A vegan diet is a diet without any animal products; no meat, dairy, or eggs. Vegan diets tend to include a lot of beans, nuts, and seeds for protein. They also incorporate plenty of fruits and vegetables. A vegan diet can provide all the nutrients that a person needs, but it does require some education and planning. But this shouldn’t stop you if you are passionate about becoming vegan!
Many people cite animal cruelty as their main reason for shifting to a vegan diet. If you see the living conditions at factory farms, it may make you think twice about what you are eating or drinking. Others are choosing a vegan diet to be kinder to the environment, as well as to provide healthy nutrition for their bodies.
Meat production comes with a high cost in land and water and creates immense greenhouse gas emissions.
Red meat especially comes with a considerable carbon footprint. It is one of the most controversial foods in the history of nutrition. While it is full of vitamins, studies show it comes with a risk of heart disease and diabetes.
Dairy faces similar scrutiny with many arguing that humans were not meant to ingest milk after our childhood. The prevalence of lactose intolerance suggests that may be true. The environmental impact of keeping dairy cows and their treatment on dairy farms are a common reason that those who were vegetarian make the change to become vegan.
Eggs are the third food that vegans avoid for the cause.
If you are about animals, the environment, or your health, why not celebrate World Vegan Day in 2020?
On November 1, you could do one of the following:
- Order from a Vegan restaurant – You can learn about 6 Vegan-friendly Restaurants in Yangon here.
- Prepare a Vegan Meal – Find an app with a recipe you like here.
- Order veggies from a local farm – Like this one or see a list of the ones that deliver
- Connect with like-minded individuals in the Facebook group, Vegans and Vegetarians of Myanmar.
The diet you choose to follow is a personal choice. But since the ingredients available to create vegan cuisine are restricted, it tends to be more creative than traditional meals. World Vegan Day is a great excuse to explore some new cuisine from the comfort of your home! Bon Apetit!
