Why Should I Go Vegan?

This post is for those who have asked themselves “Why should I go vegan?” The decision to go vegan is a deeply personal one that can be motivated by a variety of factors, including concerns about animal welfare, environmental sustainability, and personal health.

While there are certainly challenges to adopting a vegan lifestyle, the potential benefits for both individuals and society as a whole are numerous and significant. And I would argue that there are challenges to any healthy diet in this current world we live in of industrialized food with millions of food choices that focus on fat, salt, and sugar.

This post is meant to persuade you and to make the argument about why you, as an individual, should at least consider going vegan. My argument is based on three main pillars.

From an environmental perspective, animal agriculture is a major contributor to climate change, deforestation, and water pollution. The livestock sector is responsible for about 14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, according to a report by the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization.

This includes emissions from the animals themselves, as well as from the production of feed, fertilizers, and other inputs. In addition, animal agriculture is a leading cause of deforestation, as forests are cleared to make way for pastureland and feed crops.

This destroys vital habitats and contributes to the loss of biodiversity. The water footprint of animal agriculture is also significant, as it requires large quantities of water for drinking, cleaning, and irrigation.

While plant-based protein sources also have an environmental impact, they are generally more sustainable than animal-based foods.

For example, it takes significantly less water to produce a pound of beans or tofu than it does to produce a pound of beef. In addition, plant-based agriculture has a smaller carbon footprint, as it does not require the production of feed or the transportation of animals. As a result, switching to a vegan diet can be a powerful way to reduce your environmental impact and help to combat climate change.

From an animal welfare perspective, the ethical treatment of animals is a major concern for many people who choose to go vegan (this was and still is the main reason I am vegan).

I would argue that the way in which we treat animals in our society is one of the leading moral failures of our time. Factory farming, the predominant method of animal production in the industrialized world, often involves cruel and inhumane practices. Animals are often kept in crowded, confined conditions and may be subjected to physical alterations, such as tail docking or beak trimming, without pain relief.

They may also be subjected to routine and preventable suffering, such as lameness and respiratory illness. In addition, animals used for food are often transported long distances to slaughter, where they may be subjected to further suffering and stress. By choosing a vegan lifestyle, you can help to reduce the suffering of animals and promote more humane and compassionate farming practices.

Lastly, personal health is also a significant factor for many people who choose to go vegan. It is still highly debatable but, in my opinion and from what I have researched and, a vegan diet is not only healthier but it is better for you than a diet that contains meat and dairy.

That being said, like any diet, you need to make sure you are getting everything that you need. Some common nutrients of concern for vegans include vitamin B12, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids. However, with careful planning and the use of fortified foods and supplements, it is possible to obtain all of these nutrients on a vegan diet.

Of course, I must add that I am not a doctor nor a trained nutritionist. Please consult with a professional before making any big changes to your diet if you have any sort of complication.

While transitioning to a vegan lifestyle may require some effort and planning, there are many delicious plant-based alternatives available that can make the switch easier and more enjoyable.

There are also many resources available to help you get started, including recipe books, vegan meal delivery services, and online communities of like-minded individuals. With a little bit of research and preparation, it is possible to enjoy a healthy and satisfying vegan diet that meets your nutritional needs and aligns with your values.

In conclusion, there are many compelling reasons to consider adopting a vegan lifestyle, including concerns about animal welfare, environmental sustainability, and personal health. While it may take some effort to make the transition, the potential benefits for both individuals and society as a whole are numerous and significant.

And there are people out there that can help…like us 🙂