As we all strive to live healthier, eat cleaner and be more mindful of our impact on the environment, many people are curious about the vegan lifestyle and all that it encompasses. Read on for a peek inside what it means to adopt the vegan lifestyle.
Vegan Vocabulary
Understandably, veganism is often confused with vegetarianism. All vegans are vegetarians, meaning they do not eat meat, fish or poultry. Vegans, however, also do not eat or use any animal products or by-products. This includes eggs, dairy products (milk, cheese and yogurt for example), honey, leather, fur, silk, wool or cosmetics and soaps that are derived from animal products.
There are many reasons that someone may explore veganism as a lifestyle choice. Personal health, ethical beliefs and a deep concern for the environment are some of the most commonly cited reasons that a person may decide to become a vegan.
Health Benefits
Vegan diets are free of cholesterol and are generally low in saturated fat and high in fiber and antioxidants. In this way, those following a vegan lifestyle are already conforming to dietary recommendations that reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, obesity and heart disease.
Ethical Reasons
For many vegans, veganism as a lifestyle choice also reflects the desire to prevent the exploitation of animals for food, clothing and other products. In addition, some vegans avoid animal products because of the conditions associated with their production.
Mindfulness of the Environment
From the transportation from farm to table to the water and crops needed to feed the animals, the production of meat and other animal products places a heavy burden on the environment. According to many vegans, less crops and water are needed to sustain a plant-based diet. In other words, many vegans feel they are doing their part to help the environment by not eating or otherwise consuming animal products and by-products.
Variety is the Spice of Life
Well-planned plant-based diets can be rich in protein, iron, calcium and other essential vitamins and minerals. Variety is the key to a nutritionally sound vegan diet. A healthy vegan diet includes fruits, vegetables, leafy greens, whole grain products, nuts, seeds, legumes.
As more and more people explore veganism, the options available on the marketplace keep growing. To get a sampling of vegan foods and products, Vegan Cuts offers monthly subscription boxes filled with a variety of food and beverage products. These boxes give vegans (or those dabbling with the idea) the opportunity to try new products and keep their diet varied and healthy.
In addition, the emergence of more dairy-free and eggless options allows even those that love sweets to adopt the vegan lifestyle. For example, Mayesa is a healthy vegan indulgence made from delicious and organic cacao and pea protein.
A well-planned vegan lifestyle can be nutritionally adequate and provide many positive health benefits. However, keep in mind that eating a plant-based diet does not automatically make it a healthy one. Vegans need to make a conscious effort to eat the right quantity and combinations of food to get the nutrients they need to stay healthy, which means processed foods should be avoided.
Whether you are currently invested in a vegan way of life or are exploring the idea of adopting one, there are countless products you can choose from and more emerging every day. Visit Mayesa.com to learn more about our vegan-approved premium cacao vitality drink.