An Introduction to Veganism 

What is Veganism?

Like most people, you have probably heard of the term “veganism” and wondered, what does it mean to be a vegan? What do you eat as a vegan and, is it more than just sticking to a diet of plants and grains? There are several ways a person can embrace vegan living and, there are equally as many reasons why someone might want to change to this lifestyle. Some choose veganism because they feel deeply about protecting animals against exploration, whether in the form of mass farming or product testing. Whereas, others may opt for a vegan lifestyle because of the health benefits it can have on both your physical and mental wellbeing.

This blog post will look at veganism as a whole, the ins and outs of becoming a vegan and tips on how to make the transition to plant-based eating simpler. There are many definitions of the term veganism, but when put simply, they all share the same core meaning. Veganism is a plant-based lifestyle that excludes the consumption of all animal products such as meat, eggs and dairy. Vegans also avoid using any products made from animals including, materials such as leather and wool, or that have been tested on animals during production.

What Do Vegans Eat?

For those sitting there thinking that a plant-based diet means that you only eat green leafy vegetables and fruits, let me tell you there is more to it than that! A plant-based diet incorporates a variety of veggies, fresh fruits, all nuts, grains and legumes. Most vegans cook with ingredients such as legumes and grains to add nutritional value to their plant-based meals.

With a spike in popularity, the market for vegan-friendly products is in high demand! Due to the increase in people taking up this lifestyle, vegan products are more accessible than they have ever been before. Whether it’s mock meat products that taste just like the real thing or everyday items made without harming animals, becoming a vegan couldn’t be simpler. If you are someone who loves dining out more than cooking in your kitchen, a vegan lifestyle is still achievable. Most restaurants now offer an entirely vegan section on their menu or at least dishes that have the potential to become vegan friendly.

Starting Your Plant Based Eating Journey

Wondering where to start with your vegan journey can be overwhelming. Below are a few pointers that can kick start your vegan experience and make adapting to the new lifestyle just that little bit easier:

1.   Talk to Other Vegans

With a large community of vegans all over the globe, getting personal insights into this lifestyle is super easy. The vegan community is very passionate about their lifestyle and are always willing to share their journey and experiences. Reach out to people online or talk to someone you know about how they made the switch and what helped them in the early days.

2.   Start with the Food

There isn’t a rule that says you have to become a strict vegan the first day of your switch! Take it slow and start by replacing the animal products in your diet with plant-based solutions and vegan-friendly alternatives. Once you have adjusted to this style of cooking, then take the next step into rethinking the everyday items you use.

3.   Research and Read Reviews

If you have never looked into vegan-friendly products or don’t know anyone that uses them, researching and reading reviews is a great way to inform yourself on what is good in the market. With thousands of vegan-based blogs online, accessing valuable information is as easy as logging on to the internet. From delicious recipes with a list of the ingredients you need to reviews on products that are both good and bad, these blogs provide tips on to buy and what to steer clear of.

I hope you found this blog post useful.

With Love,

Jimmy