In recent times, #vegan lifestyle has been influencing people in many ways. Many people are opting towards this lifestyle. Honestly speaking, it was only on #Hive that I learned about this lifestyle. Interest in veganism increased significantly in the 2010 onwards. At first, I find it very strange, to know how people could live beyong animal products, as we can see every day to day products have some animal contents. But then I learned that there are many alternatives available for these animal products like you can use coconut milk instead of cow milk or many others. I am NOT a #vegan to tell more about other alternatives.
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A vegan lifestyle is a way of living that excludes animal products and cruelty to animals as much as possible. People opting for such lifestyle restricts themselves from various animal related products. It includes :
Diet: A vegan diet is based on plants and foods made from plants, and excludes all animal products, including meat, poultry, fish, dairy, eggs, and honey.
Clothing: Many vegans avoid wearing clothing made from animal skins.
Products: Many vegans avoid products that have been tested on animals.
Environment: Being vegan is considered more sustainable and kinder to the environment than eating meat and animal products. Farming animals contributes to climate breakdown, deforestation, and pollution.
Some people choose to follow a vegan diet for ethical, environmental, or health reasons. To ensure they are meeting their nutritional needs, they can include a variety of nutrient rich ingredients and fortified foods in their diet. For example, fortified foods like plant based milks, cereals, and nutritional yeast contain vitamin B12 and vitamin D. Legumes, soy products, nuts, and seeds contain protein, zinc, and iron.
Growing craze for veganism
People choose a vegan lifestyle for many reasons, including:
Health: Vegan diets are often lower in calories and higher in fiber, and may help lower the risk of heart disease, stroke, cancer, and other health issues.
Ethics: Some people believe that animals have inherent worth and rights, and don't want to see them suffer.
Environment: Animal agriculture is a major contributor to climate change and deforestation, and requires a lot of land and resources. Producing plant-based foods is more sustainable.
Animal welfare: Some people are concerned about the way animals are treated, such as the confinement and transportation to slaughterhouses.
Skin health: Plant-based foods are rich in antioxidants, which can help your skin regenerate and balance its oil and moisture levels.
Food safety: Animal derived foods are often contaminated with feces, blood, and other bodily fluids, which can cause food poisoning.
Challenges to Vegan lifestyle.
Many individuals hesitate to adopt a vegan lifestyle due to the challenge of breaking deeply ingrained dietary habits. Belonging from a traditional Hindu family, this lifestyle always sounds unique and strange to me. I am not differrnt to adapt it. At times when all the old tradition and culture are vanishing, it is hard to shift and adapt to new lifestyle. When it comes to changing lifestyle, it not only relates to a single individuals, but many other person too associated with it. Transitioning to a vegan lifestyle can be challenging for a number of reasons.
Fear of missing out on favorite foods, ingrained habits, and lack of knowledge can be major obstacles. Some say going vegan is like suddenly navigating to work using only backroads, making a simple act difficult.
*Some people may not support the lifestyle, and social events can be challenging. We may end up leaving all old relation and look out for vegan family for socialising. *
Vegan versions of favorite foods may not be available everywhere. It is not easy to get as desired. The market is not thoroughly available everywhere.
There are many different recommendations for diets and supplements.
Some say that being almost vegan is better than not being vegan at all. Others recommend eating a wider range of plant-based foods, cooking for oneself, and taking supplements correctly. I never tried to be vegan, and will never ever ever think of it.