Vegan, Schmegan, Beegan or Monday Vegan (meatless Monday Vegans), any attempt at incorporating more plants into your diet is GREAT! I'm sure you know by now that a vegan diet is one that gives animals a break and excludes all animal products including meat, dairy, eggs, and even honey (unless you're Beegan). Here we list out some of the perks (in no particular order) ;)
Ethical Concerns: Many people adopt a vegan diet due to ethical concerns about animal rights and welfare. They believe in minimizing harm to animals and avoiding their exploitation for food, clothing, or any other purpose.
Environmental Sustainability: Animal agriculture is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, water pollution, and habitat destruction. Although there is some debate around this, adopting a plant based diet is seen by many as a way to reduce one's environmental footprint and promote sustainability.
Health Benefits: A well-planned, well- balanced vegan diet can offer various health benefits. It tends to be anti- inflammatory, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds, which are high in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Research suggests that vegan diets may lower the risk of heart disease, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer. Some would say it promotes gut health and the gut-brain connection.
Weight Management: Vegan diets are often lower in calories and saturated fats compared to diets that include animal products. Therefore, they may be helpful for weight management and reducing the risk of obesity.
Food Security: Producing plant-based foods typically requires fewer resources such as land, water, and energy compared to animal agriculture. This makes vegan diets potentially more sustainable and resilient in the face of food shortages or environmental challenges..
Allergies or Intolerances: For individuals with allergies or intolerances to animal products or specific components found in them (such as lactose or casein), a vegan diet may be a suitable alternative that avoids these problematic substances.
Overall, people choose a vegan diet for a combination of ethical, environmental, health, and personal reasons. It's important for those adopting a vegan lifestyle to ensure they get all the necessary nutrients by eating a varied and balanced diet and, if needed, supplementing with vitamins such as B12 and D3 that are not naturally abundant in plant-based foods. Come eat a meal with us and try it out. If you ate at Bella every day, could you go vegan?