There is a bit of a stigma surrounding the word vegan. At times it seems like the mere mention of it strikes a nerve deep within that makes someone quite defensive about their eating habits. Let's take a quick look at its definition.
According to the Vegan Society, veganism is a philosophy and way of living which seeks to exclude—as far as is possible and practicable—all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose; and by extension, promotes the development and use of animal-free alternatives for the benefit of animals, humans and the environment. In dietary terms it denotes the practice of dispensing with all products derived wholly or partly from animals.
For the purposes of today's post let's focus on that final sentence, alluding to diet. There are many facets of veganism and I will cover them all in future posts, but the main one pertains to what we eat. For many, if not everyone, saying this is a sensitive topic is a massive understatement. When it comes to our favourite foods we tend to get a little aggressive, to say the least.
My Story
We're gonna rewind past the onslaught that was 2020 to 2019 for a bit. Here I was, a vegetarian or pescatarian, maybe flexitarian. (who knows anymore) Basically I ate fish, eggs, dairy and the occasional chicken when I had been offered. Throughout that year, I consumed many articles, videos and various content that shed light on major environmental issues like plastic pollution, overfishing and climate change.
On that journey, I would occasionally come across something promoting veganism and the need for making the switch to a plant-based diet. For months, however, those words were practically going into one ear and jumping out the other. I already considered myself to be doing pretty well as far as diet goes. I barely ate meat, (assuming fish isn't classified as meat for some weird reason) and I certainly wasn't paying for it to be produced; as for dairy and eggs, well no animals have to die for a little milk or scrambled eggs...right?
My taste buds stood firmly in the way of me even bothering to consider going completely plant-based. To me, it was a bit scary really. Milk was easily replaceable but cheese though.....scrambled eggs were my morning go-to and tuna was just too good. There was absolutely no way I was just going to give up all of that. Then I did.
You know how a light switch flips in an instant? That was what happened inside my head while watching the documentary "Cowspiracy" in November 2019. I finally realized that a lot of what i cared about had a direct correlation to what I was eating. As I sat on the chair watching, I made perhaps, the boldest and easiest decision I have ever made in my life. I finished all of the animal products in my fridge and cupboards and pledged that from December 1st I'll never buy those things again.
Ever since that faithful day, I delved into a rabbit hole of information surrounding the animal agriculture industry and its effects on the environment and our health. Safe to say, the things I saw were not pretty. On the flip side of the coin however, I delved into something else. The internet has a treasure trove of vegan recipes and almost anything can be made without animal products. That includes this savory cashew cream cheese. When it comes to going plant-based, we tend to think of all the things we will lose; and seldom see the things that we gain....and you gain a lot. You're forced to be a lot more creative in the kitchen, finding alternatives for things you can no longer use and recreating your favourite dishes in an animal-friendly, healthier and more wholesome way .
Making this switch, I admit, was relatively easy for me (I use relatively because I don't think it's ever truly easy). For others it may seem like a mountain to climb, but just requires consistency and a bit of effort. It's a life-altering change to make, and although some manage to do it, it's not one that can typically be pulled off overnight. It may take weeks, months or even years to fully adjust. It takes work and that may be a turn off for some, but it is absolutely worth it.
Since going vegan I feel better about my choices and it has encouraged me to take an active role in what i put in my body. Foods that I would've shunned before are now making up a great portion of my diet and I don't have to compromise on taste. There's rarely a day when i miss the things i used to eat, and if i do feel for it, I just think about where it comes from and the feeling quickly subsides. I now know how to prepare pretty much all of my favourite foods and the independence that gives me is amazing.
One week into my newfound journey, I was at a work event and there were some pastries for us on a table in the back. Next to it were a basket of bananas. As you can probably guess I went for a banana while virtually everyone else rushed the box of pastries. One of my co-workers then asked me how come I didn't take a pastry. I just casually replied, "well I'm vegan."
She said, "Oh...so where do you get your protein?"
I just smiled at her because I was a bit bewildered. Was that the reason we ate animal products, for the protein content? It was interesting to me that on a plate of food with meat in it, there is usually also peas...a protein powerhouse. We don't eat meat just to get protein, we eat it because it tastes good....but taste can be replicated.
Myths
But but but...isn't going vegan expensive?
Spoiler, it isn't. Flour, rice, peas, beans, pasta, bread, cereal, peanut butter, soya and oats are among the most affordable foods there are. A decent amount of fresh fruits and vegetables will not break your budget either. I can almost guarantee that you'll probably spend less on food. There's absolutely no need for expensive plant-based 'chicken' nuggets, though if it helps you make the transition then by all means, go for it!
You won't get enough protein
Well I've heard this one too many times to count. You probably like peanut butter (I mean who doesn't) and that's packed with protein (25% of peanut butter is protein). As well as other nuts, peas, beans, soya, oats and add-ins like flax and chia seeds. Check out this comprehensive list.
Resources
Before I end this post, I will link a couple of films that shed more light on the issues regarding the animal industry, the environment and our health. You can take a look at Earthlings, Dominion,(caution: quite graphic) The Game Changers and What The Health.
If you feel as though you're ready to make the leap, kindly take a peek at these videos here, here and here that will be sure to help you out. Also, you can sign up for Veganuary 2021 for great daily tips, recipes and insights at this link.
Also just remember, its not about being perfect, but its the intention that matters long term. There will be moments where you'll slip up and that's fine; its happened to me many times. Its not about being 100% perfect. The shift will be gradual and the results will be rewarding.
Thank you so much for reading this and I wish you a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year :)