Ever since we did the Ecological Footprint activity, I have been considering going vegan. Personally, the activity calculated that I would need 1.4 earths to sustain how I was living when I did it. By simply going vegan, that would reduce to 1.2 earths. I don’t eat much meat to begin with, but I thought dairy products would be harder to give up. Except for yogurt though, dairy isn’t a staple in my groceries for the week.
I began about two weeks ago by swapping my whole milk skyr for coconut milk yogurt. I never bought milk before, but I bought soymilk for my coffee so I could “add” something to my diet while “removing” dairy. The first week wasn’t bad at all, but I realized I consume a lot of dairy without realizing it. Chocolate, cookies, and even some frozen meals I had contained it. It was a bit harder to read labels and look for dairy, but I’ve been getting my junk food fix from Oreos!
After the first week, I noticed that my skin was clearing up (I’ve been having problems with hormonal acne recently). That was definitely an unintended benefit. At the end of the second week, I realized I had lost weight; my mother noticed as well. This was also unintentional, but could also have resulted from exercising more. This was unintentional as well, though I would consider it a benefit. It did, however, make me realize I need to ensure I’m getting enough protein.
Overall, I think this is a dietary change I will stick with. Eventually, it will probably become like meat for me and I won’t even want dairy products. The challenge will come before that, though, in situations where I’m eating out with friends. A lot of restaurants don’t have vegetarian friendly options, let alone vegan options. It will be hard, but definitely not impossible, as “healthy” eating is becoming more trendy. Even if I do slip up or choose to eat dairy occasionally, I don’t think it will negatively impact me. It is a change that I’m willing to work towards.
Even a small change can impact our consumption and overuse of the earth. If people who consume more meat and dairy than I did to begin with, veganism could be an even more impactful change. The Ecological Footprint activity clearly showed how much of an effect decreasing our consumption of animals and animal products can have. However, it could also yield benefits like clear skin and weight loss for others as well. Plant-based diets are innately more sustainable than animal-based diets.
To anyone considering making this change, I highly recommend it! I welcome any questions or concerns. My best advice would be to start by incorporating vegan protein sources before dropping meat. The same goes for dairy products, if cheese, milk, or eggs is something you will miss. There are tons and tons of delicious and affordable options out there, and just as many resources for recipe or lifestyle inspiration!
I don’t really have any pictures to share, but picture lots and lots of produce! Eat the rainbow!
This is so exciting! The summer before my senior year, my parents and I watched a documentary called “What the Health” on Netflix that helped inspire us all to try going vegan! It was such a fun and exciting new journey and challenge to take on, and reading your experience makes me happy! I agree with you, that cutting out certain “tougher” foods slowly at first could make it a little easier. Also, yes, the idea of eating idea and the stigma against being vegan was honestly the hardest part. But like you said, if you slip up from time to time or have to eat an animal product, the important thing to remember is that you are doing your best to make a difference and live sustainability! Very cool post!
I have also thought about going vegan, and reading this encourages me to make the change even more!
Ive also thought about going vegan many times but the only thing holding me back is the monetary part of it. Ive slowly started cutting back on my consumption of meat and dairy but when cash is low I tend to eat meat more (fast food is so cheap). Although its a slow change, it still makes me feel better because at least I’m cutting back on my consumption little by little. I hope to become full vegan eventually. Keep it up! It’s an important change that I believe many people need to embrace!