A plant based diet is a meat free and diary free diet. By being vegan you also exclude using animal products, not only in food but also in cloths and cosmetics. These include wool, fur , leather and honey. Plant based food is considered to be a healthy diet which reduces risk of cardiovascular diseases ( eg IBS). Plants are high in protein and which are gut friendly, helping the digestive system to function better. Veganism is also recommended for losing weight as animal fat is replaced with good fats chiefly found in olive oil, certain pulses and nut oils particularly peanuts.
In May 2021, a survey done by The Vegan Society revealed that 1 in 4 Brits reduced the amount of animal products they were consuming since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. 1 in 5 (20%) of people said they had minimised their meat and dairy intake. They were eating while 12% said they’ve minimised their eggs and dairy intake. Statistically, vegan diets are shown to be healthier than trendy variants which includes varying quantities of meat. People on a vegan diet tend to have a lower body mass (BMI). According to a 2017 review, eating a vegan diet could reduce a person’s risk of cancer by 15%.
Plant based food is high in fiber, vitamins, and phytochemicals, biologically active compounds in plants that protect against cancers. A vegan diet more effectively leads to weight loss than a vegan diet is more effective to lose weight than a vegetarian, pesco-vegetarian, semi-vegetarian, or omnivorous diet. In addition, based on researches, those who chose to become vegan usually have eco-friendly lifestyle and live more sustainably. The origin of veganism goes back to the early 1900s, having an ethical approach which included not using leather and wool, and any other animal flesh. Later on veganism, evolved with the help of more research, and spread of awareness by publishers such as The Vegan newspaper.
Hello! I am Marjan!
I started my plant based diet in December 2020. I immediately saw the benefits on my health. I also had a long term desire to remove meat and dairy from my diet for ethical reasons and animal welfare. I was inspired by reading about influential people and their views on the adverse effects of eating meat. I learned that veganism could help counter climate change. Being vegan is not an easy lifestyle but rewarding. Talking about cooking, I love it! To me homemade food is not only a healthier option but also comforting and joyful. Cooking at home brings happiness and warmth to the table whether alone or with your family. I believe cooking is a mixture of art and science because simply, you can create the food you desire.
I read about Veganuary in the month of January 2021. Although I was already gaining my vegan diet but it actually helped me to motivate me more while showed me more options and choices. I found out I was not alone. I provided blogs and social media pages with very inspiring and interesting vegan recipes containing vegetables, pulses, roots, seeds and legumes. In addition, my knowledge of nutrient contains of a plant based diet was enhanced.
Vegan diet is an abstinence diet from meat and dairy but not a dull lifestyle as being vegan does not have to be strictly simple. A plant based diet can still be enjoyable and pleasurable with a wide range of interesting flavours. As a vegan, you have made a choice to live without animal products.
Here in my website, I share blogs about veganism with vegan recipes linked to my social media to follow. I hope this helps those who are interested to know more about plant based-food, veganism and the effects on their lives.
Having said that, you might have heard that vegans might miss some essential vitamins such as vitamin B12, vitamin D, iron, Iodine, Selenium and protein which can be found in meat and dairy. Firstly, in general there is a lack of these vitamins even for those who are meat eaters can be that deficient in vitamins and minerals due to a deficient diet. A plant based diet can be nutrient dense and compensate for any lack. If you are thinking of starting a plant based diet, consulting experts, and sourcing trusted websites on a balanced diet is a recommendation. Good sources of vitamins in plant-based foods include pulses, green vegetables, legumes, nuts and roots. It is recommended to boost vitamin B12 and Vitamin D in a vegan diet with supplements such as nutritional yeast flakes.
Do not forget that by choosing to be a vegan you open the door to meet a new group of people who share the same topic.
Last but not least, as said before being vegan is an environmental friendly diet lead to sustainability and biodiversity directly and indirectly by reducing deforestation and desertification, effects on the reduction of air and water pollution and retrieves lands that have been used for livestock. Exercises such as running and yoga are a promote to a healthy lifestyle alongside a healthy diet!
