Veganism is about... feeling great saving money animal welfare sustainable eating
Veganism can mean different things to different people. And you can choose to be more or less vegan based on how strongly you feel.
For some, veganism is about living in ways that minimises the exploitation of animals.
Other vegans might be focused more on their health, which for some gets a lot better when they stop consuming animal products.
Some do it because it’s cheaper and less messy and smells better with less meat in their kitchen.
Others because they feel concerned about the future and want to play a bigger part in supporting change, and a plant-based lifestyle is way more eco-friendly than the alternative.
Shades of Green
You can be vegan most of the time then hoe into eggs and the occasional chicken or lamb (maybe organic and ethical where you can) and still be doing great things for your health and the planet.
Some vegan warriors might frown upon such blurry boundaries, but most of us are too busy to be perfect at anything. Our view is that small change is better than none, and that every choice made with sustainability in mind will contribute like a raindrop to a flood of sustainability for us all.
We imagine that the more you do it the more you’ll enjoy it. We see veganism not so much as a discipline but more a lifestyle choice that you make because you love how it feels at every level, from your health to your hip pocket to your heart and to the conscience of your soul.
We don’t care what your motivation is, or how pure or lax a vegan you are. Every small step helps. We just want to support you to make changes that work for you … that leave you feeling better and a little more optimistic about the world the children will inherit.
Browse 150 vegan food products
Organic Vegan Cosmetics
Heaps of vegan products here too
Food is always medicine
Vegan Defined
The Vegan Society describes veganism like this…
“Veganism is a 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.
There are many ways to embrace vegan living. Yet one thing all vegans have in common is a plant-based diet avoiding all animal foods such as meat (including fish, shellfish and insects), dairy, eggs and honey – as well as products like leather and any tested on animals.” (reference).”
For big meat eaters who love to feel a full belly, there are ways to achieve that with vegan food that are just as tasty and loaded with carbs and protein.
“When I see bacon, I see a pig, I see a little friend, and that’s why I can’t eat it. Simple as that.”
-Paul McCartney
Is Veganism a Healthy Choice?
The vegans we know are active, vibrant, creative people who love to exercise. The image of a vegan who is awkwardly thin and sickly might be more about meat-industry marketing than fact. We can’t say for sure. All we know is that with a little effort given to a balanced diet, vegans can be powerhouses of vitality, enthusiasm and good old get-up-and-go.
We’re not doctors or nutritionists and cannot offer advice to others, nor are we inclined to. We’re sharing what’s working for us. Our assumption is that you’ll decide for yourself whether to try it and see if you like it. Don’t believe us about anything … go and look and decide for yourself what works for you.
Healthy Science
There is however a growing chorus of those who are qualified in support the move to a substantially plant-based diet.
The Vegan Motivation website out of the US says it like this…
“Science now knows that a plant-based diet is conducive to optimal health, and is capable of preventing, and in many cases reversing, some of the biggest killers today – such as heart disease and diabetes (reversing CAD research paper).”
Meat (and eggs) do contain B-12 while plants do not, which has been suggested by some as proof that humans should eat meat. It is true that vegans do need to take a B-12 supplement to maintain good health. Our distant vegan ancestors (the great apes) sourced B-12 by eating their poop occasionally (a common practise for dogs, cats and many other species). Given our civilised preference for tastier forms of nutrition (and better breath), a B-12 supplement is an easy choice.
Check the Vegan Nutrition Tips post for a deeper dive into being a healthy vegan.
