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Healthy Eating: Vegan Style

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Danielle Cyr Student Contributor, Connecticut College
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Katherine Turro Student Contributor, Connecticut College
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Conn Coll chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

Healthy Eating: Vegan-style
 
Ever wonder what’s really in the food you eat? Do you often feel sick or nauseous after eating? Well, now it’s time to appreciate your body and understand what you’re really consuming. Regardless of whether you’re a vegan, vegetarian or happy-carnivore, here are some ways to improve your lifestyle without completely losing the delicious foods you love.
 
Meat
For most individuals out there, the thought of living without meat is atrocious. You love your burgers, chicken wings and hot dogs..no doubt. Yet do you love the thought of animals being abused, force-fed and beaten? How about the thought of processed meat, containing harsh chemicals and other additives being consumed into your body? Yeah, that “pink slime” is very real and very disgusting. Not so appetizing now, is it? Meat is, and always will be, humans main weakness. Even science shows that humans are actually omnivores, not carnivores. Yes, it’s true people! You are an omnivore! Alright, so ditching the meat isn’t easy and obviously not for everyone, but remember – there are many delicious meat-substitutes such as tofu and other soy-based products that taste just as good, if not better! Even if you can’t drop the meat entirely, buying meat from organic or locally grown farms results in happier animals, better tasting meat and a happier, healthier you.

Milk 
As a milk-loving fanatic, I always thought giving up milk would be the hardest feat ever. Thankfully, I was wrong. To be truthful, milk from cows or any other animal is only intended for their own offspring, not humans. When we require our mother’s breast milk, that is the only point in time we should ever consume milk. Cows are constantly being abused and to make things even grosser, the FDA regulates a certain percentage of cow-puss within each glass of milk. Blah! Don’t worry, there are many delicious milk substitutes you should try, including soy-milk, almond milk and even rice milk! They are not only delicious, but are much healthier for you! Help some cows and help your body too.

Eggs 
It’s inevitable that eggs are everywhere, resulting as a major part of most people’s diet. However, eggs are not always the protein-filled, excellent solutions for our bodies. In fact, eggs are quite high in cholesterol and may contribute to heart disease, studies show. Chicken farming is incredibly brutal, therefore consuming a product from force-fed, suffering chickens is disgusting. Try to reduce your egg consumption, or buy from local farmers. It may seem difficult, but not as difficult as being abused and tortured in a chicken factory.
 
Cheese 
Want to know why cheese is bad for you? Well, cheese increases your chances of obesity, heart problems, cancer, allergies, constipation, anaemia, diabetes, and osteoporosis. Pretty crazy, huh? Unfortunately, cheese is quite high in saturated fat and sodium. Although cheese is delicious, it can result in some of these pretty nasty health risks. If you must consume cheese, remember to do so in moderation. Never forget the pain and suffering cows must go through to contribute to the very cheese you eat!
 
 
Please think twice before you consume some of these foods. Not only are you hurting your body, but you are further supporting the various industries that are hurting innocent animals every single day. As intelligent beings, we should always show compassion towards all life-forms, including ourselves. Do your part to help. Save your body, help protect the environment and save an animal today!
 

Danielle is a sophomore at Connecticut College and is currently pursuing a double-major in International Relations and Middle Eastern Studies. Danielle began writing for the Connecticut College branch of Her Campus in the fall of 2011 and will continue to write this year as Editor and Campus Correspondent. Danielle has traveled all over the world and continues her love for other cultures and languages through her studies. Besides traveling, she loves to sing and dance - especially as a member of Miss Connduct, an all-female A capella group at Connecticut College. In general, Danielle loves sushi, goats, traveling, and Star Wars/Lord of the Rings. She is thrilled to be working with Her Campus this year!
Katherine is a senior at Connecticut College majoring in European history and minoring in film studies. She spent her last semester abroad in Rome and loved it, and then interned this summer at Marie Claire magazine in New York City. Katherine is very excited to be joining the Her Campus team!