A plant-based diet and purchasing decisions free of animal cruelty products
In the United States and other western nations, people are more frequently choosing a challenging lifestyle, which includes a plant-based diet and purchasing decisions free of animal cruelty products. However, Vegans are sometimes strongly associated with a “negative vibe.” Vegans are often ridiculed and discriminated against for their life choices on social media, around the dinner table, and even on bumper stickers. They may be portrayed as annoying, goody-two-shoes who follow strict and often impossible guidelines. Some sought out as attention-seekers who are following the latest trend. As a result of this backlash, the coined term “veganphobia” was born, describing an aversion to this lifestyle. But why? Isn’t eating plant-based healthier and a wiser choice for a longer life?
What is veganism?
Veganism is a lifestyle that excludes any cruelty to animals for food, products, or other general use. There are many rules and regulations associated with veganism. Still, most people follow a simple rule of thumb by eating a plant-based diet and being picky about products purchased and used. By-products from animals – including eggs, dairy products, fur, silk, soaps, or cosmetics – are avoided.
Ultimately, promoting the “human” back in “humane” is the end goal for vegans. It’s about creating a kinder, caring world. Yes! Individuals are looking to live this way to create a better world.
There is something that drives an individual to become a vegan, and that “thing” is found deep in their hearts. Knowing imperfections exist, they choose to act out of their passion for the environment, health, or saving the animals to drive change for the greater good of our Earth and its beings.
Choose Health – Choose Vegan
Diets vary person-to-person and are only as effective as our worst habit. However, standardly, a vegans diet is healthy, consisting of fruits, veggies, leafy greens in the plenty, nuts, legumes, seeds, and whole-grain products. Vegans tend to be lighter, less at risk for chronic disease, and have more energy. Many people choose a plant-based diet without realizing their vegan-tendency to achieve a healthier life.
Myths of vegans not receiving enough protein, vitamin D, or other essentials float around but can be easily debunked.
What about protein?
It’s a common misconception that a plant-based diet lacks an appropriate amount of protein to survive. That’s simply not true! It’s easy for vegans to get their daily requirements of protein as long as they are consuming nutritional food and enough calories. Here are some foods that contain protein (and you might not have even known):
- Peanut butter
- Chickpeas
- Tofu
- Almonds
- Spinach
- Rice
- Broccoli
- Kale
- Potatoes
To be honest, almost all foods have a bit of protein in them. The key is to consume a varied diet
Pack your bags; we’re going to the beach for some vitamin SEA!
A vegan diet doesn’t typically contain a wild variety of foods that contain vitamin D. That doesn’t mean that they have to go the extra mile to get proper nutrition. Guess what? Our bodies are incredible! Following sun exposure for just 10-15 minutes in the sun, 2-3 times a week will suffice for an appropriate amount of vitamin D. The beach sounds like a pretty good ‘health’ benefit !
Other foods that contain vitamin D on a vegan diet:
- Oranges
- Mushrooms
- Non-dairy milk
- Oatmeal
- Oranges
“You need to drink milk to get enough calcium” – a lie milk company told us
Spinach had Pop-eye bulked up because dark leafy greens contain a sufficient amount of calcium, which builds strong bones and muscles. Vegans need to consume foods with high calcium or take a supplement tab.
Calcium is vital for strong bones and teeth. Check out these foods that contain calcium on a vegan diet:
- Broccoli
- Almonds
- Sesame seeds
- Kale and collard greens
Iron is vital for blood-to-cell functionality. Check out these foods that contain iron on a vegan-friendly diet:
- Soybeans
- Lentils
- Dark chocolate
- Chickpeas
- Apricots
- Swiss chards
B-12 is essential for the protection of the nervous system. Check out these foods that contain B-12 on a vegan-friendly diet:
- Nutritional yeast
- Non-dairy milk
- Some cereals
Health-wise; what else is veganism good for?
Reduce risks of chronic diseases, like high cholesterol (which could lead to a heart attack)
Animal fat and cholesterol found in high-fat foods such as processed meats and fast foods increase the risk of elevated cholesterol levels and chronic diseases and cancer.
Eating processed meat is associated with a higher risk of colorectal cancer, and processed and red meat has shown to increase people’s risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. The new review, published in Science, found that moving from a high meat to a more plant-based diet could reduce global mortality rates by six to 10 percent.
Vegans are at low risk for these diseases because generally, their diet is low in saturated fats and free from cholesterol. Going vegan also helps keep excess fat off and boosts energy (unlike fad diets). People who are vegan are typically up to 20 pounds lighter than carnivores!
Save the Earth and Save the People
Have you heard about Greta Thunberg? She’s a vegan teenager that is gaining popularity because of her passion for sustainability. At 16-years old, she’s figuring out that meat consumption is one of the worst things humans are doing to contribute to the destruction of this planet.
National Geographic reminds us that eating meat has ‘dire consequences for the planet. Meat production requires a large amount of fertilizer, fuel, feed, pesticides, and overwhelming amounts of water while releasing greenhouse gasses, toxic chemicals into the air. Increasing plant-based foods in our diets and becoming more selective about where our food comes from is all a part of choosing veganism.
World hunger solved, No action taken
Not only is eating meat contributing to climate change, but it’s also a massive waste of food production that could be used in other valuable ways. Did you know it takes 13 pounds of grain to produce 1 lb. Of meat? Imagine a world where people grew crops that were consumed directly.
Literally, there’s a solution to solving world hunger. One consumer at a time and their voice are what will help progress change. Food is grown GMO-free and chemical-free contains the ultimate in nutrition and flavor. Deforesting the earth to produce unneeded crops and meat factories is not the answer and needs to stop.
Make a small impact by increasing your mix of fruit and vegetables on a daily basis. Try out new recipes and add color to your dietary choices. There are so many great ways to enjoy the vegan choice.
