5 Reasons to Go Vegan
 

Bill Clinton did it.
So did Ellen DeGeneres.
In fact, millions of people around the nation have taken the pledge to go vegan. November is considered World Vegan Month, and it is a great time to take a look at what veganism is and why so many people are moving toward this lifestyle, which eschews using any animal products.

“Veganism is a diet based on living in peace and harmony with the natural world,” explains Louix Dor Dempriey, a spiritual master who started and leads events through the Louix Dor Dempriey Foundation. “There are many great reasons for being vegan, and people around the country are beginning to take notice, helping to increase the number of those who are either vegan or moving toward a vegan lifestyle.”

Many people are familiar with what a vegetarian is: someone who does not eat animals (e.g., no fish, flow, meat, etc.) but may or may not still consume dairy products and eggs. A vegan is a type of vegetarian who takes it one step farther and makes it a lifestyle, rather than just a diet. A vegan does not use or consume any type of animal products at all. This would include avoiding any foods that contain animal products, as well as not using animal products in their clothing or hygiene products. For example, vegans avoid using leather, silk, wool, and cosmetics that have been tested on animals or that contain animal ingredients.

Here are five reasons to go vegan:

1. Your health. Research indicates that those who eat a plant-based diet tend to reap many health benefits, from lower cholesterol and cancer rates to lower heart attack and obesity rates. Eating fruits and vegetables helps to keep your body healthy, as they are loaded with the fiber and antioxidants that the body needs. Vegan diets that contain plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein sources, such as beans, quinoa, tofu, and lentils, are healthy.

2. The planet. Raising animals for foods has been dubbed as one of the most destructive practices on the planet. It is leading to deforestation, an overuse of water, agricultural run-off, and an increase in greenhouse gases. A vegan diet is more environmentally friendly and better for caring for the planet. Vegan diets use a lot less water, land, and resources.

3. The animals. While out of sight often means out of mind, 10 billion land animals are raised and killed in America each year for food. The animals, by and large, live in deplorable conditions and suffer in many ways. Being vegan helps people to live a life that is more in tune with their ideals of being against animal cruelty.

4. Inner peace. By living without killing sentient creatures, we find that we live a more peaceful life. By choosing to dine on food that has not come from bloodshed, we can attain an inner peace that would be hard to find elsewhere.

5. Voting with your dollar. The meat industry is one that involves death, as animals are slaughtered by people trying to make a living. Slaughterhouse workers experience a much higher rate of injury than other factory workers. In addition, nobody should have to make their living by killing animals all day. Doing so often leads to psychological problems and a disconnect with nature.

“Some of the great philosophers and spiritual leaders throughout history have eaten a plant-based diet,” adds Louix, “Adopting a vegan diet will not only help you feel better, but it extends compassion to those at our mercy, and teaches others that they can live a life focused on peace and harmony.”

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Hubby started this plant based lifestyle and has lost 40 lbs in 2 1/2 months, I have dropped 28 lbs. Energy level soaring.

That's what happens every time

Congrats, if we can answer any questions......

We have just started this. I still have some fish. Hubby is complete plant based. If it has a face he won't eat it. I am cooking lentils, beans and all sorts of vegie stir fry no oil recipes. Squash, vegies, salads, chili, and so on. Potatoes, sweet potatoes etc...really eating very well and filling up at all meals. I am learning.....

Happy World Vegan Month!
 

Notice there's no Junk Food Month, no Fast Food Month and no Animal Protein Month.

I've started grazing in the back yard, feel much better and I really save on the grass mowing fees...

I have been enjoying a plant based diet since the end of August... I had no health issues, just decided to try this and now.I have lost 15 lbs, eat very well, sleep much better and feel great. Does anyone know if there is a support group in TV ?

I ate the cow who ate the grass does that count?

And with the Weed & Feed, you can reduce your salt intake too! :pepper2:

I was thinking about starting one next month, anyone interested or want help organize same?

By the way nice going on enjoying the diet.

I'm sure you'll feel better when those chemicals get into your bloodstream, wise guy.

Yes, it does count to shortening your life.;)

If animals were not intended for us to eat, then GOD would not of put them on the earth. What other purpose do they have? Just another fad, why are people always loking for a new fad, diet or something to try to change the norm..................If you dont like it , fine but dont try to make everyone else nuts with it ...........:spoken:

Two things

The fact is many species are on earth, do you eat them all, no.

Eat what ever you want! I really don't care if you chose to eat dead animals, that choice is yours.

If you don't like the idea why with the word vegan in the title are you getting yourself nuts reading it,

fad, no do some research it goes back further than you can ever imagine.

Lets see, you start life with mothers milk. The way life is intended. You have incisors and canine teeth which are intended for tearing and ripping flesh. Do I feel sorry for the animals that are raised for our consumption? Nope! I truly believe that we have evolved to the animals that we are by what we eat. Animals that live a total vegetable diet are some of the least intelligent creatures. Eat your greens, I'll have a chunk of cow! T bone preferable!

I am interested in a Vegetarian lifestyle. Simply from an animal slaughter point of view. I haven't eaten beef in six years, but i can't seem to progress further. Probably because I don't enjoy cooking, and I fear that Vegetarism involves a lot of time in the kitchen. Perhaps lazy cooks can't be vegetarian. I find that eating lentils gets really boring.

Nothing boring about the food, there R 100's of great dishes some simple if you're in hurry or hate to cook.

Leather
 

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Flip Flop
 

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Going vegan for health reasons is perfectly reasonable, but this a crock. The natural world includes a lion biting a monkey's head off and a snake eating a frog alive.

Isn't nature wonderful.

Oh yeah. I know I'd live a much more peaceful life knowing that millions of deer and other animals starve to death, die of exposure or get eaten alive by other animals as opposed to being killed quickly by a hunter or at meat producing plant.

I only wear leather products derived from animals that died in the field from old age.

Hey, it works for me.

I don't know what outcome was expected but,,,
 

It is more than a diet choice it is a philosphy of life...and many don't share that way of thinking.


Many of us have ways and choices that differ from others but don't try to change another's mind about it.


When you share your private living choices in a public forum and others don't agree than....who is to call who a jerk?

Jerk isn't nice, but when you enter into a controversial subject, you are bound to stir up emotion and controversy...and RARELY change anyone's opinon.

Agree
 

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Please keep comments directed at the topic and not a user(s).

Thank you.

Admin

If some people achieve inner peace by becoming vegetarians, good for them. It's all about lifestyle choices ... Each to his own.

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Just please keep in mind one thing, I didn't write that story, don't shoot the messenger.

:throwtomatoes:



ps: that is a tomato being thrown, as in vegiee :mmmm:

Is Monica Lewinsky a vegetarian?

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You are too much I just laughed so hard I spilled my coffee all over myself.:a20:

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A drop of gas on a fire, is that done in moderation?

Don't know, but if I recall correctly she enjoyed a good cigar now and then.

Your correct, foreplay

History of Veganism.
 

Interesting and informative article Tal.

But I'd rather bone up on Monica and Bill...:D

Can't wait for the "Pet poop posts" then!!!!

Someone told me never to eat anything with eyes. I wonder if that includes potatoes