In the New Year, many of our resolutions consist of getting fit, going to the gym more, eating better, or making the world a better place. Well I’ve got some great news for you…you can accomplish all these “resolutions” by making some tweaks to your everyday diet and going vegan. I’m not here to lecture you about the benefits of this switch in lifestyle, or to “preach”. I’m just giving you a few reasons why people go vegan. Veganism is often associated with terms like “rabbit food”, “hippies” and “health nut”. But veganism is not just a diet, it’s a lifestyle. A lifestyle encouraging abundance, connecting with nature and yourself and supporting the fight against environmental destruction.
It’s easier than you think! But do not let anyone convince you to go vegan without doing the research yourself.
Often people think that being vegan is a form of deprivation. That could not be further from the truth. In fact, did you know that Oreos and Sour Patch kids are vegan? YES, they are! The true meaning of veganism is, “abstaining from the use of animal products, particularly in diet (ie. milk, eggs), and an associated philosophy that rejects the commodity of animals”. So try cutting back on the meat and dairy and adding in more plant based foods into your diet: fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans and legumes.
Going vegan has many benefits, particularly on your health and the environment.
A nutrient dense plant-based diet filled with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, healthy fats and carbohydrates helps with…
- Disease prevention, reduces the risk of:
- Cancers
- Diabetes
- cardiovascular disease
- arthritis
- obesity
- Physical elements
- BMI
- healthy skin
- weight loss
- energy
- the healthy growth of nails and hair
- PMS
Unfortunately, the dairy and meat industry are heavily contributing to:
- Global warming
- Pollution
- Deforestation
- Species extinction
- The increased consumption of resources (ie. land, water)
- Unlawful treatment and conditions of animals
Following a vegan lifestyle helps contribute to less air pollution and puts less stress on our natural resources by requiring less land, fossil fuels, water and grains. The science behind the effects of these industries is quite fascinating, however that will have to wait for another article.
There is so much ground to cover when talking about veganism. If any of this interests you, I highly recommend educating yourself by reading articles, books or watching these documentaries that will change your perspective. They largely focus on the environmental and ethical reasons for going vegan and help to explain the science behind it all.
Check it out! And ask yourself, why would you go vegan?