Veganism: Should you? Should you not?
A dive into a lifestyle that might change your mind about vegans
Ugly beauty, ugly fashion, and the ugliest of them all - in many people’s eyes – ugly food. Many of us might not think about this topic but it can pop up and linger in the back of our minds from time to time. Should I be vegan? Should I not? Is this jacket vegan? Is my makeup tested on animals? There are so many different opinions on veganism and a tremendous amount of beauty, fashion, and food brands that are not vegan. Many of us do come to terms and realize that eating a vegan diet, wearing vegan clothes, and using vegan products is actually a very fulfilling way to live, but most also do not know why or how to become vegan. Regarded as a peculiar and high-maintenance lifestyle choice, veganism is marketed as a lifestyle that can make an exceptional difference in our lives both physically, mentally, and environmentally. But it is also marketed and approached in a way that if you aren’t vegan, you are almost looked down upon in some cases.
Coming from a non-vegan, I believe the future is veganism if you can’t switch your diet to zero animal products the first thing you could start out with is your changing your beauty products and clothing to vegan and no animal testing. Many of us (and me) find it very hard to figure out a way to live our day to day lives strictly eating plant-based and raw foods, but in the words of host, blogger, and local vegan chef, Lauren Toyota, “it’s really about eating the same foods that just happen to be plant-based”. Creamy pasta, a snatched makeup look, and a boss wardrobe – you can have it all whether you are vegan or not - but what’s most important to know is that you can have those things when you are vegan. You are creating a lifestyle for yourself that does, in fact, help the environment as well as your health. Many people do not think about what goes into creating a leather jacket or that bottle of moisturizer. Nine times out of ten brands market their products as vegan, but are in fact not and may come into contact with animal by-products whether it is testing or used in the making of that products.
Aside from beauty and clothing, the main part in becoming vegan we all know is the food you eat. We may think that when you are vegan you are eating food that has no flavour and won't fill you up, but according to Lauren Toyota, “vegan food is changing and becoming a lot more accessible, less intimidating, and more palatable”. Most people feel that if you do become vegan you won't be able to go out for dinner or figure out satisfying ways to cook at home. With our generation now, we have technology at our fingertips and with that power, we really don’t have an excuse to change our lifestyles, unless you simply do not want to or you might not know how to. If you are on the other side of the spectrum if you want to, but don’t know how to. There are so many books, movies, and websites like Lauren Toyotas blog “Hot for Food” that is a space where she strives to shatter the popular misconceptions about veganism.
It’s about knowing the facts, how’s, and doings of this lifestyle before pulling the trigger and switching. First is the research, if you truly are interested in changing, its best to know the pros, cons, and neutralities of this lifestyle. According to the non-profit organization, AARP, some pros from vegan diets are lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure, increased antioxidant intake, as well as promoting great self-control. When drastically changing your diet you will of course experience some disadvantages and the AARP states that some cons are a loss of essential nutrients and vitamins, radical change is weight, and unrealistic expectations all of which many people can control.
It’s always easier said than done, but when you know the facts and research you might just need that extra push to do it like Lauren Toyota needed. “The main challenge was figuring out what to eat so that I felt satisfied and not empty” she stated. It’s about trying to find balance when eating clean but also wanting to feel satisfied when eating a vegan diet or living a vegan lifestyle. After researching, there are so many resources and ways to take part in this mini revolution and after writing this feature piece, I may take part in it as well. Be open minded and don’t shy away, not every vegan forces people to change, it’s about knowing the facts that might change your mind.
