Veganism Explained: What It Means and You Should Know

Veganism wasn't that common back in the day. In the early 20th century, some people began implementing it, but to follow an extreme diet with very low calories, using only vegetables and vegan ingredients.

However, veganism is not just about dieting. It has several benefits, including reducing animal cruelty and supporting animal sanctuaries. Some of them are to live a healthy lifestyle, protect the body from various diseases, and protect the animal environment from harm.

What is veganism?

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Veganism is the philosophy and way of living of some people who choose to eat foods that come from natural ingredients such as vegetables, tubers, and anything that does not come from animal products, thereby avoiding animal cruelty. In modern society, veganism emerged to stop the incessant suffering of animals due to the needs of many people. By being a vegan, we do not eat anything that comes from animals, use goods that come from animals, or engage in activities related to animals, such as horse riding, which is undoubtedly an activity that harms animals.

Why do people go vegan?

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People become vegan for different reasons and according to their needs. Some groups of people do realise that many animals suffer because we continue to need meat and dairy products. However, some become vegan because they want a healthy lifestyle for themselves and their bodies. 

Consuming non-dairy products has many health benefits, so it is highly recommended that we follow a vegan diet. It is low in calories and contains lots of nutrients and vitamins, so we can have a healthy body while dieting.

Is veganism just a diet?

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Besides diet, eating vegan also means contributing to a good environment, not only for animals but also for nature. This is because farms that aim to produce dairy products are highly polluting.

However, consuming vegan food certainly makes it easier for many people to diet while also avoiding forms of exploitation. Besides being low in calories, it also provides enough energy not to starve easily, even though we are on a vegan diet, which is a common concern. 

So, what do vegans eat?

Vegans don't just eat salads and tofu. Vegan food was diverse and versatile, including green vegetables, nuts, oats, fruits, and tubers. This variety ensures that a vegan diet is healthy but also interesting and enjoyable, with a wide range of delicious and nutritious options.

How to become a vegan

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Here are some ways to become a vegan and embrace the definition of veganism.

Connecting with the vegan community

Adapting to something new is difficult, but you will find it easier if you are in the same environment and community to support each other. Being part of a vegan community allows you to share and discuss various information about veganism. In addition, you'll also gain new relationships and experiences!

How to transition to veganism gradually

Transitioning to veganism doesn't have to happen overnight. Many vegans find it helpful to take gradual steps. To align with the way of life of many vegans, start by replacing animal-based products with plant-based alternatives one meal at a time. Begin with easy swaps like oat milk instead of dairy or beans instead of meat. Add more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes to your diet. Plan your meals and explore vegan recipes to stay inspired.

Resources for vegans

There are plenty of resources to support your vegan journey. Websites like Vegan Australia, NutritionFacts, and The Vegan Society offer valuable information on nutrition, recipes, and ethical living. Moreover, apps like HappyCow help locate vegan-friendly restaurants, while Forks Over Knives provides meal-planning tools. Social media and YouTube are also great platforms for finding vegan influencers who share tips, motivation, and daily meals focused on avoiding animal products.

What's the difference between vegan and plant-based?

Veganism is a choice to eat ingredients that do not come from animals to reduce animal harm. People who practice veganism usually also want a healthier lifestyle because eating non-dairy products prevents them from various diseases.

However, plant-based diets include vegetables, nuts, and tubers. People who follow a plant-based diet usually differ from vegans because they still consume dairy products such as milk and eggs.

What's the difference between vegan and vegetarian?

The main difference between vegan and vegetarian diets lies in the extent of animal product exclusion. Vegetarians do not eat meat, poultry, or fish, but many still consume animal by-products such as dairy, eggs, and sometimes honey. 

Vegan vs vegetarian comparisons often highlight this key point. Veganism, on the other hand, means avoiding all forms of animal exploitation. It eliminates meat, dairy, eggs, honey, and other animal-derived ingredients. Veganism is usually a broader lifestyle commitment, extending beyond food to clothing, cosmetics, and household products.

Why don't vegans eat milk and eggs?

Milk and eggs are products produced from animals, so veganism certainly does not consume these ingredients and encourages a lifestyle that avoids animal products. The primary reasons for this avoidance are ethical, as it seeks to prevent animal exploitation, and health-related, as it eliminates the potential health risks associated with consuming animal products.

However, many foods contain milk and eggs, such as bread, spaghetti, pasta, etc. Being a vegan does not mean being limited or not being able to eat these foods, but looking for alternative ingredients such as wheat bread or vegan pasta with the same taste.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can vegans drink alcohol?

Yes, vegans can drink alcohol. However, not all alcohol is vegan-friendly. Some wines, beers, and spirits are filtered using animal-derived fining agents like isinglass (fish bladder), egg whites, or gelatin. These substances don't remain in the final product but are part of the process, making them non-vegan and potentially contributing to cruelty towards animals for food.

Can you eat rice as a vegan?

Can vegans have butter?

Conclusion

Although veganism is a challenging lifestyle because it means not using non-dairy products, you can change the world and the environment for the better. Whether you're exploring veganism for ethical, health, or environmental concerns, taking small steps and educating yourself can lead to lasting change and help prevent heart disease and type 2 diabetes. From understanding the difference between vegan and plant-based to discovering which everyday items are animal-free, the journey is personal and empowering.

As a vegan, you must visit Brother Bon to find your favourite vegan food that aligns with your commitment to avoiding animal products and promoting a cruelty-free food system!