Should I become a vegan?

Veganism is trending everywhere and the vegan lifestyle is being promoted on social media platforms. But it started long ago in 1944 when Donald Watson coined the term ‘Vegan’ to differentiate between vegetarians who ate dairy and eggs, and those who did not (i.e. vegans).

The modern wave of veganism started with The Vegan Society in 1951 as a dietary based movement that transformed into an animal rights group. Their manifesto states: “The object of the Society shall be to end the exploitation of animals by man.”

Are you confused about veganism and don’t know what exactly a vegan eats? The gist of veganism is simply abstaining from the consumption of all animal-based products.

You can eat foods made from plants, including: fruits and vegetables, legumes (peas, beans, and lentils), nuts and seeds, breads, rice, and pasta, dairy alternatives (soy milk, coconut milk, almond milk) and vegetable oils.

Vegans can't eat any foods made from animals, like: beef, pork, lamb, red meat, chicken, duck, poultry, fish or shellfish (crabs, clams, mussels), eggs, cheese, butter, milk, cream, ice cream, and other dairy products, mayonnaise (as it has egg yolks), and honey.

Who are ethical vegans? Ethical vegans reject the use of animal products of any type - not just food but products of animal origin such as leather, silk and wool, along with products tested on animals like cosmetics and toiletries.

Who are environmental vegans? They are less strict and avoid animal products because they feel it harms the environment and is unsustainable in the long term. Their motivation is more political than spiritual.

Who are dietary vegans? They are people who eat plant-based diets for nutritional reasons. They might eat eggs, dairy, or honey sometimes in order to maintain health.

In short, people are choosing to go vegan for a variety of reasons: to stop animal cruelty; to reduce individual carbon footprints; for religious or spiritual beliefs; for health reasons.

Final note: Social media has fuelled the rise of veganism. Photos with beautifully plated vegan diets are everywhere. Increasing awareness of animal rights and climate change is also a major reason for the trend.