It’s a wave that took over the world many years ago. But thanks to celebrities talking about it all the time, vegans have the spotlight on them yet again.
There are three kinds of people on earth — those who eat meat, those who won’t and then there are the vegans.
And while many cultures across the globe follow vegetarianism as a rule, turning vegan is a lifestyle choice. And sometimes, it’s not easy. However, ask all the famous people who’ve given up something precious to become a vegan and they’ll tell you how satisfying it can be. By definition, veganism denotes a philosophy and way of living which seeks to exclude — as far as is possible and practical — all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose. So no leather on those feet either!
When Hollywood actor Alicia Silverstone decided to go down that path, she said, “Nothing’s changed my life more. I feel better about myself as a person, being conscious and responsible for my actions and I lost weight and my skin cleared up and I got bright eyes and I just became stronger and healthier and happier. Can’t think of anything better in the world to be but to be vegan.”
In fact, the actor has even come out with a vegan cookbook for all those who want to cook vegan food at home and don’t know how to go about it.
There are more names on that list — Bryan Adams, Ellen DeGeneres, Woody Harrelson and Clint Eastwood — to name a few.
What do they eat?
It’s a big question — every non-vegan wants to know what a vegan eats. In fact, from pizzas, pasta, bakes, desserts, soups, Thai food to fries, curries, vegans can pretty much eat everything as long as long as all the dishes are made using plant-based ingredients and nothing derived from animals. So no milk or milk products like cheese, clarified butter or butter etc or even gelatine, which is derived from animals. And of course, no meat!
In most countries, where veganism is actually taking over (apparently Britain has the highest percentage of vegans) there are plenty of dietary innovations that are taking place as well. For instance, the vegan sausage for those who enjoy a good hot dog and no one has to kill an animal for it.
Vegan in India
Most Indians are labelled as lacto-vegetarians where they don’t eat meat and eggs but will consume milk and milk products. Veganism, as a movement, is not quite popular in India purely because of the lack of information and awareness available to people. However, the root of the word vegan comes from compassion. It’s very similar to the philosophy Jainism promotes — act of non-violence to animals.
However, some groups, such as the online forum indianvegan.com, are taking the initiative to change food habits, clothing pattern, accessories of the follower of vegetarians and non-vegetarians both. The Vegan Society also has a vegan education centre in Indore as well with the hope to popularise veganism in the country.
Added advantage
Vegans need to remember to take Vitamin B-12 and Vitamin D3 separately to maintain the levels in the body. Vegans do not get enough vitamin B12 from modern plant foods and water and therefore it makes sense to take them through fortified food or supplements. D3 can be taken through slight exposure to natural sunlight. The Vegan Society recommends that all vegans get at least 3micrograms of B12 per day from fortified foods or supplements to ensure that inadequate B12 intakes do not detract from the benefits of a vegan diet.
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