A lot of people become vegan because they want to make a statement against animal cruelty. Still others choose the lifestyle for primarily health reasons. Making a change to veganism can cause increase in energy levels, brighter whites of the eyes, dramatic weight loss, and improved complexion. Your body overall functions much better and as a result, everything looks better including healthier hair, stronger nails, and a clearer mind.
If veganism is so fantastic, why isn’t everyone vegan? A lot of people are uneducated as far as animal cruelty and what veganism or vegetarianism actually are. A vegetarian abstains from consuming any animal flesh. A vegan abstains from consuming or using either animal flesh or animal products. This is includes dairy products, gelatin, leather, etc. Most people think becoming vegan is extremely difficult, but in reality it’s not. You just have to go about it in the way that is right for you as an individual.
It is possible to be vegan and still be unhealthy; a personal can easily refuse all animal products or flesh and still manage to consume a pound of chocolate and heavy pastries everyday. It’s the commitment to organic, raw, and healthful foods that really makes the difference. For some people this means that they eat less meat and more fruits and vegetables as a start. For others this may mean that they immediately switch to a full on vegan diet, but they make exceptions for outings and/or social occasions.
Personally, I’m making the switch to veganism for health reasons. I’ve done detox diets in the past and changed my lifestyle so that I’ve been (for the most part) vegetarian for the past year and a half. However, I’m ready to take it up a notch. My plan is to become vegan and eliminate the dairy and gelatin products that I regularly consume. For example, cheese, butter, yogurt some candies, and (some) Starbucks drinks.
However! I also know that I get very frustrated when I feel tied down to rigid rules – especially when it comes to what I eat. I like to travel, try different ethnic foods, and go on social outings with friends. I don’t ever want to feel like it’s not in my power to (or guilty if I) decide to eat something on special occasions. Therefore, I making a compromise; I will eat a more strict vegan diet at home, but on special occasions or outings, in that moment in time, I will make the wisest decision for that particular circumstance.
Don’t ever feel like you either have to do something in the extreme or not do it at all. Remember who you chose to do this for. I chose to become vegan for my health, and therefore I will handle it according to what works me. There are no textbook definitions here. What works for you?
Will you try it? Would you consider it? If not, why? Is it fear of sacrificing taste (you won’t) or convenience? If you will, why? Is it to impress someone else? If you decide to do it for someone else’s sake – don’t start. Save yourself the trouble because you won’t follow through. You have to want it for yourself. Whatever you decide, be open minded!
Check out a resource that helped me understand a little more about it.
Or watch a video on grocery shopping as a vegan.
Yesterday, I read an interesting chapter of Crazy Love by Francis Chan. It was entitled, “You Might Not Finish This Chapter”. His point? He merely stated that I might keel over dead before I finished turning the last precious page of chapter three. It struck me as odd because that had never really occurred to me, but also because it was absolutely true.
