Happy Easter Everyone!!
Hopefully we didn't eat too much chocolate yesterday. But if you did, I have a great African inspired workout for you that's going to help you to burn off a few of those calories. Just check out the video at the bottom of the blog.
Anyway, over the last few weeks, I have spoken to a lot of people who have said they are giving the vegan lifestyle a try; whether its through the Veganuary campaign or during the period of Lent - people are giving it a try! Whilst this is music to my ears, it makes me wonder whether some may be thinking that veganism is a fad and just about plant based eating.
So what is veganism really all about?
Here is the official definition of veganism by the Vegan Society;
a philosophy and way of living which seeks to exclude—as far as is possible and practicable—all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose; and by extension, promotes the development and use of animal-free alternatives for the benefit of humans, animals and the environment. In dietary terms it denotes the practice of dispensing with all products derived wholly or partly from animals.
1. Conscious Lifestyle
In the officially definition of veganism by the vegan society, it is described as a way of living or lifestyle. So you can see that the diet is just a small part of your it goes beyond following a plant based nutrition, but understanding the greater message behind why you are making these conscious choices and its importance in the wider context.
2. Promoting animal free-alternatives
Ok, I am not talking about bombarding people at the entrance of a supermarket or throwing stones at meat eaters, but getting the conversation going about alternatives. Social media has been a lifesaver when it comes to this!! I remember Pinterest and You Tube being my library for finding animal free alternatives! In fact, my entire Intstagram page is all about sharing dishes that are 100% animal free and by no means "Rabbit food".
Celebrities have also played a role in promoting animal-free alternatives. I remember a few years ago when Beyonce went vegan and it started a whole new movement! To an extent, celebrity endorsement does help to get the conversation going, but it is disappointing to find people treat it as just a diet and go back to bad habits :-( but nevertheless, it made more people want to find out what veganism is all about.
3. For the benefit of humans, animals and the environment
This part of the definition highlights the ripple effect of veganism. I started as a vegan to improve my health, but I soon realised that it goes beyond what I choose to put on my plate, but the negative impact of the meat and dairy industry. Even our current UK dietary recommendations have started to reflect an emphasis on a plant based lifestyle! Check out the following useful links for some more insight;
-https://www.vegansociety.com/go-vegan/why-go-vegan
-www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Goodfood/Pages/the-eatwell-guide.aspx
-www.cowspiracy.com/
-Gary Yourofsky's speecch: www.youtube.com/watch?v=es6U00LMmC4
-http://www.nationearth.com/earthlings-1/
