NEW YEAR, NEW YOU? 3 X JANUARY TRENDS

The start of a new year is the perfect time for many Dutch people to reset, break old patterns and try new things. The good and especially healthy resolutions are flying around your ears at this time. MASTERS discusses the three trends of a healthy start.Text: Leonie Pamboer

Dry January

Dry January - not drinking alcohol for the month of January - is gaining in popularity every year. After the many, many glasses of wine and champagne in the holiday month of December, many people feel the need to take a moment to live healthier and feel better. Dry January provides such positive effects as weight loss, a better sleep cycle, more focus and feeling fit. In addition, one month alcohol-free is enough to lower blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol. It is not always perceived as easy but it is definitely worth the effort. Tip: Allow yourself a glass of your most favorite and exclusive wine as a reward when the sober month is over.

Veganuary

Eating completely vegan for the month of January may sound new but it has been around for seven years. The concept of one month of plant-based eating was conceived by the British organization of the same name, and since 2014 half a million people have already participated. Even fast-food meat giants McDonalds and Burger King are convinced and are coming out with an all-vegetable burger this year. There are a number of benefits linked to eating vegan such as losing weight, lower blood sugar, less risk of type 2 diabetes and it is good for skin and heart. In addition, it's good for the environment - less livestock, less CO2 emissions. Need help getting started? Google your best friend with an inexhaustible source of vegan recipes and shopping tips.

Plastic-free January

Plastic-free January - buying no or as few products wrapped in plastic as possible during the month of January - is beginning to gain ground. That plastic does not break down and pollute the environment is obvious. The ban on free plastic bags and the ban on disposable plastic items such as straws, plates and cutlery from July 2021 reflects this advance. But what can you do? At the supermarket, opt for large packs because they are less likely to need to be re-purchased and fruits and vegetables will do just fine in the cart without a plastic bag or bring your own bags. Glass bottles and jars are a good alternative to plastic containers and also look very stylish in the kitchen. The first delivery supermarket where everything is packed in glass jars is already a fact in the Netherlands.