There are many stereotypes that come to mind when people hear the word "vegan." Some think that it means living off lettuce and carrots, a.k.a. “rabbit food.” Others picture tree-hugging hippies, a whole lot of grass eating, and cuddling with forest animals. Put simply, a vegan is a person who does not eat or use any sort of animal products. Choosing to become vegan is not a one-time decision, it is a lifestyle. For years, my good friend was a committed vegan, who then became my inspiration. We would go out to eat and she ordered all sorts of interesting vegan food combos. Lots of veggies? Yesss, but also lots of fries. Sometimes we would search the city specifically for vegan spots (yes they do exist!). This opened my eyes to all the delicious and exotic foods available. While becoming vegan has its restrictions, it has great benefits! Here are things I learned and reasons why you should consider going vegan, even if just to feel the magical vibes for a day.
1. I learned how to properly adult.
Chances are if you live with a roommate or family members, they do not share the same lifestyle as you do. This will result in you grocery shopping on "another level" and exploring fancy recipes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner… #adulting
2. Gained greater knowledge of how food affected our bodies.
When I first became vegan I thought it was really all just about vegging out and eating healthy. However, it caused me to realize just how much junk (or nonsense foods) I was consuming. Not only taking account of what goes in my body but also realizing how it poorly effected my body and overall energy levels.
3. Expanded my awareness of diverse foods.
I decided that I was going to go all in. If I was going to eat healthy and purposeful, then I was not going to just nibble on carrots. I was going to venture out and explore all my options. I found vegetables and foods I never knew existed, including a handful I couldn't even pronounce!
4. I wanted to be proactive about avoiding life-threatening diseases.
This comes as no surprise. If you feed your body clean stuff, it will be free of the bad stuff. While some diseases may be hereditary, this doesn’t mean that you can’t put a stop to the cycle, or prevent any complications later in life. If we take care of our bodies now, we will reap the benefits later in life.
5. Stand up for the cute bunnies!
People have different views on whether or not refusing to eat animals, or consume their by-products has an effect on their actual population. I think animals should be spared from being test subjects; however, this was not the reason I chose to live a plant-based life. This has mixed views, but I would say that if you are vegan because your heart lies with the cute bunnies, then stand for the cute bunnies! Protest and buy all the PETA stickers your heart desires!
6. I wanted to be good to the Earth.
Waste and pollution are always hot topics. I strongly believe that we have been given the privilege of caring for this earth and should not take it lightly. When it comes to eating foods that grow from the ground, it cuts down on packaging waste, as well as gives the opportunity for useful compost. It is possible to grow new veggies from kitchen scraps, no seeds necessary!
7. I learned to budget and eat only what was necessary.
It is often said among the college crowd that much of our hard earned funds are spent on food. We work hard, study hard, and sleep harder. We deserve to grub! If you are looking to save the green, but still fill the tank, this is possible by grocery shopping with purpose. Planning out what fills you up and what is going to last. Don’t eat 20 meals a day that mostly consist of empty sugars. Consume the nutrients your body so desperately needs!
8. I wanted to shape it up!
Eating clean and exercising consistently is the ultimate pairing that allows for optimal physical results! I knew that eating clean was going to cleanse my system, but had not taken into account the physical effects. I lost 10+ pounds in the first few months by simply controlling my food intake! Only recently, (7 months in...I know...) have I started to exercise regularly and see the change in my appearance. OH YEAH!
9. #VegansUnite
Whether you have been vegan for a day or for a year. Your efforts at a wholesome lifestyle are to be celebrated! I can honestly say that choosing to live vegan has been one of the greatest decisions of my young life. I would recommend it to anyone in a heartbeat. It gives a greater appreciation for your body, the Earth, the food it produces, and this beautiful life graciously gifted to us.
