7 Reasons to Go Vegan for a Month
According to the Google gods, the public is now showing greater interest in veganism. Google trends for searches about a vegan diet are higher than they have ever been. People switch to a plant-based diet to benefit their health and wellbeing. Cutting out animal products is also helpful for the environment.
Focusing on an all-vegan diet is a big lifestyle change. It is one of the strictest diets and can be difficult to follow. This is why many people are choosing to ease into veganism. Instead of a full commitment, they are trying it out for 30 days. This new trend allows you to see how it affects your lifestyle.
So, what should you expect when trying out this popular plant-based diet? Read on to learn more about the top seven benefits of going vegan for a month:
1. Lower risk of disease
Some of the most important vegan health benefits relate to disease prevention. Studies show that those who follow a vegan diet have a lower risk of heart disease. They also may be better protected from cancer and diabetes. A plant-based diet may improve insulin and blood pressure levels. It also works to help fight inflammation in the body.
Animal products often contain unhealthy levels of saturated fats and cholesterol. Yet, a vegan diet focuses more on nutrient-dense foods. So, you are choosing meals that are high in vitamins and minerals to support your health. Vegans also have a higher intake of fiber. This essential nutrient further supports your health and fights disease.
2. Healthy way to lose weight
Meat and dairy products are often high in fat. When going vegan for a month, weight loss is often noticed when trying this diet. Many people experience weight loss when switching to a vegan diet for only four weeks.
With a vegan diet, it is easier to focus on filling up on healthy food options. Your meals and snacks will likely contain fewer calories. Vegans eat plenty of fruits, veggies and grains to satisfy their hunger. Your taste buds may even evolve to fit your vegan lifestyle. This results in fewer cravings for sweets and fatty foods.
This means a vegan diet can make it easier to reach your fitness goals. Yet, the key is to eat balanced meals and make healthy choices. You still want to limit carbs, sugar and processed foods. A regular exercise routine will also help to support your diet and fitness goals. With a vegan diet, you tend to notice more stabilized energy levels. This provides added endurance when working out. It is also important to get plenty of protein and fiber. These nutrients provide more energy and keep you feeling fuller longer. Top vegan foods for this include legumes, tofu, nutritional yeast, seeds and nuts.
3. Sharper mind
Making the switch to a vegan diet may be better for your mental health. Vegans experience less of a risk of cognitive decline with age. This helps delay or prevent dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Going vegan is also good for your mental health. Many vegans notice improved sleeping patterns and more stable hormone levels.
4. Improvement in digestion
Going vegan for a month may help improve your digestive functioning. This can lead to less bloating, gas and constipation. Vegans often experience less gastrointestinal issues and acid reflux as well.
Vegan diets are higher in fiber, resulting in more regular bowel movements. They focus more on healthy fats, whole grains, vitamins and minerals. This produces a better balance of healthy bacteria in your gut.
5. Clearer complexion
Clearer skin is often another result of going vegan for a month. There is a link between eating dairy and having acne. Cutting out these products can help you to have fewer breakouts and inflammation.
Many people also notice their skin allergies improve with a vegan diet. Plant-based foods are rich in antioxidants to help support healthy skin. Many of these foods contain vitamins with anti-aging properties as well.
6. Simpler way to shop and eat
Going vegan can be a great way to save on grocery shopping. Meat, poultry and fish are some of the more pricey items at grocery stores. A vegan grocery list is most often made up of fruits, vegetables, soy products, legumes and grains. Nuts, seeds, nut butter and olive oil are other key shopping list ingredients. Non-dairy milk, cheese and yogurt are great sources of key nutrients as well.
Going vegan allows you to try creative new recipes and make more of your own sauces and dressings. You get to experiment with healthy alternatives for your favorite dishes. This makes it easy to meal prep for the week ahead, which also saves you time and money.
You can also get the same benefits of going vegan when dining out. The best vegan restaurant establishments serve a variety of delicious menu options. Even fast-food brands are jumping on board and serving Beyond Meat burgers.
7. Key to promote a healthier planet
Trying to become vegan for 30 days is even a good idea for the environment. The process of raising livestock is responsible for depleting most of our farmlands. A vegan diet supports less pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
Veganism is also a key way to help fight climate change. Many celebrity endorsements are striving to promote others to try the vegan diet as well. This is to help conserve resources and protect our planet.
The many benefits of going vegan for one month
Trying out a plant-based diet for a month can help support your health and wellbeing. The benefits of going vegan include improved heart health, energy and weight loss. You will also notice clearer skin, better digestion and a healthier planet.
After trying the diet, you can stick with it or switch to a flexitarian option. This involves committing to eating more plant-based foods and less meat.
Article written by Jane Davies
This article was written by the guest author listed at the end of the article.