So, let’s say you’re vegan and have been for years. Or maybe you’re just getting into veganism and trying to figure out if it’s really for you. Maybe you know people who are vegan, but could never see yourself taking on the lifestyle. Or even, maybe you’ve just heard the word “veganism” for the first time, and you have no clue what it means.
Regardless of where you fall on the veganism spectrum, this blog is for you.
I was first introduced to veganism about two years ago when my older sister began her transition from vegetarianism to veganism. Initially, I didn’t understand what she was and wasn’t allowed to eat, and I couldn’t grasp exactly why she was doing it. Fast-forward to the present, and I have come to appreciate the vegan lifestyle and respect the people who adopt it. I, personally, am still not vegan, but I’m looking to further explore the lifestyle, immerse myself in it more and, most importantly, spread knowledge about it to others.
So, with no further ado, we will start with the basics.
What is veganism?
Veganism is a lifestyle that seeks to avoid the exploitation of and harm to animals, according to The Vegan Society.
The vegan way of life is often associated with vegetarianism; however, veganism encompasses much more. Whereas vegetarians refrain from eating meat, poultry and fish, vegans take it a step further, and refrain from eating all animal foods, The Vegetarian Resource Group reports. This includes other animal products and by-products such as eggs, dairy products and honey.
Vegans also avoid using other products, aside from foods, that come from animals, according to The Vegan Society. These other products range from clothing and accessories made from leather, fur, silk and wool, to cosmetics derived from animal products, such as some soaps and lotions.
Now, you might be wondering, “what makes people give up all of these products?” Or, in my personal experience, what could be more important than eating cheese?
Why go vegan?
There are three main, well-supported reasons for why people choose to get into veganism: for the animals, for the health benefits and for the environment.
Preventing the abuse of animals is the key determinant in many people’s choice to go vegan, according to The Vegan Society.
“Being vegan is the single most effective way in which someone can protest the exploitation of animals everywhere—three times a day, when you sit down to a meal, you are making a powerful stance against animal abuse,” Dominika Piasecka, spokesperson for The Vegan Society, said.
As for going vegan for the health aspect, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics has ruled well-planned vegetarian and vegan diets “healthful” and “nutritionally adequate” for all stages of the life cycle. More importantly, though, the organization stated that a vegan diet may provide health benefits that can prevent and treat some diseases.
Becoming vegan also contributes to the sustainability of our earth. The production of meat, dairy and other animal products takes a toll on the environment, according to The Vegan Society, from the food and water needed to feed the animals, to the transportation and manufacturing processes required to get the food to consumers. A vegan diet, The Vegan Society explains, uses fewer natural resources and is associated with less environmental damage.
Being vegan might not be for everyone, but living a healthy, fulfilling vegan life can be of benefit to everyone.