The term “vegan” was first coined in the mid-1940s, but history shows evidence that plant-based diets have been around for thousands of years. However, only in the past 10 years has veganism become more prevalent in awareness and the number of people going vegan. But what does going vegan really mean? The term vegan describes a way of living, including avoiding all forms of exploitation of cruelty to animals in terms of food, clothing and lifestyle products. The benefits of becoming vegan range from health, environmental and financial, but are you ready to make the jump into a complete lifestyle change?
- What going vegan really means
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When most people think about going vegan, they think about the dietary restrictions they will have to follow. However, veganism is much more than following a plant-based diet. According to The Vegan Society, it’s about creating a lifestyle in which there is strict avoidance of all animal-based foods (including honey and gelatin) as well as animal-based products (leather or any product tested on animals). Becoming vegan also means not visiting zoos or aquariums and not supporting any type of animal racing.
Compassion is one of the main reasons for choosing to go vegan and the lifestyle enables empathy towards all animals.
More recently, going vegan has become an advantageous alternative to being kinder to the environment. Meat, cheese and egg production drains resources while also contributing to greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Greta Thunberg, a widely known environmental activist, is a vegan and challenges other to try and follow suit so that the human impact on the Earth might be lessened.
- How to begin
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Luckily, the past 10 years have seen exponential growth in veganism. With more vegan products to choose from than ever before, buying items that fit with the vegan lifestyle is convenient and easy. Many products will describe their ingredients as “vegan” or “cruelty-free,” but always read the labels and ingredient list carefully. The Vegan Society has a trademark logo that certain products receive if they pass a certain criterion. Here is a list of all products and companies registered as vegan by The Vegan Society trademark. Many products you already use such as skincare and clothing may already be vegan. Make sure to take a closer look at the makeup brands you are using though. Brands such as Maybelline, L’Oréal, Lancôme, Clinique and Benefit still use animal testing and are not considered vegan. However, numerous brands are cruelty-free, such as Pacifica, Lush, Tarte, Marc Jacobs Beauty and bareMinerals, to name a few. Make sure to do your research before buying any products.
In terms of dietary restrictions, avoiding meat, dairy and any other animal products is a well-known part of the vegan diet. There are also some more obscure foods and products to avoid that may not be common knowledge. Jell-O (which contains gelatin made from animal bones), bean burritos and boxed cake mix (which more often than not contain lard, which is made from beef or pork fat) and Omega-3 labeled products are a few foods that are not considered vegan. But fear not! Going vegan is more than just reading every label, it’s an opportunity to learn about where our food comes from and what we are actually eating. Many vegans find themselves cooking more than before and saving money, too! Start by switching out nonvegan foods for vegan ones, such as using beans, lentils, tofu and tempeh instead of meat in your favorite dishes and making or buying dairy alternatives. Remember to make sure you’re still getting all your necessary vitamins and nutrients.
Don’t try to make every change all at once. You’re just setting yourself up for failure. Instead, take it slow. Maybe only eat vegan at home at first, while getting used to the dietary restrictions. Do some research on your clothing, beauty and household products and decide which items get to stay. Remember that every little step is beneficial not just to yourself, but for animals, the environment and everyone in the world.
- Benefits
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Most people have varying reasons for going vegan, whether it be for personal health, environment or animals. No matter what your reason is for wanting to go vegan, the benefits are the same across the board. First and foremost, going vegan has numerous health benefits. Harvard Health Publishing cites lower blood pressure, reduced risks for heart disease, diabetes and cancer and long life as some of the perks of eating a vegan diet. Additionally, following a vegan diet and lifestyle innately has a low environmental impact. Meat, as well as cheese production contributes to deforestation, increased greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere, pollution and land degradation. By following a vegan lifestyle, you contribute significantly less to the harmful impacts of mainstream dietary consumption. Last, but most definitely not least, living a vegan lifestyle is a representation of compassion and decency towards all animals. As a vegan, you would not contribute to any unnecessary cruelty towards animals.
- A little goes a long way
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Do not go into veganism intimated by the rules and limitations. A total lifestyle change is a huge undertaking and may not be possible for everyone. Know that every choice you make towards a vegan lifestyle is beneficial and no action goes unnoticed, no matter how small.
Although veganism has been portrayed at times as trendy, there are actual health and environmental benefits to making the switch. Becoming vegan will require an adjustment period; however, it is definitely worth it in the end.