November is World Vegan Month. Most people think of a vegan as someone who does not eat animals. That is certainly the case, but Veganism extends beyond this. It is a way of life that tries to avoid all forms of cruelty to animals for food, products, or any other purpose. Eating only a plant-based diet is at the heart of veganism, but it is only the beginning of it. Vegans not only do not eat meat; they also avoid fish, dairy, eggs, and honey. They will also not wear or use products like leather or fur.

“Veganism is a philosophy and 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; and by extension, promotes the development and use of animal-free alternatives for the benefit of animals, humans and the environment. In dietary terms it denotes the practice of dispensing with all products derived wholly or partly from animals.” – The Vegan Society

There are a number of good, proven reasons to become vegan:

• For your own health. Studies have shown that consuming animal fats and proteins is linked to heart disease, colon and lung cancer, diabetes, obesity, and other conditions.
• There is even some evidence that becoming a vegan treats/reverses health conditions you may already have. It is not a magic cure all, but a good balanced vegan diet would, in most cases, help with weight loss, which would, in turn, help with conditions like diabetes and heart problems.
• Weight loss, in itself, is a good goal to help to stay healthy, even if you already are. Many animal products are calorie-dense. Sticking to a plant-based diet helps you lose weight and, more importantly, stay slim. 
• Avoid food poisoning. Animal products can contain bacteria and other toxins. Not only that, but intensively farmed meat may also be laced with such things as antibiotics and hormones. The spectre of chlorine washed chicken being on UK supermarket shelves may make more people think of the Vegan option.
• The wide variety of new meals. Rather than restricting you in what you eat, Veganism can lead you to try amazing new meals! There are more than 20,000 kinds of edible plants in the world. With spices, herbs and the right accompaniments, the possibilities are almost endless.
• There has never been a better and easier time to become vegan. Supermarkets have entire sections of vegan food. Nearly every restaurant offers at least one vegan option and most more. Veganism is also becoming more and more popular.

In the past being a Vegan was not as easy as it currently is, with food-stores not offering vegan alternatives and restaurants not having not vegan options. Now there are meat substitutes and even honey and butter substitutes, so that being a vegan has never been easier and you don’t have to give up on things that you once would have missed.

World Vegan Month was established in 1994 to celebrate fifty years since the creation of The Vegan Society in the UK. There are celebrations and festivals to mark it, although, obviously this year celebrations are likely to be different. However, there are still some events occurring and you can find out more here.

You can also try out some Vegan recipes:

5 Minute Vegan Pancakes

Vegan Chocolate Cake

Creamy Vegan Pasta

Pumpkin curry with chickpeas

Veganism goes beyond diet and what you eat, however. Some would argue that it also entails practicing a cruelty free life style. Not using animal products for other purposes and being aware that many things we use every day can contain animal products or may have been tested on animals, and this can be everything from lipstick to deodorant. Veganism can also be about social responsibility and helping to preserve and improve the environment.

Websites:

Go Vegan

The Vegan Society

Hashtag  #VeganMonth