READY FOR VEGANUARY? What Is Veganism and What Do Vegans Eat?
Veganism is becoming really popular.
Just in the past 5 years or so since I decided to switch from a vegetarian to a vegan diet, I have already noticed an increase in vegan products becoming available in supermarkets and we’re hearing more about veganism due to people making the change and celebrating how better they feel.
Veganism can also be referred to as eating a plant-based diet and many people feel happier using this definition. People eating a plant-based diet often refrain from eating animal products however they still wear animal products such as leather and wool. Most people who refer to themselves as vegan try their best to exclude all animal products.
So, what actually is a vegan?
Veganism is a way of living which seeks to exclude all animal products and attempts to limit the exploitation of animals as much as possible. For food, clothing or any other purpose.
Veganism is currently described as a way of living whereby all animal products are excluded. So, vegans do not eat animal meat, fish, dairy products, honey or eggs.
Why do people go vegan?
Ethical Reasons
Ethical vegans believe that all beings are equal and they strongly believe that all beings have the right to live without suffering. They live a conscious life refraining from eating, drinking or wearing animal products. (This is actually quite easy to do nowadays as there are so many good alternatives available).
Some ethical vegans will demonstrate their chosen life style by protesting and raising awareness to others.
To Help the Environment
We are all becoming more aware of our environment and what we can do to help keep our planet safe and healthy.
Everywhere we look we can find studies explaining that eating more of a plant based diet is the biggest thing we can do as individuals to help the environment.
There is an interesting article to read here - https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/may/31/avoiding-meat-and-dairy-is-single-biggest-way-to-reduce-your-impact-on-earth
This doesn’t mean that everybody needs to eat a plant-based diet 100% of the time, simply reducing the amount of meat and animal products we consume can have a huge impact on our planet.
Some people choose to have a meat free Monday or Friday and others may choose to swap their regular snacks for a vegan alternative. Every little helps the environment.
To Promote Better Health
Some people choose to eat a plant-based diet for its potential health benefits or to lose weight.
This is becoming increasingly popular as many celebrities, athletes and sports people have started eating only plants and are feeling the positive benefits
Here is a scientific article about how eating a plant-based diet can help https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/vegan-diet-benefits
Foods to avoid if you are vegan
Any animal products.
Meat
Fish
Eggs
Dairy
Honey
Any products containing animal additives (some sweets, chewing gum, cereals, etc)
Foods that vegans eat
Avoiding animal products isn’t really that difficult once you get the hang of it. Every dish that you enjoy to eat can be veganised by using alternatives. (which are also really tasty).
Meat based foods can be swapped for meat substitutes like tofu, soya or seitan. Dishes can be made tasty by switching meat for beans, lentils, nuts, seeds and pulses.
Dairy foods are swapped for nut-based milks and yogurts. Honey can be swapped for maple syrup or agave nectar.
Eggs can be swapped by using very clever substitutes like chia seeds, aquafaba (an amazing egg replacement using the water from a can of chickpeas-magic!), for sweet dishes that require eggs then banana or apple sauce can be used.
Accidently vegan snacks – including Oreos and other sweet biscuits, crisps, all flora spreads, some brands of popcorn. There’s lots more out there as well.
You can also purchase vegan products including meat-free sausages, burgers, ready meals, desserts and drinks however these are often very high in additives, oils and artificial ingredients. Making your own meals is always a better option if you can.
If you are looking to include more plants into your diet or make a switch to vegetarian or vegan then I really hope this blog will help you.
Please feel free to follow us on Instagram - (loveveganbyjennifer) where you’ll find lots of recipes that are all simple to cook and super healthy too.