Veganism – Thriving Through Acceptance

World Vegan Day is an annual event celebrated by vegans all around the world, on the 1st of November. So very clearly, a fringe movement went mainstream, explaining how the veganism and the plant-based eating, isn’t just a fad.

Identifying as a vegan was often viewed as weird or extreme, until recently, due to this diet’s efficiency, and also the availability of the meat-free options in the mainstream industry.

Everyone ranging from celebrities, sports stars, politicians, and companies, are supporting the movement to eat more plant-based foods. There are many movements by Google, and interviews by our favorite stars like Ellen DeGeneres, Novak Djokovic, Bill Clinton, and many more, sharing about their experiences and supporting the movement.

Plant-based eating may not be entirely mainstream yet, but it is becoming more accepted every day. This trend has far-reaching impacts. In a study, the researchers have found that people who follow a vegan diet have a lower risk of heart disease and it provides many more health benefits such as excess weight loss, maintained blood pressure, proper kidney functioning, and etc.

Being a part of this community, I once got an opportune chance to attend a training workshop conducted by SHARAN, which stands for- Sanctuary for Health and Reconnection to Animals and Nature. The workshop was regarding the postulations and notions people or more specifically, millennials, have for this air of veganism, especially in India, where the growth of acceptance is escalating to another level of ascension.

So, I will be bursting some common myths regarding the vegan diet, to help you out with your vegaphobia.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A VEGAN DIET AND A WHOLE FOOD DIET? IS THERE EVEN A DIFFERENCE, AT ALL?

Veganism is a lifestyle, which is the practice of abstaining from the use of animal products, particularly in diet, and an associated philosophy that rejects the commodity status of animals.

Example: No usage of any animal skin made products.

A whole food diet is more of a healthy eating habit, where we tend to involve the food in its most non-refined form.

Example: Consuming an apple without peeling off the skin or consuming an unpeeled ginger.

INCLUDING NUT MILKS AND NUT BUTTERS, IS IT NOT AN EXPENSIVE DEAL?

Nuts and fruits are expensive, but we should not forget that we are removing the dairy products and oils from our diet, which brings the cost significantly low.

WHERE WOULD I GET THAT CALCIUM OR THE PROTEIN FROM?

Mother nature is kind enough to provide us with fruits and vegetables which definitely fulfill our nutrient requirements. Although, vegan industry is growing rapidly, there are many options to choose from. This is a very vast arena of discussion, so it is always recommended to read about how our body really works and what we actually require.

I CANNOT LEAVE THAT TASTY MEAT, I AM NOT A COW!

I tried a vast range of food items during the workshop, whether it be a starter, a main course, a dessert, or even a pizza. Surprisingly, the taste was strikingly similar and I was able to indulge without any guilt. If we talk about the meat and cheese, faux meat is available in the market, and so is cheese. Anything can be prepared at home, including both hard and soft vegan cheeses, which are equally delicious as compare to its pure dairy form. Yes, you heard it right. You can still enjoy your favorite dish, being a vegan, just how you enjoy your regular food.

See for yourself, how can this NOT be delicious?

So in conclusion we can say, vegan food market share has a high demand for flavored foods, and that has widened the scope of growth for the manufacturers across the world. Thus, product innovation has been a major competitive strategy in this market.

Veganism is a lifestyle change which indeed, is worth a try. It is no longer a niche player, as industrial agriculture bends to adapt to consumer demand and its own crisis of sustainability, so it is only going to get more accessible.

Are you already a Vegan? What’s your story? Let us know by clicking here.

Check out our other articles related to health and well-being in the Read More section and let us know about your suggestions in the comments section below.

Let’s change for good.