January is recently over, meaning you've absolutely smashed those New Years resolutions, right?
Stats show that 42 percent of you are probably shaking your heads in disagreement right now. You're not alone. A couple of months ago, after continuously failing drastically at every resolution I ever tried to keep. I decided to make a new kind of promise, not one to hit the gym more, ditch the junk food or take some sort of social media sabbatical. I decided to focus my efforts on what really mattered to me.
Growing up I'd never really been a big meat eater. I was one of those kids who would prefer to eat a nut cutlet than a McDonald's happy meal (yes, those kids exist). I called myself a flexitarian, but really, I'd never buy meat, I'd only eat it to not be 'fussy' when around other people. The desire to avoid meat for myself was there, but the only obstacle was making the mental commitment to change.
Scientifically, the reason why we don't keep our resolutions is because we're not mentally prepared to commit. It's motivating to make a goal to change, but unless we're mentally prepared to make a conscious effort to change, we unfortunately, will almost always fail. It's just the way the brain works.
After extensive research, education and a virtual reality visit into a dairy farm, I finally made the switch to veganism. I wouldn't say it was easy, in fact, I found it incredibly hard. But, I can honestly say it's the best decision I've ever made.
I've never felt happier, healthier and so full of energy since making the switch. My one piece of advice would be, don't go cold turkey (no pun intended). Give yourself time, align yourself with your own reasons for wanting to change and don't be afraid to make mistakes along the way.
I can't tell you what your reasons may be for wanting to change, but I can tell you why it'll be the best thing you do this year….
Eating a diet high in whole foods, fruits and vegetables will mean you're more likely to lose weight without even trying. A study carried out by the American Diabetes Society on thousands of vegans, vegetarians, flexitarians and meat eaters, found that on average, vegans were over 20 pounds lighter than meat eaters. Interestingly, despite having lower BMIs, vegans were actually found to exercise less than meat eaters!
Eliminating foods like meat and cheese, and factoring your meals around grains, beans, veggies and legumes will prove in your favour economically. The lack of vegan options in most workspaces will also mean you'll become a lot more accustomed to bulk buying and mass meal prepping.
Aside from helping to lower LDL cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of diabetes, heart disease and cancer, becoming vegan will work wonders on your energy levels. Loading up on nutrient-dense, plant-based foods will leave you feeling energised, revitalised and full of life!
…And who doesn't want to live longer? Scientists have found that for every three percent increase in calories from plant protein, the risk of death reduced by 10 percent. Transitioning to a plant-based diet could also help cut 8.1 million deaths a year, according to a study from Oxford University.
It takes 13 pounds of grain just to feed one pound of animal weight. The more people who go vegan, the more crops and grain we'll have to feed people!
The meat industry is one of the leading causes of climate change, soil erosion and water depletion. In fact, producing just one calorie of animal protein takes nine times more fossil fuels than a calorie of plant-based protein.
1,100 gallons of water, 45 pounds of grain, 30 sq ft of forested land, 20 lbs CO2 equivalent, and one animal's life.
Knowing that you're putting an end to the death and harming of hundreds of animals every year.
With veganism set to be the 'megatrend' of the new year, it's safe to say finding plant-based options will certainly not be hard to come by this year. Popular restaurant chains such as Zizi's, Pizza Express, Pret A Manger and Wagamamas all have lots of delicious vegan options on the menu. And speaking from experience, they're delicious too.
‍This article is paid advertorial in conjunction with Vivo. Vivo creates 100 percent plant-based, carbon neutral health products including protein powder, matcha, and other items which can support your vegan lifestyle.