If you think you’re seeing an increase in vegan foods and vegan folks, you are right! However, maintaining a vegan lifestyle isn’t new. Practices that include not eating animal flesh or by-products such as milk and eggs, can be traced back to ancient Indian and eastern Mediterranean societies. For those whose cultural background did not emphasize a plant-focused diet, eating a vegan or vegetarian diet used to be seen as a choice tied to animal rights activists, one that could require significant limitations when traveling and eating out. For the past few years, this has been changing dramatically. Today it is not at all uncommon to see products in the local grocery store labeled as vegan or to see restaurant menus with full sections of tasty dishes made without animal products. Even many “burger places” are now offering varieties such as black bean burgers, veggie burgers, and plant-based meat substitutes. What’s behind this growing interest and what are the differences between the many plant-focused labels? There are numerous reasons more people are choosing a plant-based diet, but three stand out as the most common. The first remains a commitment to animal rights. Many vegans are strongly committed to the belief that animals are sentient beings deserving of life and freedom. Many are opposed to what they see as inhumane and cruel factory farming practices. A second factor for a lot of people is the environmental impact of our heavily meat-based diet, especially red meat. There are numerous articles and studies supporting both sides of this argument and it isn’t difficult to find support for multiple narratives. However, there is little argument livestock production gives off at least 18% of the greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change and is a leading cause of deforestation given the need to convert more land to pasture livestock and raise the crops that feed them. Thankfully, there are also new, greener, farming methods that are being adopted by progressive farmers. A third, and growing, group of people are choosing a plant-based diet for health reasons. Sorting out the health impacts of a plant-based diet can be confusing with the mixed messages from medical professionals, nutritionists, and the media. What we do know is that increasing our intake of fruits, vegetables, and complex carbohydrates is a good thing for our health. Studies from the National Institutes of Health support the benefits of a vegetarian or vegan diet on cardiovascular disease, some cancers, hypertension, obesity, and type-2 diabetes. Many nutritionists note the importance of thought and preparation in the practice of a meat-less diet in order to get all the nutrients necessary for health and wholeness. Back to the identifying labels. There are many choices in adopting a more plant-based diet. Some simple definitions are: Vegan - a person who does not eat any food that comes from animals and most often does not use animal products or products tested on animals. Vegetarian - a person who does not eat meat or fish, often for moral, religious, or health reasons. Pescatarian - a person who does not eat meat, but does eat fish Flexitarian - a person who primarily eats a vegetarian diet but occasionally eats meat and fish For anyone interested in exploring a plant-based way of eating, PHW will be providing additional information and bringing expert voices to this discussion in 2022. We will also be sharing delicious and healthy recipes to help us all bring more fruit, vegetables, and healthy grains to our meal planning |
