“Biram zdravlje, biram veganstvo”: The Campaign that Changed the Dietary Habits of the BiH Community
November 14, 2024
Health, Project News
The project “Biram zdravlje, biram veganstvo” (I Choose Health! I Choose Veganism!) started on World Health Day, April 7, 2024, and lasted for six months, concluding on October 7, 2024, with the goal of promoting veganism and its health benefits.
INSPIRING STORIES AND EXPERT ADVICE
The “Biram zdravlje, biram veganstvo” campaign included seven video conversations with various experts and inspiring individuals who shared their professional experiences on the advantages of a plant-based diet.
Dr. Jovana Mašić, a specialist focused on the health benefits of vegan nutrition, shared her knowledge on how we can use plant-based nutrition to improve health and prevent disease. This topic was especially important in light of the growing body of research confirming the positive effects of vegan diets on human health.
We spoke with professional dancers and acrobats from Split’s duo Crowd Control, Jana Hajsok and Sonja Bonačić, about how vegan nutrition can positively impact energy and endurance. Their experiences were powerful proof that a well-planned plant-based diet is not only healthier but also crucial for peak physical performance and maintaining vitality in demanding disciplines.
Weightlifter Ana Špac and runner Ana Štefulj shared their experiences in sports and how a vegan diet helps them achieve top results. Both emphasized that plant-based nutrition gives them long-lasting energy and aids in faster recovery, which is crucial for every athlete.
Additionally, fitness experts Marko Samardžija and Ivana Martinec offered practical advice on how to properly plan vegan meals and optimize nutrition for maximum health and athletic outcomes. Their tips included strategies for balancing nutrients and maintaining energy throughout the day.
Through this series of inspiring stories, our goal was to show how a vegan diet can positively impact every individual, regardless of age, physical activity level, or specific dietary goals. Each of these stories was further enriched with tips and guidelines that can help anyone looking to improve their health and physical performance.
RESEARCH AND CONTEST
Participants had the chance to take part in a survey and contest, with the grand prize being a vegan monthly meal plan designed by nutritionist Ena Tešić. This prize gave eight people the opportunity to start their vegan journey and experience the benefits of a plant-based diet. Additionally, five lucky winners received the cookbook “Balkan VEGAN” by Jelena Cvetković Šarkanović.
RESEARCH RESULTS:
A survey was conducted during May to gather data on dietary habits, health conditions, and education regarding health and nutrition.
Overall, participants’ health was concerning, with many reporting chronic illnesses and health problems.
Survey results revealed that 47.5% of participants follow a standard diet, while only 13.9% practice veganism.
Of the 14 vegan participants, 10 stated they have no chronic illnesses, while four had diagnosed chronic diseases.
Interestingly, 12 participants followed a vegetarian diet, and among them, 10 reported no chronic health issues. This shows that both vegan and vegetarian diets have a significant impact on health, especially in maintaining it.
When asked if they were underweight, optimal, overweight, or obese, we were pleased to see that the majority, 53.5%, were in optimal health, while 32.7% were overweight, and 9.9% were obese. However, excess weight remains a major factor in the development of many diseases, so attention should be paid to it. Standard diets are high in calories and saturated fats, while vegan diets help with weight loss.
Participants expressed a desire to develop long-term healthy eating habits, with 92.1% wanting to introduce more plant-based foods into their diets.
83.2% of participants had not attended educational nutrition lectures or workshops in the past year, indicating a need for greater accessibility to information and resources related to healthy eating. These findings highlight the need for more free education and counseling.
The survey underscores the importance of promoting veganism and educating about its benefits, especially in light of alarming health statistics. The data provides clear guidance for future campaigns and educational activities that could significantly contribute to improving health and preventing diseases.
Ultimately, the survey results show significant potential to improve health practices and nutrition education, with a focus on veganism, which could have a positive impact on community health.
EXPERIENCES OF PARTICIPANTS IN THE MONTHLY VEGAN NUTRITION COUNSELING SERVICE:
Eight lucky winners participated in the “I Choose Health, I Choose Veganism” project, receiving the opportunity for a vegan monthly meal plan and counseling with Ena Tešić, a Master’s graduate in nutrition and owner of the “Veggae” counseling service. The plan included creating a personalized menu, supplementation, constant support over 30 days, and two follow-up sessions. The project provided winners with a unique opportunity to improve their health and gain a better understanding of a vegan diet.
Participants from Banja Luka also had a detailed body composition analysis using the InBody device and personal consultations with Ena. Participants from other cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina received online support and advice. Ena carefully considered their preferences, adapting the menus to suit their daily needs and available ingredients.
The results of this monthly plan were positive and significant for each winner. Many noticed increased energy, reduced fat mass, improved muscle mass, and the adoption of healthy eating habits they plan to maintain.
Winners praised Ena’s professional, empathetic, and approachable attitude, highlighting how her advice and personalized approach helped them overcome challenges and stay motivated. In addition to the nutritional benefits, the project enabled them to discover new foods and develop a positive relationship with vegan nutrition, along with recipes they will happily use in the future. This support, they mentioned, was invaluable on their journey toward better health.
Through their participation in the project, all winners demonstrated a commitment to health and plant-based nutrition, and the results encouraged them to continue making healthier choices and further develop their vegan eating habits.
ONLINE CONTENT
Through the campaign “Biram zdravlje, biram veganstvo” various content was shared on social media to inform and educate the public about the risks associated with consuming meat, eggs, and dairy products, and the health benefits of a vegan diet.
To clearly illustrate the connection between dietary habits and health, posts highlighted key data from research showing the link between animal product consumption and chronic diseases. These posts helped followers understand how their dietary choices can influence the development of serious health problems.
The posts also focused on the positive effects of a vegan diet in preventing and reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancer, emphasizing how plant-based nutrition can improve overall health and longevity.
As part of the online content, two short videos were posted showcasing the consequences of a standard diet rich in animal products, with shocking statistics on eating habits and their consequences, particularly focusing on cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes. Through these videos, we aimed to raise awareness about the long-term effects of unhealthy eating and motivate people to change their dietary habits.
Through these educational materials, the campaign sought not only to inform but also to actively contribute to raising awareness about the importance of healthy food choices and their impact on health.
INDOOR & OUTDOOR CAMPAIGN
To spread the campaign’s important message to a wider audience, special attention was given to outdoor and indoor advertising at high-traffic locations in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Billboards were set up at 15 strategic locations in Sarajevo, Banja Luka, Mostar, and Tuzla, featuring the prominent message “I CHOOSE HEALTH, I CHOOSE VEGANISM.” Designed in bright, attractive colors, these billboards became a memorable visual reminder of the possibilities of a healthier lifestyle through veganism. Each billboard displayed two contrasting worlds – on one side, a standard diet rich in animal products and the accompanying reliance on medications for diet-related illnesses, while the other side showcased a vibrant, diverse vegan diet full of vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, and plant-based alternatives. The goal of this visual was to clearly convey the message that veganism is the healthiest option for daily living.
In addition to the billboards, a key component of the campaign was the presence of video content on public transport in Sarajevo and Banja Luka. Passengers could see a short, educational video on screens in buses and trams that clearly presented worrying statistics about the consequences of unhealthy eating habits. The content was specifically tailored to urban commuters, designed to capture attention in a short time and encourage reflection on everyday food choices.
CONCLUSION
All of these activities helped the campaign contribute to raising awareness about how a vegan diet can be a step toward a healthier lifestyle.
The goal was to reach as many citizens as possible through various channels so that the message “Biram zdravlje, biram veganstvo” would become recognizable and encourage the community to reflect on their own dietary choices.
Through educational content, inspiring stories, and community engagement, the campaign touched many lives, encouraging individuals to think about their own eating habits and showing that change is possible.
Positive reactions and the results of the survey indicate growing awareness of the benefits of plant-based diets, while the experiences of the participants showed that veganism is the only right choice. However, this is just the beginning of the journey toward a society that cares about its health through the choice of a vegan diet.
Given the strong response and support the campaign received, we hope that “Biram zdravlje, biram veganstvo” will become a lasting inspiration for those who want to live healthier. Let this project serve as a reminder of the power of positive change and the importance of collective efforts for the health of every individual and the community as a whole.
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