I decided in early 2016 that I would try a month out as a vegan, just to see if I could do it. It resulted in me educating myself and living a newfound, sustainable, healthy lifestyle that I can’t get enough of. Outside of the documentaries about the dairy industry, the articles about the climate crisis and the books linking meat to cancer, veganism has taught me more than I ever imagined about myself and how I want to live my life.
1. Food is not the enemy
As someone who battled with eating disorders for years, I thought that food was bad, and the less you could eat, the better. In order to lose weight, I would calorie-restrict and try to eat 1200 calories or less, mostly made of lettuce, celery and flavorless chicken. Veganism taught me that I can eat in abundance, and eat deliciously while being healthier and feeling better than I ever have. Veganism isn’t about eating less. It’s about eating right, and this is an extremely empowering thing to come across. Veganism means I can eat when I’m hungry and not feel guilty. Veganism means that I can eat more than 1200 calories and not live in fear of gaining weight. Veganism means I can be healthy and lose weight while feeling energetic and empowered.
2. The value of all lives
Veganism was a big proponent of my becoming an advocate for animal rights, because once you see the torture that animals go through when they are not only being made into meat, but having their bodies exploited so we can have eggs and dairy, it's impossible to ignore. Veganism made me really reflect on whether or not I was okay with being a bystander to their suffering, and forced me to really think about the value of every life on this planet, even the lives of animals. Veganism taught me that there’s no reason why dogs and cats are kept as pets and loved for their whole lives, but pigs and chickens are tortured and kept in cages on a daily basis. Every life is worth something, and every being should have a chance to live a full, happy life.
3. To accept my mistakes and move on
Veganism can be hard, and you’re going to make mistakes, but veganism taught me that I can’t dwell on every mistake I make. You can’t beat yourself up if you eat a bowl of ice cream or a piece of pizza. You have to acknowledge that mistakes are going to happen, but you can’t give up. Veganism is about trying your best to do your part for your health, for the planet, and for the animals, and giving up after a little mistake isn’t doing all that you can. Veganism taught me that it’s better to push through despite your mistakes than to give up just because you messed up.
4. A newfound respect for the planet
Animal agriculture is the cause of 90% of environmental destruction, and the most effective way to counteract this is to stop eating animals. Veganism is based on a deep respect for Earth because all you eat are the wonderful things that come out of the ground. A plant-based diet is not only nutritious, but so delicious, and I have a newfound appreciation for Earth for providing me with the best, tastiest food with which to fill my body.
5. The right choice is not always the popular one
Veganism (for me) is the clear right choice. I get to eat until I’m full with healthy, delicious food that doesn’t harm the planet, the animals, and my body, but not everyone sees veganism the way that I do. As a vegan, you will be the butt of many jokes, interrogation, and even (in rare cases) harassment. People will think you’re weird and too “hippie crunchy granola” for their taste, but veganism taught me to let them laugh, because I know I’m making the right choice for the animals, the planet, and myself.
I understand that not everyone can be a vegan, and that’s okay! Veganism is a personal choice, but it’s a lifestyle change that has brought me more happiness, health, and energy than any other choice I’ve made. Veganism has taught me so much, and most of all, it’s taught me to be the best me that I can.
