Happy New Year, friends!
It’s time to make some big changes. Big changes that have a big impact on yourself and the world around you. A long time ago (in a galaxy far, far away – had to), I decided to adopt a vegan/plant-based diet. It started off for the animals only (and that is still my number one reason), but there is so much more to this choice. If you are going into the New Year wanting to make a impactful change on a personal or not-so-personal level, this is it. More compassion, more consciousness, more happiness.
For the month of January, most (if not all) of my posts will focus on going plant-based/vegan/vegetarian. From tips to alternatives to recipes… everything you will need to equip yourself to go all in. Or at least take small steps. Let’s start at the very beginning… REASONS WHY.
These 10 good reasons below may just be the push you need to change your life. I swear to you, I am still riding the high of this decision. It was the best personal decision I’ve ever made in my entire life. In a strange way, you just feel “lighter.” Your choices do not weigh heavy on your heart, because you are coming from a pure place. When you do not ingest the dead, you truly do feel more alive than ever. Sound too good to be true or cheesy? It’s not. I promise you. Try it and see for yourself.
Here are 10 good reasons why you should transition to a vegan/plant-based diet.
#1: You are SAVING animals.
The biggie. One single vegan will save almost 200 animals per year. 200. If you are an animal lover, it is a no brainer that you would give up eating them. Pets, farm animals, wild animals, sea creatures, critters… whatever. Animals are animals. Beings are beings. One is not superior to the other. Animals are not made to be eaten. Period.
Plus, why does anyone want to eat a dead body? I really do not understand it.
Go slow and transition as you need to, but there are a lot of mock meats on the market that can help satisfy your cravings or need for meat. Not one single animals needs to die in order for you to live. Once you make the choice and stick to it, a weight will be lifted. You will no longer be a part of their suffering or the unnecessary violence that comes along with it.
#2: Wait for it… you are SAVING money.
Contrary to what you’ve heard, eating vegan is cheaper than eating meat and animal products. I’ve wrote numerous posts on eating vegan on a budget, and I will continue to do this as proof for the skeptics. Rice and lentils and beans will always be cheaper options than meat and poultry. I promise.
#3: You’ll be PROTECTING the rainforests.
You may not realize this, but our rainforests are being destroyed at this very moment to clear room for soy and grain used to feed factory farmed animals. If we didn’t factory farm animals in the first place, we could leave the rainforests intact.
#4: You are CONSERVING water.
According to PETA, “it takes more than 2,400 gallons of water to produce 1 pound of beef, while producing 1 pound of tofu only requires 244 gallons of water.” Sure, turning off the faucet as you brush your teeth and taking shorter showers will add up and help, but eating vegan is a sure way to save a crap ton of water.
#5: You’ll HELP feed the world.
Remember how I talked about the food produced for factory farmed animals? Funny how we can produce all this food for animals we eat, but can’t put a dent in the world hunger crisis. The reality is, we should be using these crops to feed hungry families and keep animals out of it.
#6: You can SHED some extra lbs.
This isn’t always the case, but if you are looking to shed some weight, eating vegan can definitely help – especially if you are steering clear of the overly processed vegan food.
#7: Your skin will be GLOWING.
All those fruits and veggies with the vitamins and minerals will do your skin good. Plus, you won’t be ingesting dairy products, which are notorious for wreaking havoc on your skin.
#8: You are PROTECTING yourself against diseases.
Eating a vegan diet has proven again and again to lower the risk of a number of diseases, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, various cancers, and more. Some great health facts here.
#9: You’ll NATURALLY LOWER your cholesterol.
Only animal-derived products have cholesterol. There is no vegan product on the planet that has cholesterol in it. Go vegan and see how quickly your cholesterol levels will improve. I know this first-hand because I had borderline high/bad cholesterol and my diet has naturally lowered it. Here are my cholesterol numbers to prove it.
#10: You’ll EXPLORE new foods and recipes.
As time goes by, your taste buds will start to adjust to new flavors and foods. It took some time for me, but that is normal. Soon, you’ll be trying a ton of new things all the time and experiencing food in a whole new way. It is really exciting and to be honest, one of the best things that happened to me. Your cooking game will be stronger than ever.
Convinced yet? Own your body this year. Vow to be kinder, more mindful, and more compassion to all beings. There is no shortage in benefits when you eliminate animals and their byproducts from your plate. And if you ever have any questions, please do not hesitate to shoot me a comment or a direct message on here or on Instagram. I am always more than happy to help. This is a lifestyle that I believe in with my whole heart. I just wish everyone could experience it and see how good it feels to make the transition.
Love you guys. Thanks for being here and listening. Here’s to another happy, healthy, and exciting New Year. I can’t wait to see what it brings. xx bianca
