The year is coming to an end, and I felt like it was time to post a new blog. I’ve definitely been slacking these past few months, and now that I finished my first semester of my Master’s degree, I have some time to reflect. I’m quite happy to say that although this year has been very tedious, I’m grateful for the things that I’ve learned and the experiences that I’ve had. So far, I’ve been enjoying my time grinding my courses and just developing myself as an individual. I felt like sharing a few thoughts that might be of value for people that want to consider veganism, especially since the New Years is coming up. Every January, millions of people partake in Veganuary, and I think that this January will be an even more special one—the reason?
Well, if there is one thing that this pandemic has taught us, is that humanity learns and adapts from its mistakes. Obviously, some do it better than others, but I’m sure that a lot of people have reduced their consumption of animal products because it got us in this mess.
Veganuary, I think, is an exciting time because many people who are hesitant of becoming completely vegan, can try the lifestyle for a month. And although I personally believe that veganism is not a diet, or a trendy thing to do for a month and then resume consuming meat, I still believe that Veganuary is a good motivation for many people to embrace the lifestyle. I think that having a month for veganism is better than having none. As such, I want to give you some advice before you embark on this gratifying journey.
Why Veganuary?
Before you start Veganuary, decide exactly why you’re doing it. What do you wish to accomplish in this month? Clarity? Do you want to know what it feels like to be vegan?
I want to be honest and say that thirty one days is not a lot. I know it might be a lot for people who want to try veganism (and I’m sure that you’ll find out that it’s not so arduous or gruelling after all) but a month isn’t representative of veganism. I think veganism becomes part of someone’s identity after a year at least, when one has had enough time to actually reflect on their lifestyle and their daily consumer choices. Veganuary is more like a taster, a little nibble rather than an actual bite of the real thing. There are many vegan struggles that you might not necessarily experience or appreciate in those thirty one days. If you decide to return to your old diet, then I doubt clarity will happen.
Health can be a good motivator for Veganuary, especially for those that are concerned about their physical state or even their mental health. Hippocrates said it best, ‘let thy food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food’. A plant-based diet is known for its anti-inflammatory attributes. It fights congestion, constipation and is good for you all around. Getting your nutrients on a plant-based diet is super easy and the resources are out there. You can get all the required nutrients by eating regularly and having meals that are satisfying and filling. Otherwise, if you’re planning on committing to the diet, a Vitamin B12 supplement should be taken just as an insurance policy. Also, January is generally a cold and dark month in the northern hemisphere, so a Vitamin D3 supplement is also good to help safeguard your immunity and maintain a good mood.
The Trinity of Veganism
As you should know by now, veganism holds a trinity-like effect whereby people might become vegan for one, or all, of the three main reasons. The first reason to go vegan is the main reason, and that is because of the animals. Ethics are fundamental in veganism, and so, it should not come as a surprise that veganism includes the abstinence of all animal products, and not just a few like vegetarianism. If it comes from an animal, or an animal was involved in its production, then it’s not vegan.
The second reason for going vegan is for the environment. As we all know, livestock factory farming is responsible for 18% of all greenhouse gas emissions, and the murder of more than seventy billion land animals every year. This figure excludes the exorbitant amount of marine life that is killed every year, which I think is just mind boggling to even think about.
The third reason for going vegan is for the health benefits that it provides. It has become common knowledge that animal products, especially red meat, are carcinogenic, which means that the risk of eating them over a long period of time can lead to chronic illnesses. A whole foods, low-processed, plant-based diet can prevent and even remedy many illnesses such as type 2 diabetes, cancer and atherosclerosis. A vegan diet is also suitable for all stages of the life cycle according to the American Dietetic Association.
Expectations vs Reality?
I’m sure that you must have many thoughts running through your mind about taking part in Veganuary, and I get it. It’s difficult to start something completely new especially if it’s foreign. I personally remember how confused I was when I started my vegan journey four years ago. But, I definitely believe that I was excited to embrace a lifestyle that has since then resonated with me unquestionably. Did I know then that veganism would be the ideal lifestyle for me? Of course not, and if I did, I doubt the journey that I’m on today would’ve been as exciting or as memorable.
However, realise this; if you’re trying this lifestyle out for thirty one days, then go for it! It’s better to try and learn from your experience than never trying, ever. What do you have to lose? I’m sure that there are a lot of people who participated in Veganuary that became fully fledged vegans themselves. So, maybe that could be you, or maybe not. At least for thirty one days you can get to spare many animals off your plate, and if that is not a reason to try, then you might even be giving your body and mind a break from food that is poisoning you. Whatever the reason may be, this could be a calling for anyone that has ever questioned their consumption of animal products.