Happy World Vegan Day
Happy World Vegan Day!
Today, November 1st, is World Vegan Day.
I am often asked to clarify what exactly a vegan is, so I thought I would use vegan.org's excellent description of the lifestyle that my family and I live:
What is a VEGAN? A vegan (pronounced VEE-gun) is someone who, for various reasons, chooses to avoid using or consuming animal products. While vegetarians choose not to use flesh foods, vegans also avoid dairy and eggs, as well as fur, leather, wool, down, and cosmetics or chemical products tested on animals.
Why VEGAN? Veganism, the natural extension of vegetarianism, is an integral component of a cruelty-free lifestyle. Living vegan provides numerous benefits to animals' lives, to the environment, and to our own health–through a healthy diet and lifestyle.
When I became a vegan, it was a natural progression for me after living as a vegetarian for many years. It began more for health reasons, in trying to eat more simply and naturally; however, it wasn't long before I educated myself more about factory farming and animal agriculture concerns, which have an impact on our environment, our society, and of course, the animals that suffer. The compassion factor became important to me and just affirmed my decision. I was lucky that Steve joined me on this decision and went from being an omnivore to a vegan in one day.
I am not here to preach about being a vegan. I firmly believe that this is a personal decision that shouldn't be forced on anyone. I know for me, that it changed my life. I know that sounds dramatic, but it opened up my mind, my heart, and strengthened my body and desire to do more, learn more, and become more. If you have ever thought about veganism or about helping animals and the environment, you can visit veganoutreach.org or vegan.org for oodles of information, or contact me directly. It took me a bit to learn how to cook, bake, shop and live as a vegan and I am always happy to share any information I have.
Sunday, November 1, 2009 at 4:56AM
Reader Comments (7)
Great post, Jinxi, and very informative! I need to get myself back on a more organic/veggie/vegan diet again, having strayed solely due to the many distractions and stresses of the past couple of years. I have noticed a huge difference in everything from my hair and skin to my overall mental attitudes and moods since letting myself get away from this mindset and look forward to making 2010 my year to get back in shape - mind, body & soul!
Thanks for this fantastically informative and positive reminder!!
YOU ROCK!!!
-Lots of love from Wen xoxo
Going Vegan makes me feel so much better physically and emotionally.
Thanks for putting it into words that make sense!
{{{hugs}}}
i made vegan chili today to celebrate!! yummy!!!!! i have only been living vegan for about 7-8 months but i must say it is the BEST decision i have ever made for my health- mentally, physically, spiritually and not to mention for our ecosystem and for animal rights!! and i am loving every moment of it more and more each day!!!!!!!
HAPPY WORLD VEGAN DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
thank you
eric
I'm a meat eater, and I love meat. It is so satisfying. I cannot say whether or not I will always be that way. I just may become a vegetarian some day. Maybe even a Vegan, but not any time soon. I need to get things in order before I change something in my life so drastically. I do believe eating meat was so crucial in our evolution and becoming the intelligent beings we are today, but evolution is about change, and maybe the human species can eventually stop eating meat. I had just learned recently that drinking milk supports the Veal industry, and I am strongly against Veal.
Thank you for this information, I will definitely keep it just in case I do decide to make the switch.
-Jared
Thanks for a great post. Very clear headed and non-confrontational... Of course I lean strongly to try to help animals - I'm saddened by the plight they face. And it's particularly hard to accept that their fate could be so easily avoided. But others have their path as you've so eloquently stated. This is a beautiful video. I will be sure to share it with others who need to hear the message.
Thanks for all you do. And Happy World Vegan Day!
Thanks for posting another insightful and well written post, and for always raising awareness!
You're an inspiration.
:)
This is wonderful Jinxi-thank you for all the support and inspiration you have given me in my crusade to become Vegan. I just want to share this post with everybody!!
xoxoxo