So, about a week ago, my girlfriend brought up the movie 'What The Health' (find it on Netflix) and I didn't watch it yet with her, but apparently there is a lot of compelling evidence as to the health benefits one can see from adhering to a Vegan Diet. Now, I've done some reading in the past on the benefits of going vegan, not to mention that Scott Pilgrim (the movie with Mike Cera) makes a compelling case that Vegans get superpowers granted to them based on their diet (note, photo above is a joke, for those who have the tendency to get hurt in the butt). Some of the benefits that can be seen include:
Lower Risk For Cardiovascular Disease:
Vegans, on average, are thinner, have lower total and LDL cholesterol, and modestly lower blood pressure, three things that are linked to the occurrence of Cardiovascular disease. Vegans are lower in these levels than omnivores and EVEN lactoovovegetarians.Lower Risk For Cancer:
A study showed that colorectal and prostate cancer rates were substantially higher for non-vegans. A few factors could be at play, one being the cancer-fighting nutrients in the fruit/vegetable/legume-based diet, and another being the fact that Vegans, on average, have a lower BMI, Obesity, again, being highly linked to cancers in certain areas.Bone Health (read for caveat):
Vegan diets are rich in the majority of nutrients that support bone health, lacking only in Vitamin D and Calcium on average, so Vegans that take a Vitamin D and Calcium supplement, can see better bone health than average omnivores that take just those as well, due to the fact that Vegans, on average, tend to consume more fruits, vegetables, and legumes, which contain important nutrients for bone health other than D and Calcium.Her and I decided to go Vegan for 2 weeks, mostly to see how it goes. That being said, we know that going Vegan for 2 weeks won't achieve the health benefits above. However, additional reported things for Vegans (as soon as a few days into when you start), include increased energy, reduced bloating, better digestion, better sleep, and a more stable mood. Our goal is to see if these things occur and, more than anything, I just want to help her stick with it by doing it too. That way she won't see delicious chinese food, taco bell, burgers, italian subs, pizza, etc. that will try to make her quit the diet.
For us it isn't much of an animal cruelty thing (although seeing how beef is made absolutely disgusts me, but I'm in denial when I eat it generally), even though I despise animal cruelty. I generally only want to be vegan because of that cruelty for about a few days after seeing those sad infomercials or documentaries, but then the disconnect reemerges and I feel like eating meat again. The problem is I've grown up having that disconnect and I always saw beef as food and a cow as a pet; logically, they're the same thing, but something about them doesn't feel the same for me when I see an all-beef patty, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, and a pickle on a sesame seed bun. That being said, hopefully we get the health benefits that people claim they get when being Vegan.
On day 4, I'm feeling strong (and have convinced myself that I've already lost body fat, whether that is just my imagination or not), and sticking to it. The cool thing too is that I'm discovering all these new foods that are my 'preferred' vegan choices, like Guacamole Bean Dip and Triscuits, Grapes of course, and some other delicious vegan things! After 2 weeks, I'll give you all an update on how I feel (maybe I'll give a week-in update too) and how it is going (and if I failed... I don't think I will this time though, since I'm doing it to support my gf). WISH ME LUCK!!