Veganism

---

Going vegan is easier than you think. Nowadays vegan options are just about everywhere, and if there isn’t a vegan option that is labeled, you can usually order from the Sides section of the menu like fries, seasonal fruit, and guacamole with chips. Plus, ditching dairy has never been easier, too! Daiya, Miyoko’s, and Follow Your Heart have awesome melt-able vegan cheese for your quesadillas, grilled cheese, and pizza! So, I challenge you today! Veganize one meal a month, a week, a day, all at your own pace. It is important not to pressure yourself into being a “perfect vegan”. This is unnecessary pressure that has the potential for you to “fail” on your vegan journey. Take things as slow or fast as you would like. I started as a vegetarian and within 2 months of doing further research, I became vegan and dropped dairy and eggs in a heartbeat. Again, transition at your own pace. Maybe remove meat one week, then eggs another week, and finally dairy. It’s all up to you. Be encouraging to yourself and don’t beat yourself up if you “slip up”. The most important thing while you are transitioning is your intention. As long as your intentions are positive and you are passionate about making the connection, then you can’t go wrong on your vegan journey. Start by learning how to veganize all your favorite meals like meatballs and spaghetti, pepperoni pizza, nacho cheese, just to name a few. This will help you with your transitioning tremendously. I also encourage you to do your own research! Research all the benefits of a plant-based diet. By researching facts about plant-based diets, what it does for the environment, and animal agriculture, you are creating a foundation of knowledge and facts. This will boost your confidence when around others who question your transitioning. Don’t let all the questions, negative assumptions, and jokes steer you away from the best possible action you can make for yourself, the animals, humans, and the planet. I think one of the most important things you can do while transitioning to a vegan lifestyle is “making the connection”. Make the connection with the “food” on your plate. Understand that this is not food, but a piece of decaying flesh that came from a being who did not want to die. Make the connection that by consuming animals, we are destroying our lands, littering our oceans, denying the poor and hungry of food, the list goes on and on. Realize that by not choosing to consume animal products, you ARE helping to ultimately stop the suffering and murder from all beings on this planet. 

Veganism is for everyone! Veganism is so beneficial! Veganism is the future! 

So, I challenge you to make the connection and begin your vegan journey today!

There are many potential benefits to adopting a vegan lifestyle, including:

1. Improved health: A well-planned vegan diet can be rich in nutrients and low in saturated fats, which may help reduce the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, certain types of cancer, and other chronic health conditions.
2. Lower environmental impact: Animal agriculture is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, water pollution, and other environmental problems. By avoiding animal products, vegans can reduce their environmental footprint.
3. Compassion for animals: Many vegans choose this lifestyle out of concern for the well-being of animals. By avoiding animal products, they can reduce the demand for factory-farmed animals and help prevent animal suffering.
4. Variety in cuisine: Veganism can encourage exploration of new ingredients and cooking techniques, leading to a greater variety of flavorful and nutritious meals.
5. Cost savings: Plant-based foods are often more affordable than animal products, especially if you focus on whole foods like grains, beans, fruits, and vegetables.
6. Ethical consumption: Veganism allows individuals to make ethical choices in their consumption habits, which can align with their values and promote a more just society.