13 interesting facts about veganism you should know!

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Curious about veganism? New to the vegan lifestyle? A vegan expert? Well let’s see how many of these facts you already know! Choosing vegan is a beautiful decision. People who follow a vegan diet get to make choices throughout the day that help their own health, the planet, and so many animals. Veganism is so widespread nowadays, it is more appealing than ever before! 

1. What’s veganism anyway?

Veganism is a way of living that seeks to abstain, as much as possible, from the use of animal products. Vegans don’t eat animal-derived foods such as meats, milk, and dairy. Many vegans also boycott clothing and other products that involve animal exploitation, such as leather and fur.

2. Why do people go vegan?

The current top three reasons that make people choose veganism are improving their health, saving animal lives, and helping the planet.

Let's Try Vegan, together.

Let's Try Vegan, together.

Sign up & join over 250k who've already taken the 22 day vegan experience
Sign up & join over 250k who've already taken the 22 day vegan experience
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Health/nutritional condition

Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Crohn's disease or Colitis
Sadly, the Challenge is not suited for people with Crohn’s/Colitis, since people who have those diseases require a personal dietary consult when transitioning to veganism. Veganism can be suitable for most people with those diseases (and in some cases even help prolong remission), but the transition is usually best done gradually and carefully.

The Challenge 22 program cannot serve as a replacement for a personal consult with a dietitian who specializes in this field. You can use the group and the program for recipe ideas and useful tips related to the vegan lifestyle, but do it while being mindful of your digestive system’s symptoms. For example, if legumes such as beans and chickpeas cause you unpleasant symptoms, it’s best not to eat them before your personal consult. In any case, we recommend contacting a dietitian specializing in gastro and veganism, and receive personal guidance.

In order for us to approve your participation in the group, we need your approval on the following text:
I
understand that transitioning to veganism using the Challenge 22 program by Animals Now is not a replacement for a personal consult by a dietitian specializing in gastro diseases and veganism. I also understand that for most people with digestive system issues such as Crohn’s or Colitis it is best to transition to veganism gradually and with guidance from a professional. I understand that the Challenge’s program can aid in gradually changing to a plant-based diet in terms of recipe ideas and various cooking and lifestyle tips, but it is not the program’s main goal.
Bariatric surgery
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Less than a year ago
Sadly, Challenge 22 is not suited for people who recently went through bariatric surgery, since those people need personal guidance by a clinical dietitian who specializes in bariatrics as they transition to veganism. This is because the transition is usually best done gradually and carefully in order to avoid intestinal blockage or any nutritional deficiencies.

The Challenge 22 program cannot serve as a replacement for a personal consult with a dietitian who specializes in this field. You can use the group and the program for recipe ideas and useful tips related to the vegan lifestyle, but do it while being mindful of your digestive system’s symptoms. For example, if legumes such as beans and chickpeas cause you unpleasant symptoms, it’s best not to eat them before your personal consult. In an case, we recommend contacting a dietitian specializing in gastro and veganism, and receive personal guidance.

In order for us to approve your participation in the group, we need your approval on the following text:

I
understand that transitioning to veganism using the Challenge 22 program by Animals Now is not a replacement for personal consult by a dietitian specializing in gastro diseases and veganism. I also understand that for most people who recently went through bariatric surgery it is best to transition to veganism gradually and with guidance from a professional. I understand that the Challenge’s program can aid in gradually changing to a plant-based diet in terms of recipe ideas and various cooking and lifestyle tips, but it is not the program’s main goal.
Over a year ago (with no special complications)
Usually, transitioning to veganism is not a problem when you’ve had bariatric surgery in the past. However, we do recommend consulting a dietitian who specializes in veganism and bariatrics alongside the program.

Irritable bowel syndrome, bloating or other digestion sensitivity
Veganism can sometimes aid in cases of digestive system discomfort. However, a drastic/fast change in your diet can sometimes actually worsen your symptoms. Usually, for people with digestive system issues it’s best to transition to veganism gradually and with personal guidance from a professional who specializes in veganism and digestive issues.

The Challenge 22 program cannot serve as a replacement for a personal consult with a dietitian who specializes in this field. You can use the group and the program for recipe ideas and useful tips related to the vegan lifestyle, but do it while being mindful of your digestive system’s symptoms. For example, if legumes such as beans and chickpeas cause unpleasant symptoms, it’s best not to eat them before your personal consult.
Eating disorder - anorexia or bulimia (past or present)
Sadly, anorexia and bulimia are medical conditions that we can not take responsibility for in Challenge 22. A present eating disorder, but also a past one, is a condition that requires close personal guidance by a professional while going through dietary changes, and the Challenge program cannot supply this kind of guidance.

It’s important for us to make it clear that the reason that the Challenge cannot take responsibility for your condition is out of concern for your health. Transitioning to veganism while having an eating disorder is possible, but requires the help, approval and personal guidance of professionals who know your situation well (dietitian, psychiatrist and/or other physician).
Eating disorder - other type
Sadly, Challenge 22 is not suitable for people with eating disorders, since they require personal guidance by a clinical dietitian while transitioning to veganism, and it’s usually recommended that they do the transition gradually. The Challenge program is supported by dietitians, but it cannot replace personal consult by a dietitian. The group and program can aid in recipe ideas and tips related to the vegan lifestyle, but it has to be done with great care and while setting an appointment with a dietitian who specializes in eating disorders.

In order for us to approve your participation in the group, we need your approval on the following text:
I
understand that transitioning to veganism using the Challenge 22 program by Animals Now is not a replacement for a personal consult by a dietitian specializing in eating disorders. I also understand that for most people with eating disorders it’s best to transition to veganism gradually and with guidance from a professional. I understand that the Challenge’s program can aid in gradually changing to a plant-based diet in terms of recipe ideas and various cooking and lifestyle tips, but it is not the program’s main goal.
Other medical condition that may affect your diet (for example, cancer, diabetes, high blood fat, etc.)
Veganism can be healthy in almost every medical condition, and in some cases may even be an advantage. However, if you have a medical issue that affects your diet, it’s important to make your transition to veganism with guidance from a dietitian who specializes in veganism, and, even better, one who also specializes in your specific medical condition.

In order for us to approve your participation in the group, we need your approval on the following text:
I
understand that The Challenge program is supported by dietitians, but it cannot replace personal consult by a dietitian who specializes in veganism.
Join The Challenge!
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Challenge 22 : Terms of Use

I am hereby informed and aware that my participation in the Challenge 22 group, including all content published in the group, i.e. questions and answers, explanations and tips - is not a substitute for professional counseling (nutritional, medical or other), and that the responsibility to eat a healthy, balanced diet rests exclusively with me, the participant.

Animals Now and the Challenge 22 team will not be held accountable for any health problem or other issue which can occur as a result of bad nutrition or conduct during my participation in the Challenge 22 program. Additionally, I am aware that the medical and nutritional information given in the program is general and cannot take into account specific conditions or personal requirements of each participant.

The Challenge 22 program, in itself, cannot be an exclusive framework for people with diseases or with special health/nutritional/mental conditions, such as eating disorders, gastrointestinal or digestive diseases, bariatric surgery and pregnancy. In these cases, it is highly recommended to get additional personal counseling with an appropriate healthcare professional, in place of or in addition to participation in the Challenge 22 program.

*If you have any special requirements and are in need of personal support, you may consult with one of the program mentors regarding the appropriate professional to reach out to.

* Challenge 22 was created and is run by Animals Now, an NGO based in Israel.

Online guidance by mentors & registered dietitians

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Free!

Online guidance by mentors & registered dietitians

Friendly & supportive environment

Plenty of fabulous recipes

Over 250,000 already participated

3. Trying vegan can be one of the best decisions you make for your health!

Many people switch to veganism because it’s healthy! Recent studies found that a plant-based diet can reduce your chances of certain cancers and of developing type 2 diabetes. A vegan diet can also reduce blood pressure levels and lower cholesterol!

4. Each vegan spares 30 animal lives a year

Animals in the food industry are abused, mutilated, crammed, and slaughtered. The industries use horrific practices in order to generate a maximum profit. 99% of farmed animals spend their whole lives confined in factory farms. Around the world, over 150 million farmed animals are killed each day. By trying veganism, you’re protecting animals.

5. Veganism is great for the environment!

Factory farming is significantly responsible for deforestation, greenhouse gas emissions, pollution, and water shortages.

  • Livestock and their byproducts are accountable for 51% of all greenhouse gas emissions, worldwide. 
  • 2,500 gallons of water are needed to produce 1 pound of beef. 
  • Animal agriculture is responsible for up to 91% of the Amazon rainforest destruction. 

It is so easy to help the planet – by eating a plant-based diet you will be living a much more sustainable life.

6. Veganism can solve world hunger! 

Research shows that we could feed an additional 4 billion humans if we grew our crops directly for human consumption, rather than feeding the crops to farmed animals and then consuming them.

7. We could have fishless oceans by 2048

Fortunately, veganism can save our oceans! Animal agriculture causes ocean dead zones due to overfishing, pollution, and climate change which is ruining marine ecosystems. Scientists expect fishless oceans by 2048 unless we change the animal food industries and their practices.

8. A plant-based diet increases metabolism

The metabolism of people who follow a plant-based diet burns calories 16% faster on average than the metabolism of meat-eaters for the first few hours after meals.

9. The term “Vegan” is less than 100 years old

The term “vegan” was coined by the British animal rights activist Donald Watson in the 1940s. “Vegan” describes the philosophy that animals should not be exploited and hurt for food or other purposes.

10. A plant-based diet can easily provide complete protein!

There are so many affordable options for plant-based protein. Beans, chickpeas, lentils, tofu, tempeh, soya chunks, and seitan are only a few options for vegan protein!

11. Vegan food is delicious and very diverse

There is a vegan version of just about anything you can think of. As demand soars, more and more companies are launching new vegan products, such as vegan meats and dairy-free milks and cheeses.

vegan chili by bar sidon
vegan chili by Bar Sidon

12. So many social justice activists throughout history have been vegan or vegetarian

Rosa Parks, Angela Davis, Mahatma Gandhi, Dolores Huerta, Martin Luther King Jr., Coretta Scott King, and countless more, have been saving animals and exposing the abuse involved in animal agriculture while fighting for social change.

13. The easiest way to try veganism is with Challenge 22

The Challenge makes it easier than ever to try veganism with the support of experienced mentors, dietitians, and a community that’s continually growing. You will get advice, recommendations, and many recipes that will show you how accessible a vegan diet is. To try a vegan diet for 22 days for FREE, complete your registration here!

Trying vegan has never been so easy! Join!

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