Green Living: Spilling the Beans on the Vegan Lifestyle

A lot has been said for and against veganism since animal products came into question several decades ago, and while both sides of the dispute have their own justifications and strong views on going green, these arguments fall into rhetoric more often than fact.

So what is really happening?

Whether you love or loathe the vegan lifestyle, it’s always best to brush up, especially when you’re gearing up to exchange turkey for tofu. That’s why we’ve put together an intro to veganism, so hopefully we can help you understand Eco-friendly eating a little better.

What is Veganism?

Simply put, vegans are people who decide for a multitude of reasons not to consume or use animal products or byproducts which, as you can imagine, is not the easiest lifestyle to contend with.

Because of this, finding vegetables that contain the same benefits as meat, eggs and dairy,  and possibly taking Blackmores supplements from Mr Vitamins, is a necessity with the limited food options available to those who choose this lifestyle.

When it comes to production, almost every meal has animal products somewhere within it. Whether it’s butter in your biscuits, or the oil in a deep fryer, vegan living involves a lot of compromise and ingredient checking to ensure that foods are animal-free.

This is also the case for cosmetics, clothing, and a wide variety of other products that are known to sometimes include vegan-unfriendly ingredients and components.

So Why Do It?

Vegan living has benefits that stretch far beyond the confines of personal well-being. However, when done right, going vegan helps you stay thinner, feel healthier and live longer.

Veganism lowers your risk of multiple diseases and illnesses, including cancer, strokes, heart failure and respiratory conditions to name a few.

By phasing out fats and meats, a person is lowering the environmental impact of their eating, as meat production is said to rival cars in its carbon footprint.

Finally, there’s the obvious: Animals.

The production of animal products such as milk involves, aside from a few exceptions, a lack of humane conditions. Coupled with the enormous amount of animals that are used for meat and fat production, it’s easy to see why people may choose to eliminate these products from their lives.

What Are The Downsides?

As we have touched on, the vegan lifestyle is one of compromise, as an incredible amount of the meals that we consume have animal products, even if it isn’t a necessary part of the dish. This makes eating at restaurants or parties a minefield of hidden fat and milk,  which is why a vegan diet tends to culminate in a lot of home cooking.

This diet can also quickly lead to some severe vitamin deficiencies when meat and dairy are not properly supplemented. As meat contains many things our bodies need, including iron, zinc and a plethora of other vitamins and minerals, it can be difficult to get the good stuff without these food groups.

Going vegan does have its difficulties and downsides, especially for those who aren’t prepared for the lifestyle changes that come with it. However, with the amount of fantastic benefits that accompany the removal of animal products from your life, it should not be discounted as a viable life choice for those that want to lower their environmental impact and cleanse their body while doing it. It might be a difficult change, but it’s definitely a worthwhile one for the right person.