By: arianajh
Uncategorized

you can be vegan

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Hey Guys! A recent facebook post (linked here) that I made about helping out anyone that would like to try veganism for the New Year has actually resulted in a LOT of people reaching out and messaging me about the benefits of veganism and how they can approach it. I could easily just send out the PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) “handbook” for a plant based diet or something but then I thought, eh, I could just make my own based on my experiences. If you’re feeling lazy about certain sections that I post, feel free to skip around. I don’t think I will be making one big post with EVERYTHING because there is a lot to cover so I will just be posting on this blog along with my Youtube videos to inform anyone that wants to be informed. So here it is, Ariana’s Guide to Veganism. *dramatic music plays*

Part 1 – Vegan vs Vegetarian

Let’s start with the basics of what veganism is along with the many other “diets” or “lifestyles” that are related to it.

Veganism vs Vegetarianism : Neither vegans nor vegetarians eat meat. However, while vegetarians tend to consume dairy products and eggs, a vegan avoids ALL animal products, such as eggs and dairy, and often inedible animal-based products, such as leather, wool, and silk.

Pescetarian : Same applies to this one as vegetarianism. Does not consume meat such as beef, chicken, pork BUT does consume seafood.

Part 2 – Documentaries!

food-incWhat originally got me into veganism was documentaries on Netflix about the animals, the health problems, and the environment problems. In between reading my blog posts, lay down next to a package of Oreos (Yes, they’re vegan) and watch a movie. By watching some of these movies, you will learn from professionals that veganism is not only beneficial to the animals, but also the Earth and yourself. Here’s an awesome list to start with :

  • Vegucated
  • Food Inc.
  • Forks Over Knives
  • Cowspiracy
  • Earthlings
  • Blackfish
  • Food Matters

Part 3 – Youtubers

In addition to the documentaries with all those  dietitians throwing health food facts at you for two hours, I found it eventually more relatable to watch youtube videos by some average life vegans. I’ll try to add in some channels that I don’t really watch but may apply to some people reading this post too. Just click on the name to get directed to their channel or a video they have made. koi

DISCLAIMER : Vegan recipe photos shown on Instagram and Youtube are aesthetically pleasing most of the time and if your food doesn’t end up looking like that, don’t be discouraged. My food rarely ever looks like art and don’t ever think that your food needs to meet those expectations. If it tastes good and is cruelty free, that’s all that matters.

Casual Lifestyle/Food Channels

  • Koi Fresco – Mostly mind blowing videos about spirituality.
  • Supreme Banana – “Veganized” videos where she changes normal food into vegan food or tries vegan options from common restaurants. Used to have an eating disorder and found that veganism was way better.
  • Bite Size Vegan – She has literally answered EVERY question you would ever need/want to know on veganism and she does it simply.
  • Liv’s Healthy Life – INCREDIBLE meal prep and recipes.
  • Kalel – What I Eat in a Day videos
  • Cheap Lazy Vegan – The title is everything I am so how could I not watch these videos?

Vegan Body Builders (YES, THEY EXIST)

From Eating Disorders to Veganism: Videos

Vegan Moms

I hope this was a good way to start off my series of blog posts on veganism. I will be posting updates on facebook about all the other posts I make so follow my blog or facebook to keep up to date on my vegan guide. The posts to come will be less video based and more fact & personal experience related. This post is just to get you started on your new lifestyle.

Thanks for reading!

– Ari