Some of the topmost searched questions online ask what is a vegan? What is the argument for and against cutting out animal products? Becoming a vegan is one of the fastest-growing lifestyle movements in the country. The realisation struck me when having a conversation with a friend the other evening. When I mentioned I was trying to eat vegan meals a few times a week, this friend, a committed environmental campaigner, grimaced. She was uncomfortable. That word, vegan, has become a dirty word.
Working in hospitality, until recent years, vegan had been a dirty word. A chef would get angry (I know, unusual for a chef!) because they had to make an individual dish on top of the 500 others at the function or event. Now, they are much more open to it – and creative with the dishes – because there are so many more people eating like this.
Vegans get attacked from people who find their choices insulting to their own values, but more problematically, they receive an onslaught of hate from their own peers, who hold them to an unattainable standard. Vegans put others down for not being ‘perfect’ or ‘good enough’. The considerable effects on the mental health of notable vegans to the point that more and more are moving away from the vegan label and choosing to be ‘plant based’. Is this the way forward, the evolution of the movement or is it giving into bullying and letting the negativity win?
What is Veganism? Isn’t it just a fad diet?
In 2021, veganism is so much more than a diet. It has evolved so far from its early beginnings. Veganism is the practice of abstaining from the use of animal products. The Economist even declared 2019 “The year of the vegan”. While maintaining its early values, it has evolved into an all compassing label that covers everything from what you eat, what you wear, to even what you clean your house with. The plant-based movement has taken the world by storm, with more people becoming vegan every day.
There is a continual debate in the media about whether ‘the diet’ is healthy. Making the personal choice to live more ethically deserves better than these eyebrow-raises from the media. Veganism, unlike many lifestyles, gets critiqued by both vegans and non- vegans alike.
A brief history and explanation of being Vegan
Even though you can find references to vegans throughout history. The practice can be traced to northern and western ancient India in 1300 BCE. The term Vegan was actually coined in 1944. Veganism was started in Britain in 1944 by woodworker Donald Watson. Tuberculosis was rampant in over 40% of diary cows, and Watson coined the term and started the movement as a way to protect people from tainted food. Others joined the lifestyle over the years, mostly due to animal rights issues. These days more are coming to the cause as a way to boost athletic performance and the ongoing environmental crisis.
What is Veganuary?
Veganuary is where you try the vegan diet, going meat and dairy free, for the month of January. There are so many reasons why people decide to try a vegan diet, and many start this in January as part of their New Year’s Resolution as a healthy kickstart to the year.
Why do Veganuary?
Some people want to feel better about themselves, some want to make an impact on the environment and for some it is for their love of animals.
What are the benefits of becoming vegan in January?
Research shows that health is the second biggest reason why people choose to go vegan. You cut out cholesterol, lower your blood pressure and reduce the risk of diabetes and heart disease. A well-planned vegan diet can support a healthy lifestyle and meet your nutritional needs, as well as introducing you to new ingredients. It is also an effective way of helping our planet. Eating a plant-based diet can cut out our greenhouse gas emissions, reduce pollution and water usage and prevent deforestation.
Confession time… I’m Vegan Interested
As I said in the opening paragraph, I’m not a vegan or plant based. However, I do have vegan meals dotted into my meal plan throughout the week. I am lucky to live in Wales. My house is so close to farms, rural locations, as well as the coast – meaning that my meat, fish and vegetables do not have far to travel. I always try to buy from local suppliers and wholesalers, rather than big chain supermarkets. That’s what is important to me.
I am all for more people becoming vegan, to me vegan is not a dirty word. What I do not like, is people replacing meat with supplements that are manufactured, full of processed ingredients and chemicals and pumped full of un-natural vitamins and minerals. Food companies are cashing in on the vegan boom with products containing “healthier and delicious” ingredients, but rely on a cocktail of chemical food additives to replicate the taste, appearance and texture of meat and fish. I implore you, please choose vegetables and grains and where possible cook from scratch.
Veganism is explained so well! A good post…
Thank you very much
Def nice intro for veganuary. Do you think you’ll give it a go next year? I’ve done it the last 3 years now and keeps getting easier
I have to admit, I enjoy eating meat and fish, so can’t see me banishing them from my diet all together any time soon. I’ve been trying to increase vegetables and different grains.
I actually love their taste too, but for one month vegan is definitely ok, especially if you try fake meat substitutes. Good on you for trying more veg and grains tho. Keep up the good work! 💪