Author: Singhal Payal

We have all heard about Veganism and how everyone around us is either already following it or trying to transition into it.

We can broadly divide as below the reasons why people want to walk on this path:

1. MORAL/ ETHICAL:

To some people it is unacceptable the way that animals are treated these days just to fulfill some of human beings growing demands. They are killed for their meat, tortured or put in pain for their fur/ milk, children separated from their mothers, caged for all their lives and what not. It is unimaginable pain and suffering that a living being with emotions has to go through and some people choose to stand against it strongly by adopting a vegan lifestyle and showing to the world that it is possible to live a comfortable life without animal products.

2. ENVIRONMENTAL:
Various studies have shown that animal farming today is the biggest cause of multiple environmental issues like Global Warming, CO₂ and Methane emissions, water scarcity etc. These animals require huge amount of lands to grow until they are ready to be killed, with additional huge amount of lands to grow crops for them to eat. Millions of gallons of water is used to grow those crops and feed the animals. However, after investing so much resources, the final outcome (meat, milk etc) is not worth it as it loses lots of energy in this transition.
I highly recommend watching this series on Netflix, if you are more interested in this topic.

3. HEALTH:

One of the biggest reasons people choose Veganism is its health benefits. Such people apply fundamentals of Veganism only to their diets and not to entire lifestyle. They are mainly concerned about the added health benefits this way of eating food will bring them and the good changes they will get to see in their bodies. However, be aware that NOT EVERY VEGAN FOOD IS HEALTHY. We have to be very well informed about what are good and what are bad foods and have to make conscious choices no matter what way of eating we follow.

4. TREND:

Unfortunately, a huge number of people try to follow Veganism as they think it is a new trend or it makes them look cool/ different among others. This is a very dangerous step as these people, very often, are not well informed and take wrong decisions. They end up hurting their health in a bad way. This should be avoided totally.

HOW should I start?

If you relate yourself to one of the first three reasons or are just curious to learn more;

STEP 1:

Start to gather more knowledge on this topic. There are various documentaries and resources on internet that support this lifestyle. Watch movies, read books and articles on the subject. Most importantly, LEARN MORE before making an informed conscious decision.

STEP 2:

Slowly and gradually, start to incorporate little things. However, remember to not go cold turkey at once as it will be unsustainable in the long run. So for instance, start by taking small steps like buying nut milk instead of regular milk for the first time. Learn different kinds of nut milk available in the market near you. Learn which one is best suited for your needs. Try it out. Start adding it in smoothies, coffee, tea etc and slowly switch entirely to it. Similarly, do the same one by one with all other animal products you use.

STEP 3:

Learn to cook dishes without regular animal products. Lets be real, if the food will not be tasty, it will not be sustainable! There are tons of vegan recipe articles and videos on the internet. Try to watch and learn and cook your own perfect dish! Or alternatively, you can order online 😉 These days there are tons of vegan restaurants and menu available. Although home cooked food is always a healthier choice!

STEP 4:

Join people with similar interests, on Facebook groups or at other social media platforms. There is no bigger support than the support from people going through the same journey as you, facing the same difficulties as you and figuring out their own paths similar to yours.

And in case, you do not feel like becoming a Vegan, then DON’T do it for the wrong reasons. Don’t do it because your friends are doing it. Don’t do it because everyone around you is doing it or asking you to do it. Learn more on this topic. Watch those documentaries. Read those books. And make an informed decision for yourself that suits YOUR lifestyle, YOUR needs and YOUR requirements.

Remember to eat healthy, no matter what diet you follow!! 😊