What is being vegan?
Simply put, a vegan is someone who, for various reasons, chooses to avoid using or consuming animal products (vegan.org). Whereas a vegetarian simply doesn’t eat meat, a vegan diet excludes dairy and eggs, and those living a vegan lifestyle also avoid fur, leather, wool, down, and products tested on animals.
Why should I go vegan?
Being a vegan can be great for your body! You should of course always consult a health professional before a huge change in diet as everyone is different in terms of dietary needs, but for most humans, we are not meant to process dairy past early childhood! Think of most young animals – after childhood, they stop consuming their mother’s milk. So why do we continue? This is part of the reason why so many people have lactose intolerance or strong reactions to dairy. The gene that allows us to digest lactose is actually a mutation! For those who are not strictly intolerant, dairy can still cause bloating and other digestion issues. Vegans also have reduced risk of life-threatening diseases like cancer, tend to be thinner, and have lower blood cholesterol.
It’s good for the environment! There is definitely some animal cruelty that goes on in the food production industry (watch Food, Inc.), but even further, animal products take up more energy and space, cause more pollution, and cause a greater carbon footprint than plants! Think—animals need feed, but the feed in addition to the animals take up space and energy. If you remove the animals, you are saving huge amounts of resources that could be used to make more food! This extra space could help feed others who are going hungry.
How do I start?
While some find it easier to go cold turkey and cut out all animal products, it can also cause cravings and be difficult to stick to! In this case, try slowly cutting out animal products by going pescetarian or vegetarian first, then cut out dairy and eggs after over several weeks or months. Taking your time to fully assimilate to the lifestyle is much better than rushed attempts that result in failure, and will make you much less frustrated.
How to convince other people it’s ok:
So you’re totally convinced, but worried about how your family and friends will take it. Totally normal! It’s hard for people to wrap their minds around veganism and see that it’s not restrictive or detrimental to your health. There are tons of resources that show that vegans can get in all of the essential nutrients needed to be healthy, and so many videos you can show them that can get them on your side! You can also remind them that this is your body and lifestyle, and that it won’t affect your relationship with them at all. You can still go out to eat with them and do everything you used to (with maybe a little more preparation, see words of caution below).
Easy recipe links:
You like the idea, but are worried about missing out on your favorite foods! Well, you’re in luck because there are thousands of recipes out there waiting for you. Here are a couple recipes essential to collegiettes to get you started:
Words of caution:
Veganism can be healthy—if it’s done right. It does take some planning! While being a vegan only says that you can’t have animal products, the real healthy way of being vegan is to be plant-based. Surprising amounts of unhealthy foods are vegan! From Oreos to vegan cookies and cakes, if you are consuming high fat and sugar foods, it won’t be healthy. You’ll also have to start watching out for sneaky ways animal products can pop up. Who knew that McDonalds French fries were fried in oil that has beef flavoring and hydrolyzed milk in it? Some breads and pastas also have animal products, so reading menus, asking questions, and checking nutrition labels is essential.
Although it can take some research and work, being vegan can be a wonderful lifestyle change for any collegiette. Even if you are hesitant, try it out and see if you like it! You never know, you might end up just sticking with it and helping out your body and the environment in the process.