Interested in why people go vegan? Want to know how you can try veganism? Learn the ins and outs of veganism right here!

What’s veganism, anyway?

The definition of veganism according to The Vegan Society is a way of living which seeks to exclude, as far as possible and practicable, all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing, or any other purpose. For many people, veganism is a moral stand, a boycott of products that involve animal suffering and abuse, it’s a lifestyle choice that respects animals and refuses to take part in their exploitation.

Why veganism? 

The main reasons why people choose veganism is to improve their health, save animal lives and help the planet.

• Vegans are less likely to have heart diseases, certain types of cancer, and diabetes.
  Many people choose veganism because it’s healthy! Recent studies found that cancer rates among vegans were up to 19% lower compared to meat-eaters. It was also shown that vegans have lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure, and lower chances for type 2 diabetes. The American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics stated that vegan and vegetarian diets are “healthful, nutritionally adequate, and may provide health benefits in the prevention and treatment of certain diseases,” as well as announced that plant-based diets are suitable for all ages and stages of life.

• Vegans save lives!
  Animals in the food industry are viewed as commodities and are exploited for profit. Before they are slaughtered, they suffer painful mutilations without anesthesia. They are bred to grow unnaturally fast and large in order to maximize production. Their body is unable to support this growth and the results are deformities and pain. Over 150 million farmed animals are killed each day. By becoming vegan you’re protecting animals.

• Veganism is great for the environment!
  Animal agriculture is the leading cause of water pollution, ocean dead zones, species extinction, and habitat destruction. It’s unsustainable, wasteful, and dangerous for the planet. Raising animals for our consumption requires immense amounts of water, land, energy, and food.
  • Livestock and their byproducts are accountable for 17% 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 Amazon destruction and for 55% of water use in the US.

• There are many more reasons to try vegan – check out our blog post 13 interesting facts about veganism you should know! 

How can I try veganism?

Going vegan is actually easy-peasy! 

Transitioning to a vegan diet might seem scary or unattainable and it’s natural to feel this way! Most vegans will tell you that they had the same concerns when they first thought of switching to veganism. Perhaps you are concerned about giving up your favorite foods (fortunately, there are plenty of vegan alternatives, including marshmallow options without gelatin) or about the comments you may get from others. But in reality, you will discover how amazing going vegan is. You will discover vegan versions of your favorite foods, new plant-based dishes you will fall in love with and you will adapt to the new lifestyle and make new connections.  

The easiest way to try veganism is with Challenge 22!

The Challenge makes it easier than ever to try vegan with the support of experienced mentors, clinical dietitians, and a community that is continually growing. You will get advice, recommendations, and 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!

While similar programs around the world are based on vegan starter kits and email guides, Challenge 22 is an interactive program that offers a unique combination of group support and personal mentoring. How does it work?

• When you sign up, you join a Facebook group where you and other participants can share your experiences and learn from each other.
• The group is mentored by experienced vegan volunteers – culinary experts, parents, students, and longtime vegans. In addition to the group support, participants can be assigned a personal mentor if they would like to share their experiences and ask questions privately.
• The program is supervised by certified dietitians who give nutritional advice.
• Each day you and the other participants will receive a small task, like making something out of tofu or buying a new vegan product you haven’t tried before. By the end of the Challenge, our participants are equipped with nutritional information, cooking tips and recipes that enable them to maintain a healthy, tasty, vegan lifestyle.
• It all happens in a very joyful and supportive atmosphere – people upload pictures of their dishes, share recipes and cooking tips, talk about their daily experience, and all in all, experience a great adventure together.

Veganism is delicious and vegan food is so diverse – you can find a vegan version of just about anything you can think of. Due to demand, more and more companies are launching new vegan products and alternatives to popular foods and dishes.

Are you interested in plant-based recipes? Click here for amazing vegan ones!