Livin' la vida vegan: What is it and why do it?

Veganism has been a hot topic in the media especially in the last year with dedicated shows onThe Oprah Show, The Martha Stewart Show and The Ellen Degeneres Show, among others.  There have also been many celebrities who have chosen a vegan lifestyle, like Bill Clinton, Ellen Degeneres, Alicia Silverstone and (now reportedly) Beyonce.  There are also more and more vegan restaurants opening around the world and even in the Valley likeThe Loving Hut , Green in Tempe, and Fresh Mint in Scottsdale. A recently study found that the population of vegans in the U.S. has doubled since 2009 and represents 2% of the U.S.  Vegetarians represent 10% but approximately 50% of people say they often eat vegetarian.  Despite the increasing interest in a vegan lifestyle, however, there still exist many questions about what it is and why it’s becoming a lifestyle of choice for so many. 

Wikipedia defines ‘veganism’ as “the practice of eliminating the use by human beings of non-human animal products.  Ethical vegans reject the commodity status of animals and the use of animal products for any purpose, while dietary vegans orstrict vegetarians eliminate them from their diet only.”

People become vegan for a variety of reasons.  Many change their lifestyles when they learn of the shocking cruelty to factory farmed agricultural animals in the meat and dairy industries.  Others remove meat and dairy from their diets because of the environmental damage perpetrated by factory farms.  Still others learn of the health benefits of a plant-based diet and make the switch for personal health concerns. 

The China Study by Dr. T. Campbell is a great place to learn the science behind the benefits of a plant-based diet, and Farm Sanctuary: Changing Hearts and Minds About Animals and Food by Gene Bauer sheds light on the plight of agricultural animals in the factory farm system.  For those of you movie lovers interested to learn more about the health implications of a vegan diet, the documentary film, “Forks Over Knives” can be ordered online and is a great primer.  

As more people become familiar with veganism, more restaurants and stores will pop up to support them.  And as a result, veganism will start to become less of an unusual lifestyle choice and more mainstream.