What is Veganism?

Have you ever thought of becoming a vegan or living a vegan lifestyle? Not too long ago, people thought of vegans as being a fringe group. This is no longer true. Since 2014, the number of people following a vegan diet has grown 600 percent in the US. Furthermore, this trend shows no indication of slowing down in developed countries such as New Zealand, Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States. This seems largely due to the fact that many consider veganism to be a healthy lifestyle that is more ethical and environmentally friendly.

Vegans eat a plant-based diet containing no animal products. This includes not eating food such as eggs and dairy products. Vegans wear clothing that is not animal-based. For most vegans, this means no fur, leather or down in their wardrobe. Some vegans also consider any wool materials to be unacceptable.

A vegan diet can be healthier than a regular diet if care and attention are given to assure that you get enough vitamin B12, protein, calcium and iron. Vegans have much lower rates of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. In addition, they often have lower cholesterol levels.

The vegan diet also respects the rights of animals to have a cruel-free existence. Many animals suffer because of the high demand for dairy and meat products. Some farmers and ranchers, seeking higher productivity and greater profits, treat their animals cruelly. They use hormones and steroids to promote rapid growth and restrict their movement to small cages.

The average vegan diet, when compared to a traditional diet, is higher in vitamin C and in fiber, and lower in saturated fats. Does following a vegan diet mean that your food intake is healthier? This depends upon what and how you much you eat. If your idea of a vegan diet is to eat chips, granola bars, and vegan desserts, then this diet would not be the healthiest diet for you.

If you are someone looking to lose weight through becoming a vegan, you should be cautious in choosing your foods. Limiting the amount of sugar in your diet is a requirement. Avoiding carbohydrates such as white rice, pasta, bread, and potatoes is also of prime importance.

Many celebrities have chosen to follow a vegan diet. Some, such as Bill Clinton, chose to become vegan for health reasons. Following serious heart surgery, Clinton had no option but to adopt a healthier lifestyle. Ellen DeGeneres and Mike Tyson chose to be vegan because of their love for animals. It is worth noting, however, that both of these celebrities are very active and in good physical condition.

As an athlete, I am aware of the need for proper nutrition in order to perform well. I am also concerned about the welfare of animals. I doubt, however, that becoming a vegan is a viable option for me given that I come from a traditional Italian family. My goal is to incorporate some aspects of veganism into my daily diet. Still, I have greatly reduced my intake of meat, replacing it with legumes to provide a source of protein. I think this is a healthy way to eat as well as being respectful of animals and the environment.