Becoming a vegan is amongst the top ten trending topics on social media platforms such as Twitter and Instagram, and for good reason. Going vegan is a fantastic way to shed off extra pounds, improve your health, and protect the environment.
If you’re unfamiliar, a vegan diet excludes all animal products such as meat, dairy, and eggs. The main reason behind veganism is to reduce your carbon footprint and fight climate change. Animals are sentient beings and are aware of their surroundings. When a cow is raised in a field, it likely experiences certain moods and feelings. Many vegans see animal cruelty as immoral and would never hurt an animal for fun or profit. Some vegans strive to lead a plant-based lifestyle without even having to think about the source of food. This type of veganism is known as ethical veganism.
The Perfect Day As A Vegan
For those interested in going vegan, here’s a perfect formula. You’ll need to combine a healthy diet with plenty of exercise. Start by incorporating more vegetables and fruits into your diet. Cut out your meat and dairy as much as possible. Instead of having eggs for breakfast, have a vegan omelet. For lunch, you can have grilled vegetables or a salad. Dinner will consist of pasta, rice, or potatoes accompanied by a green vegetable and a dessert.
You’ll want to work out at least three times a week. Jumping jacks or squats are fantastic for developing your muscles and shedding off those extra pounds. Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Keeping your kidneys and liver healthy is vital for keeping off weight. You may also want to consider taking a multivitamin to protect your body from deficiencies.
How Long Does It Take To Lose Weight As A Vegan?
It takes time for everyone to lose weight. Whether it’s ten pounds or fifty pounds, everyone can make substantial changes to their lifestyle to shed off extra weight. Going vegan is a popular way to lose weight because it’s so easy to do. You don’t have to count calories, nor do you have to deprive yourself of sweet treats. You can literally eat what you want.
If you’ve been dieting and have tried countless fad diets in the past, going vegan can be a breath of fresh air. You’re no longer committing to a regimen of restricted calories or brutal workouts. Instead, you’re focusing on eating the food that makes you feel good. You’ll also be doing your body some favor by providing it with nutrients that it needs to function at its best.
Side Effects Of Going Vegan
While there are many positive aspects of going vegan, there are also some potential downsides. People who go vegan often experience a period of discomfort when they first cut back on the foods they enjoy. If you go vegan without preparing your body properly for the change, you may suffer from nutrient deficiencies. This, in turn, can lead to severe health problems. For example, if you’re not getting enough vitamin B12, your brain cells will begin to deteriorate and you may experience memory loss and confusion. Other possible side effects of going vegan include irritability, leg cramps, dry mouth, and constipation.
As mentioned, one of the major reasons behind going vegan is to cut back on your carbon footprint. You may not want to give up your morning coffee, but you can reduce your daily cup to a half or quarter cup. You’ll also be cutting out dairy and other animal products which are major sources of proteins and fats. These two food groups are high in saturated fats and hormones which contribute to heart disease. Going vegan is one of the simplest ways to reduce your carbon footprint and become healthier.
Why Are People Interested In Going Vegan?
Those interested in going vegan often cite multiple reasons. Those who have gone vegan for health reasons often report improved energy levels, clearer skin, and a brighter complexion. Some people also lose interest in food altogether and find that they have more energy than before. Going vegan can also cure ailments such as arthritis, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease. Many people are now researching the connection between food and disease, and they’re discovering that avoiding certain foods can help prevent or cure some illnesses. For example, people with diabetes can eat less of a specific food group (e.g., sweets) and still achieve the same or better results than those who follow a typical dietary regimen.
What About Those Who Aren’t Physically Able To Follow A Vegan Diet?
For those who aren’t able to follow a vegan diet, there are alternatives. You can still incorporate more vegetables and fruits into your diet than usual while cutting out certain foods that you know you shouldn’t eat. For example, you’ll want to cut back on desserts but you can have fruit cups and berries during the week. You’ll also want to avoid dairy and eggs but you can have non-dairy alternatives like soy milk and veggie cream cheese. You can also have beans and grains such as quinoa and brown rice.
If you do decide to go vegan, you may want to consult with a doctor or a dietician to find out how much weight you should lose and how you should prepare for the change. For optimal results, you’ll want to find a nutritionist who can develop a diet just for you. With a little bit of planning and some trial and error, you’ll be well on your way to a slimmer and healthier you in no time!
It’s essential to stay hydrated while dieting. Drink at least eight glasses of water each day to keep your kidneys functioning at their peak. You should also try to consume food at each of the four main meals each day to keep your metabolism high. As for the fats, they should come from vegetables and fruits rather than oil or dairy. Remember, you’re on a diet, so you shouldn’t taste overly vibrant or seasoned foods. You’ll find that after a while, you may not even recognize food any more because you’ve grown accustomed to eating healthier.