step farther – where the vegetarian will consume eggs and dairy, the vegan will not. Anything that comes from an animal is off limits in this lifestyle. Some make the choice to eat a vegan diet because they passionately feel that it is cruel to eat anything from an animal.
This often extends into other areas such as beauty products and clothing. “Many vegans choose this lifestyle to promote a more humane and caring world. They know they are not perfect, but believe they have a responsibility to try to do their best, while not being judgmental of others,” from The Vegetarian Resource.
The vegan lifestyle does have health benefits and those practicing will most likely see weight loss due to the fact that you are only able to eat plants, seeds, and beans.
Science has shown us that there is something to be said about making the majority of your diet consists of fruits and (especially) vegetables. There have been links to reduced cardiovascular issues and is a great way to control and prevent diabetes. The diet itself is really very safe. The only thing is that you must make sure certain that you are getting enough protein. This can be easy to do if you like nuts and tofu. (Actually, I do like tofu.) I think the key to going vegan is to also have the belief system set in place so that the lifestyle change is more about conviction than weight loss.
Although the world is becoming more vegan-friendly the vast majority of society is not vegan, therefore, eating out and attending social events can be challenging.
For more information please check out these helpful sites:
US News Health – The Vegan Diet
The Vegetarian Resource – Veganism in a Nutshell
Boston Vegan Association – Becoming Vegan
Oh She Glows – A blog dedicated to everything vegan as the author is vegan.
The Post Punk Kitchen – From their About page: “The idea was simple: a fun cooking show to give vegans something to watch.”
Meet the Shannons – “Vegan Food and Family”
Chef Chloe – A vegan baker who won an episode of TLC’s Cupcake Wars is taking the nation by surprise with her vegan recipes.
Are you vegan? What tips do you have for those who are interested?
