By Candice Hutchings
If 2012 has taught us anything it is that everyone who is anyone is talking about a plant based vegan diet. Everyone from Ellen DeGeneres to Steve-O is talking about the benefits of losing the eggs, milk and meat, and switching to quinoa and kale.
Is eating vegan just a fad, or are these stars on to something?
The truth is veganism is not just for the “free spirits” and “hippies” anymore. A vegan or mostly vegan plant based diet is for everyone! Especially those looking to improve their health naturally, demonstrate animal compassion, or save the planet. It is the season of new beginnings and New Years resolutions…
Is it that much healthier for me?
Cutting back on meat (even a little bit) has a major effect on your health and the environment. Many studies have shown that eating a mostly plant based diet lowers your risk of developing and may even prevent a number of diseases. Just by switching to a balanced vegan diet you are able to lower your risk of developing cardiovascular disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, various types of cancers, osteoporosis and many, many more!
But why is it so effective?
I thought you’d never ask. Most of the today’s North American diet has migrated from traditional steak and potatoes, and has adopted a boxed mashed potato and ill -karma factory farmed beef model. We have superstore after superstore of processed food devoid of any nutritional value. On the other hand, a balanced vegan diet is rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and less of those processed foods that are high in cholesterol and saturated fat. Because of the increased focus on whole foods, those who follow a vegan diet are most often refuelling their bodies with vitamins, antioxidants and fibre. It only makes sense; garbage in, garbage out.
Speaking of garbage, what are we doing to our environment?
A University of Chicago study found that the ‘typical’ US diet generates the equivalent of nearly 1.5 tonnes more carbon dioxide per person per year than a vegan diet. The livestock industry is responsible for 18% of global greenhouse gas emissions, more than the entire transport sector which produces 13.5%. This means that by adopting a vegan diet you have the power to be green by voting with your fork. It’s more powerful than recycling!
Help! I don’t know what to do!
This doesn’t mean that you have to convert to a 100% vegan diet over night. No, you don’t even have to give up your weekly steak. You are able to contribute by being aware of what you are purchasing and putting into your body. Support the environment by participating in events such as Meatless Monday, or becoming a part-time vegan.
Join me over the next few weeks for Vegan Fridays here on Lifestyle Kick, when I share my tips and tricks on making a plant based, vegan diet an easier, more attainable lifestyle.
Candice Hutchings, The Edgy Veg is a “new age vegan” and raw food lifestyle blogger that provides the internet with the tools for living a conscious, healthy vegan lifestyle in an increasingly busy world. Watch her on YouTube as she brings alternative vegan cooking right to your computer.
Read her Vegan Fridays column on Lifestyle Kick.
