Fad or full of sense? Find out more about how veganism can help or hinder your weight-loss and health efforts. Maybe you can answer that age old question, should I go vegan?
I often get asked if going vegan is a good thing for weight loss, or health in general. Veganism used to be restricted to a small group of ‘animal activists’ and attracted more than its fair share of ridicule. It still does, by the uninformed few. But it’s now becoming more mainstream. Why – and is that a good thing?
What is veganism?
In recent years, veganism has gained immense popularity as a lifestyle choice that extends far beyond just dietary preferences.
Veganism is a lifestyle that rejects the consumption and use of animal-derived products in all aspects of life. This encompasses dietary choices, but also extends to clothing, cosmetics, and lifestyle choices, with the core principle being to minimize harm to animals. Vegans abstain from meat, dairy, eggs, and other animal-based ingredients, opting instead for plant-based alternatives.
Why choose veganism?
- Ethical Considerations: The primary motivation for many vegans is their commitment to animal rights and reducing animal suffering. By choosing a vegan lifestyle, they aim to minimize their contribution to industries that exploit and harm animals.
- Environmental Impact: Adopting a vegan diet is an eco-conscious choice. The production of plant-based foods generally has a lower environmental footprint, contributing to reduced greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and land degradation.
- Health Benefits: Vegan diets are rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, which offer numerous health benefits, including lower cholesterol levels, reduced risk of heart disease, and better weight management.
Making the transition
Transitioning to veganism can be gradual or abrupt, depending on your personal preference. Start by exploring delicious vegan recipes and gradually replacing animal-based products with plant-based alternatives. Remember that every small step toward veganism contributes to a more sustainable and compassionate world.
So go vegan or not?
If you are confident you can live without scrambled eggs and smoked salmon, freshly cooked chicken curry, some delicious blue cheese or strawberries and cream (they’d be my downfall) then go for it – but for your health’ s sake, just make sure you do it carefully! And there’s nothing wrong with taking just a few vegan principles on board and cutting back on animal products for a day or two a week – bulk up instead on pulses, veg, nuts and more for a great health boost.
For more information on healthy veganism check out: vegansociety.com or nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/the-vegan-diet
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