“There are so many things to eat beyond meat. No animal needs to die because of me.” This was one convincing response I received when I asked a friend’s friend, “Why did you become vegan?”
Food is a personal choice for each of us. Our diverse backgrounds and perspectives shape our approach to food. Therefore, there’s no room for judgement; whatever the choice, the key is to be more mindful of what we consume.
Now, just because the concept of the vegan diet has gained popularity only in recent years doesn’t mean it’s a new idea. It has ancient roots in Indian and Mediterranean societies.
First of all, what is veganism?
The Vegan Society’s formal definition is:
“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.”
What is a vegan diet?
The Vegan Society’s formal definition is: “In dietary terms, it denotes the practice of dispensing with all products derived wholly or partly from animals.”
And what is The Vegan Society?
The Vegan Society, established in the UK in 1944, is the world’s oldest vegan organisation and is registered as a charity.
A vegan diet is not veganism, but rather a part of the veganism philosophy. If you were to ask me, I would say that veganism, including vegan dieting, is a more conscious lifestyle.
Simply put, a vegan diet involves consuming only plant-based foods and drinks while avoiding anything that comes from animals, including dairy products.
Let me simplify this for better understanding.
Vegans can eat:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Nuts and seeds
- Legumes such as peas, beans, and lentils
- Dairy alternatives such as soy milk, coconut milk, and almond milk
- Bread, rice, and pasta
- Vegetable oils
Vegans don’t eat:
- Chicken, duck, and other poultry
- Beef, pork, lamb, and other red meat
- Fish or shellfish such as crabs, clams, and mussels
- Eggs
- Cheese, butter
- Milk, cream, ice cream, and other dairy products
- Mayonnaise (because it includes egg yolks)
- Honey
Veganism is indeed a lifestyle. Isn’t it?
Moreover, there are various subcategories within the vegan community, such as dietary vegans, whole-food vegans, junk-food vegans, raw-food vegans, and low-fat raw-food vegans.
Are vegan diets and plant-based diets the same?
Absolutely not.
A plant-based diet primarily consists of plants; it can be entirely plant-focused or include a small amount of animal products. However, a vegan diet completely excludes all animal products.
Why does one become vegan?
There are three primary reasons:
- Ethics
- Health
- Environment
The statements below justify these reasons:
“I’m an animal lover. I have so many rescue animals. I can’t love one and eat another. Also the health benefits, it’s good for the planet.”
“Initially for health benefits, but later on, I began to love the process of waking up every morning and making conscious choices about what to consume. I began to feel lighter and more connected to nature.”
If you ever choose to go vegan, research and consult a doctor or dietitian. Expert guidance is essential, especially if you have a long-term condition or are pregnant, to ensure proper nutrients in your new eating plan.