Why veganism is more than a diet
When people hear the word ‘vegan’, most think of the lack of options and a plant-based diet. Some also associate it to the term ‘boring’. But are these characterisations reflective of what veganism is?
In reality, being vegan does not only depict a plant-based diet. It is more than what one is putting in their mouth — it is a lifestyle, a mode of living. Adopting a vegan lifestyle is not single faceted, and we are here to combat the myths and explore together different local businesses across the UAE.
Breaking Down Vegan Myths
‘A vegan diet is unhealthy’
It is no surprise that every individual has a different body and is unable to adapt to a certain diet. Unlike diets, veganism is a lifestyle. It does not require one to eat less or more; it calls for a shift from animal by-products to plant-based ones. In fact, according to The Vegan Society, the switch can have a healthier effect on the body as more fruits and vegetables are incorporated in everyday meals, especially during the pandemic. At the end of the day, it also matters how much of a particular food you consume, vegan or not.
‘A vegan diet is expensive’
The internet provides us with millions of vegan recipes so one can prepare simple plant-based dishes using ingredients such as fruits and vegetables that are cost-friendly and meat substitutes like beans that are cheaper than chicken or beef. The reason why so many perceive veganism as an expensive lifestyle is because of the extravagant speciality processed foods and brands at supermarkets and eateries. Some suggestions are to cook from scratch and try new combinations to keep it interesting and cost-effective. Fresh produce could be purchased from community-friendly markets such as The Waterfront Market in Dubai.
‘Vegans are hungry and tired all the time’
With a drastic shift in the way of consumption, one may not sufficiently consume the nutrients for the body’s well-being. Veganism does not mean one has to eat less. News flash: veganism is not limited to green salads and fresh fruits. It is important to incorporate a daily dose of whole grains, starch and amino acids in your meals.
‘Not enough proteins in your food options’
While every individual adjusts differently to veganism, it is not a hidden fact that plant-based foods consist of protein – sometimes more than a particular type of meat. Integrating dry foods like oats, barley and wheat in one’s morning pancakes, making dips like hummus using beans and including great meat substitutes like soya nuggets to spiced quinoa or rice, are a great way to fuse protein-rich supplements into meals.
‘Vegan snacks are hard to find’
Being a vegan does not mean you can’t splurge on the simple pleasures of life. Did you know, your favourite cream biscuits, Oreos, are 100% vegan? Other snacks that are vegan include Ritz crackers, Lindt dark chocolate bars, salted Pringles and Lays, Pillsbury crescent rolls, Cookie Crisp cereal and much more. The list is long.
‘Veganism is boring’
Do you think that vegans sit in a corner sadly munching on some leaves? Your limited imagination is from far from the truth. Veganism is the exact opposite of boring and that is because a plant-based diet has wide food options to choose from, not including meat. There are both healthy options like salads, as well as, mouthwatering cakes and sweets. Fun fact: many different cuisines around the world have numerous well-known plant-based recipes which are popular such as Thai (Pad Thai, sticky rice, tofu), Chinese (Chow Mein, sweet and sour cauliflower) and Indian (chana ‘chickpea’ masala, medhu vada ‘lentil doughnuts’).
‘It is too hard to be vegan’
Changing your lifestyle is not easy. Yes, for someone who is a meat-lover, going vegan can be difficult in the beginning. However, the transition can be easier when you slowly cut animal products and replace them with plant-based options. Instead of cow milk, try nut milk for cooking and replace meat with plant substitutes made of soy, wheat gluten or plant protein. The difficulty lies in the accessibility of products. Residing in a big city will likely result in having more products than in rural areas. Nevertheless, when you grasp the idea of what veganism stands for, it will be easier to understand what works better for you.
‘Going vegan means losing weight’
A study from Harvard University showed that vegetarians lost more weight than meat-eaters in the span of 18 weeks. Nonetheless, this does not mean that going vegan will guarantee weight loss. Just because a product is vegan does not mean that it is healthy. The key when following a vegan lifestyle is to eat smartly by focusing on nutrient-dense foods and not empty calories. Nutrient-dense foods are fruits and vegetables, beans, nuts and whole grains. However, exercise is also important which aids in weight loss.
‘Veganism means being restrictive’
Eating balanced foods and tasty colourful meals are crucial in beating the feeling of restrictiveness of a vegan lifestyle. Having a balanced diet is key. Such diets include food like tofu, vegan cheese and sausages, ice cream and cakes. There are countless ideas on the Internet and nowadays more restaurants have included vegan options on their menus. It is important to do research first to see which local businesses provide vegan options (see below) and remember your motivations for following such a lifestyle.
‘Veganism does not apply only to food’
An important reminder is that veganism does not only apply to eating plant-based meals. It is an ethical standpoint as well as a lifestyle. Ethical veganism constitutes a philosophical belief defined as an extension of the vegan diet into other areas of life like the opposition of using animals for any purposes[. Veganism also extends to the skincare products which are cruelty-free or have not been tested on animals. There are also eco-friendly vegan clothing brands.
#Supportlocal
It is always a good idea to support local, indie brands for ethical purposes – the ones that truly put an effort into respecting the community and offer multiple customisations. Here is a compiled list of small home-grown businesses on Instagram that deal with vegan food:
- @beingvegan.dubai
Gluten-free and vegan, Being Vegan sells creative desserts, especially during festivities like Eid, and Diwali.
- @ildonaccino
Who here love doughnuts? Themed doughnuts — be it for the spooky season or for birthday celebrations, they have got it all. They are also unique for selling their popular-by-demand, Oman chips and cheese doughnut.
- @foodforsouldxb
The perfect pick for parties, this vegan brand offers a variety of flavoured cheese platters and hampers.
- @pure_beautyofficial
Here to up your skincare game with plant-based cosmetics, Pure Beauty is a cruelty-free, sustainable and responsible brand that delivers bath bombs, body butter and scrubs and face elixirs.
- @the_fourflowers
Free of fragrance and waste, The Four Flowers market all-natural handcrafted soaps for all your soap needs – washing dishes and clothes as well as hair, body and teeth. They also have a range of themed soaps for Halloween and Christmas.
Adapting to a vegan lifestyle is easier said than done. Avoid listening to the vegan police who guilt-trip or rebuke you for not being vegan and take time into adjusting to a plant-based lifestyle.
