What Is Veganism?
Veganism is more than just a type of diet; it’s a lifestyle choice made to abstain from any kind of animal cruelty and exploitation. So, this sustainable form of living extends beyond the plate, encouraging you to avoid buying clothing, cosmetics and other products made from animal-derived sources. But what does it mean to be vegan in dietary choices?
Strictly speaking, a vegan diet includes plant-based foods and excludes all animal-derived foods such as meat, fish, egg and dairy products. Since embarking on a transformative journey to veganism might seem a bit tough for hardcore non-vegetarians, it’s important for people to first understand how a vegan lifestyle can bring positive changes in their overall health and well-being.
Health Benefits of a Vegan Lifestyle
Read on to find out the impact of a vegan lifestyle on your physical health.
Improved Immunity Against Chronic Illnesses
One of the key health benefits associated with a vegan lifestyle is an enhanced immune system. A well-balanced vegan diet is rich in antioxidants and essential nutrients that play a crucial role in boosting your immune function. Recent studies have shown that people who follow a vegan diet have less chance of developing some chronic diseases like Ischemic heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, gastrointestinal problems and more. In other words, veganism can give you the gift of longevity and fortified immunity.
Healthy Weight Management
Did you know around 68.8% of adults in England were estimated to be overweight or obese? This whopping number has been arousing concern among people in the UK, making them conscious about healthy weight management. As per a recent study, people on a vegan diet have been able to cut down on excess weight more easily and quickly than those on a non-vegetarian diet. So, adopting a vegan lifestyle can also be a game-changer for those aiming to manage their weight effortlessly.
Better Digestion
Do you wanna curb the miseries of digestive disorders like constipation, gas and bowel irregularity? Achieve it the vegan way! Vegan foods like fruits, vegetables and whole grains are rich in dietary fibre, which is essential for a healthy digestive system, promoting regular bowel movements and preventing constipation. Additionally, the abundance of enzymes in plant-based foods assists in digestion, optimising your gut health and lowering the risk of digestive issues.
Useful Tips for Becoming Vegan for Beginners
After learning about the amazing health benefits veganism brings along, you must be excited to take the first step towards a vegan life. But we understand that making such a huge lifestyle change can often be tough. Don’t worry! We’ve got your back! Here are some useful tips on how to become vegan and stay committed to this thoughtful way of living.
Educate Yourself About Veganism
Before choosing a vegan life, make sure you make an informed decision. Learn ‘What does vegan mean’ and the moral, health and environmental benefits of embracing a vegan way of life. Understand how reduction of animal cruelty and animal-based food intake can positively impact the environment, as well as your overall wellness. Also, learn about the challenges that may come with this lifestyle change so that you can be mentally prepared to steer through them.
Choose to Transition Gradually
A sudden shift to complete veganism often invites health disorders and a drastic loss of appetite. So, how to become vegan in a healthy way? The answer is to go slow! Ease into veganism by cutting down on animal-derived foods and introducing more plant-based foods in your daily meals. Such a gradual shift gives your taste buds and your body the time to adapt to the evolving aspects of your diet.
Experiment With Plant-Based Recipes
Vegan doesn’t mean boring. If you want to learn how to be vegan without compromising on the taste and flavours, you’ve got to be experimental and creative. Take recipe inspirations from websites and cookbooks and create delicious and nutritious vegan meals on your own. Try to find delectable vegan alternatives to animal-based foods and experiment with different cuisines to make your vegan culinary journey exciting and flavoursome.
Socialise With the Vegan Community
Most people know how to become a vegan, but staying loyal to this lifestyle in the long term gets tough for many. That’s exactly why you need to communicate with other people who have also taken up veganism. Talking to such like-minded people and taking advice from them on how to cope with the challenges faced in the vegan journey can be of great help. You will not only feel supported but also get a consistent motivation to stick to the sustainable lifestyle you have chosen for the greater good.
Fulfil Your Nutritional Needs
Many people drift away from turning vegan just fearing the lack of nutrition from animal-based foods. Do you also wonder ‘How do I go vegan’ without risking a nutrient deficiency? Well, you’ll be happy to know that many plant-based foods can provide you with all the essential nutrients your body needs to function at its best. All you need to do is plan a balanced diet by incorporating the right nutritional vegan foods in your daily meals. Since some nutrients like vitamin B12, vitamin D, calcium, iron and omega-3 fatty acids are harder to reap from vegan sources, you can consider taking vegan health supplements to enjoy the benefits of these vital nutrients.
Final Takeaway!
Now that you know the advantages of becoming vegan and how to smoothly transition to this sustainable lifestyle, what are you waiting for? It’s time to take the big step towards a life that’s safer for you, for the animals and for the home you live in - the Earth. Remember, embracing a vegan lifestyle is not just a change in diet; it's a holistic shift towards a more compassionate, sustainable and healthier way of living. Happy vegan journey!
