform you precisely what’s inside.”
Wegman also advised those adopting a new dietary habit to closely monitor what is detailed on labels.
“Ingredients are arranged by weight. Often what occurs, particularly in the cereal section, is there may be multiple types of sugar listed so that it isn’t the first ingredient,” Wegman advised. “They might use various kinds of sodium, sugar, and similar ingredients to avoid it being the primary component.”
Wegman additionally noted that not everything that appears to be vegan actually is.
“You’d assume sugar is vegan, but it might contain components like bone char that aren’t vegan. Gelatin could be present in specific items like whipped cream or coconut milk, and gelatin is not vegan,” Wegman explained.
That’s where the Triangle Vegan Chef Challenge
aims to assist.
This year’s challenge spotlights 16 local dining establishments offering vegan dishes, including Pure Vegan Café in both North Raleigh and Durham.
“Over the last 3-4 years, I’ve observed many individuals coming in to explore and wanting to give it a try,” stated the restaurant’s owner Veena Birajadar. “Until a few years ago, it was seen as, ‘Oh vegan food is like cardboard,’ but that’s not the case. Especially coming from my country, India, the majority of our cuisine is naturally vegan.”
Birajadar mentioned that she has always been a vegetarian but transitioned to a more vegan style of eating following her father’s cancer diagnosis.
She expressed that many families embark on health transformations after a loved one faces illness.
“Many individuals arrive from the hospital. Their relatives face some health issues: blood pressure, diabetes, heart problems, cancer patients,” Birajadar informed WRAL News. “They share with me, ‘This is what happened and that’s why we’re trying to reduce meat and shift more to plant-based.’”
The business owner stated that in addition to offering vegan options, she also provides numerous dishes that are dairy-free, gluten-free, and nut-free to accommodate various dietary restrictions while dining out.
“I understand the challenges. I have experienced it myself,” Birajadar remarked about the difficulties of eating out. “It’s extremely challenging for me to find vegetarian, let alone vegan, meals.”
Birajadar described the experience of being a novice vegan as “overwhelming” and expressed her objective to facilitate a smoother transition.
“Everyone who enters has something to enjoy here, and it brightens my day,” she stated. “There are minor adjustments you can begin making. It’s straightforward.”
Wegman encouraged individuals to consult with a dietitian or physician prior to embarking on this lifestyle as veganism may not suit everyone.
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