Oats instead of mince, savoy cabbage instead of sausage - after the delicious festive meals in December, many people want to start the year with a lighter diet. For many, giving up meat could be just the thing. And if you want to go one better, skip animal products altogether and take part in "Veganuary".

Vegan January is becoming increasingly popular, and not just because a more plant-based diet is considered healthy or because eating less meat is good for the climate. More and more vegan products are now available in supermarkets. It has become easier to eat without animal products. Whether it's "REWE bio + vegan" or "PENNY Food for Future" - even those who don't want to give up cheese and meat completely can easily move towards a plant-based diet and start with plant-based drinks and vegan yoghurt, for example. Numerous alternatives to milk are now available, from oat drinks to coconut milk.

If you find it difficult to give up cheese or sausage sandwiches, there are many flavoursome vegetable spreads to choose from. And the classic meat substitutes for mince or nuggets have also been further developed and can now compete with the meat originals in terms of flavour. The situation is similar with vegan sweets and ice cream: Avoiding milk, cream or animal gelatine no longer means sacrificing flavour.

If you are serious about going vegan, you should make sure you eat a varied diet and know which foods provide which nutrients. Nuts and pulses are good sources of protein and vitamin B and contain plenty of minerals such as calcium, which strengthens bones, while vegetables and fruit are real vitamin bombs. Cereals contain lots of minerals and proteins, which already cover the most important nutrients, without any meat or dairy products. And perhaps one or two plant-based products will find a permanent place in your diet.