We've heard this often, Why Veganism has become so popular? Why people are getting vegan? The answer lies in layers of understanding that have made people choose veganism. Ten years ago if you asked for a vegan option in any diner or restaurant you'd be met with eye rolls and contempt. Pull back to now and there are actual restaurants dedicated solely to vegan food. Out of all the lifestyles in America, veganism possibly had the most meteoric rise ever seen. Today we are gonna talk about the Rise of Vegan Food and Vegan Culture in America.
Vegan food once upon a time was associated with hippies who survived only on lettuce salads and quinoa bowls. But with time not only veganism has grown in numbers but people's perception of it has also changed. But how did this happen just in a span of decades? From being a niche lifestyle to a global phenomenon, let's take a look at veganism's journey. But, before we begin, let's quickly take a look at some of our favorite Vegan Recipes - The Best Vegan Tuna Salad | Chickpea Tuna Salad Sandwich, 10-minute Vegan Chickpea Walnut Taco Meat, Vegan White Bean Alfredo, Fudgy Chickpea Brownies (Gluten-Free | Vegan ) and many more!
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What is Veganism?
Most people think veganism is just about excluding all edible animal products like meat and dairy. But veganism is not just limited to one's dietary choices. It instead strives to prevent all kinds of animal exploitation by refusing to use all animal products whether it's clothes, food, or anything else.
In the most simple terms, veganism is all about reducing animal cruelty by avoiding all animal products. But not all people are into veganism for animal protection as many might think. Some are in it because it's a healthier lifestyle for them.
How did Veganism Start?
If you think that veganism has something to do with vegetarianism, you're right. The word 'vegan' itself came from the first and last letters of the word 'vegetarian'. Although one can see the occurrence of people excluding animal products throughout history, this animal-friendly lifestyle was only given a name in 1944 when a group of vegetarians separated from the Leicester vegetarian society in England and founded the Vegan society.
What started as a subsidiary of vegetarianism became a wide movement on its own. No longer do people confuse between a vegetarian and a vegan. In fact, it will not be an understatement to say that veganism has long overtaken vegetarianism across the world and America.
Why is Veganism on the rise?
There's not just one reason that attracts people to veganism. Some are in it for protecting animals, while some are in it for their health. But whatever might be the reason for you to turn to veganism, there's no denying that the number of vegans in America is rising day by day. From 1% in 2014 to 6% in 2021, it's clear that veganism is here to stay. And with new vegan creations coming in, it seems that veganism has a bright future ahead. On that note, try making Almond Flour Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars (Gluten-Free | Vegan) today!
Veganism and Animals
Veganism originally started to avoid all possible exploitation of animals. Just refusing a meat-based diet was not enough as animals were abused in the production of dairy items as well. Over time, veganism grew to reject all kinds of animal products, ranging from dairy to clothing.
With recent documentaries and coverage of animal exploitation in the food and dairy industry, veganism has gained new momentum in growth. A majority of vegans have reported their reason for conversion to veganism is for animal welfare causes. It is predicted that as the animal rights movement grows, veganism will grow as well. Was that too much? Try Vegan Dates Matcha Cups and carry on.
Veganism and the Environment
If something is good for the animals, it's likely to be good for the environment as well. In the past animal agriculture was often overlooked when it came to its effects on the environment.
It's only recently people are becoming aware of how many natural resources are used on a daily basis to keep the animal industry running. For example, it takes 50,000 liters of water just to produce one kg of beef. Now imagine how much water will be used to produce beef enough to sustain America alone.
We are not saying that all Americans should stop eating meat altogether. Veganism is not for everyone and for many of us the temptation of meat is just too much. But that doesn't mean we cannot reduce our daily meat intake to do our own bit for the planet. In fact, if numbers are to be believed more and more people are reducing meat in their daily meals. This rising trend of increasing plant-based food in the regular diet is called flexitarianism. While being a flexitarian is not exactly being a vegan, the animal-friendly ideology behind veganism is definitely a motivational factor. Try Healthy Banana Walnut Bread with Flax
Vegan and Healthy living
Animal products for a long time have been associated with many health ailments. Despite the nutrients that some animal products like milk legitimately carry, the cons far outweigh the pros. It also doesn't help that most meat products in America are cooked in such a manner that almost all nutrients are killed in the process. You might think that the fried chicken you're eating has abundant protein, but all it contains is just fat from deep frying. So, we recommend Air Fryer Fried Chicken or Oven-Fried Crispy Honey Lemon Popcorn Chicken to stay healthy! But, we are talking about veganism today!
Having excess meat in your diet can increase the risk of diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and even cancer. Dairy products can pose a significant risk to health as well, with recent research showing dairy contains cancer-causing carcinogens. One of the leading surgeons in America, Kristi Funk herself suggested that animal protein and fat are detrimental to bodily functions. Try Healthy Kiwi Chia Pudding - Vegan | No-Sugar Breakfast
Plant-based lifestyle meanwhile shows no repercussions to health, unlike their counterparts. On the contrary, substantial research has shown that vegan-based foods can protect us against cancer and reduce fat in our daily lives. It's no wonder so many top stars in Hollywood have taken up a vegan lifestyle. It definitely would help in maintaining their glamorous looks!
New age for Vegan Food
Vegan food has for long been thought of as just salads and soy products. But that is just scratching the surface of the diversity of food the vegan lifestyle has to offer. No longer is vegan food limited to cheap imitations of meat-based recipes. In today's age, there is such a wide range of options in veganism that people who thought they could never give up meat would have to think twice about it. Try Vegan Brown Sugar Sweet Potato Pie with Coconut Milk or Vegan Chocolate Chess Pie for Fall and Thanksgiving.
From Vegan Sliders made to Vegan eggs, there is no shortage of innovative creations being added to vegan food. Try Instant Pot Lentil Sloppy Joes Recipe {Vegan} or Vegan Sloppy Joe Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
And they are not just pale copies of your favorite meat products. Sink your teeth in one of the professionally created vegan burgers and you'll be eating not just deliciously but also healthy at the same time. Or even better, look up any vegan recipe and try making it in your own home to see the difference! Try Meatless Meatloaf aka Vegan Lentil Loaf.
Veganism in America
America in the past had been more resistant to veganism than other countries. Meat has always been such an important part of the American lifestyle. Just look at an ideal plate of American breakfast. It consists of bacon, eggs, and pancakes. None of these items look vegan at first glance, do they?
Switch back to now and you can find that same plate of American breakfast in the vegan option. If you crave a cheeseburger you can have a vegan cheeseburger. Yes, veganism in America has come so far that there is even an option for vegan cheese.
If numbers are to be believed, there are 9.6 million Americans who swear by a vegan lifestyle. Among these numbers, there are high-profile names such as Miley Cyrus, Ariana Grande, and Joaquin Phoenix. And if you think sportspeople can only bulk up eating meat, we have names like football superstar Colin Kaepernick and Olympic weightlifter Kendrick Farris who are full-time vegans.
Whether you love it or hate it, veganism is the new permanent trend in America. But we assure you that if you give vegan food an honest try, you'll end up loving it for sure. To locate your nearest vegan diner today or just cook it up on your own!
More Vegan Recipes
White Chocolate Matcha Ice Cream | Vegan Ice Cream Recipe (3 ingredients)!
Vegan Lentil Coconut Curry in Crockpot
Vegan Snickerdoodle Balls {Gluten-Free}
Vegan Fettuccine Alfredo with Cashews & Cauliflower (Gluten-Free)
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