Whether it’s for animal rights, the environment or personal health, the reasons people decide to go vegan are endlessly varied. Now with more and more people going vegan than ever before, it’s safe to say that meat and dairy-free diets are firmly in the mainstream. Rather than veganism meaning steamed vegetables, expensive health foods and endless salads, the market has developed and now being vegan can mean just about anything for your diet.
Whether you’re hankering for a juicy burger, some crispy fried chicken or the best Mexican food around, there’s no shortage of trendy vendors willing to serve it up vegan style for you. These days, you can enjoy the benefits of some indulgent junk food without worrying as much about the health effects.
Here are the top reasons why going vegan is the healthiest alternative.
Going Vegan = No Meat = A Healthier Heart
It goes without saying that a vegan diet is a life without meat, however just switching up the occasional meal and opting for the vegan option at your favorite local burrito place can have a positive impact on your health. While some meats can be part of a balanced diet, it’s no secret that doctors tend to warn people to steer clear of red meats and to keep their intake of certain meats like pork to a minimum. A diet high in red meat and pork is usually a diet high in saturated fats and salt, which leads to increased blood pressure and heart disease. Switching out the occasional burger or hot dog for the vegan version mitigates this risk, and with vegan substitutes being more authentic than ever, you’ll rarely be able to tell the difference.
Variety is Good
A well-known truism is that variety is the spice of life, and those that enjoy their food and eat a varied diet are undoubtedly living a healthier lifestyle than those opting for the same dishes every day and not necessarily enjoying it. With pretty much any dish you can think of, someone will already have invented the vegan version of it, and these days you don’t even have to look far to find it, since the entire gamut of vegan deliciousness, including the best burritos going, can be sent straight to your front door with services like Deliveroo.co.uk. Whether you’re craving Mexican, a juicy steak or even fish and chips, the vegan option is there for you, so you can keep your diet as varied and exciting as possible.
Fewer Calories
Vegan foods tend to be higher in protein, vitamins, fiber and healthy fats, and lower in calories. Other than this meaning that you can enjoy bigger portions of food, it also means the risk of becoming overweight is reduced. The average vegan meat substitute tends to have a fraction of the calories of the meat version, with popular vegan staples such as soy, tofu and seitan being famously low-cal and, of course, low fat. This means that going vegan tends to reduce your chances of becoming overweight, as well as meaning you can stuff your face a little more than usual!
If you have any top tips for those considering the switch to veganism, let them know in the comments!
