Six Things I Didn't Know Before Going Vegan

Having been vegan for three years I have learned so much about farming and nutrition that I never knew before. Looking back, it's crazy to think that I never tried to educate myself about something as important as what I was putting into my body and how it was produced. These days, it all seems like common sense, but in reality there are some truths that are very carefully hidden from us. I only wish I had searched for the truth sooner.

1. Animal foods are the only source of dietary cholesterol.
I truly thought that cholesterol was something you found in all unhealthy and processed foods. I knew it wasn't good for you, I just had no idea it came solely from animal products.

2. All plant foods have protein. 
If you had asked me a few years back why we need to eat meat, I would have said "For protein.". Honestly, ask any meat eater today and that's probably the response you will get. I never knew that protein could be found in abundance in plant foods. Of course there are the standards like beans, lentils, quinoa, tofu, etc. but even lettuce has protein!

3. Animals raised for milk and eggs are slaughtered. 
I genuinely have no idea what I thought happened to egg laying hens and dairy cows, but I really didn't think slaughter happened in those industries. I obviously knew that animals died for meat, but I never looked into what happened to the animals after they stopped supplying milk or eggs, or to the baby boys born into these industries. Spoiler alert: they are all murdered.

4. Newborn cows are taken from their mothers (and never returned).
Ahh, so much about the dairy industry that I never knew, and never cared to learn. Cows have to be pregnant or have just given birth in order to produce milk. It is far more profitable to remove the baby (and feed him/or her "milk replacers", ironically) than to leave them with their mom and let them breastfeed as nature intended. The milk is then stolen for human consumption. This process is repeated over and over until mama cow is considered "spent". She will then be slaughtered for cheap beef.

(image by the lovely Sammantha Fisher)

@sfisherx

sammanthafisher.com

5. Vegan food can be amazing!
When I thought of vegan food, I seriously thought of bland tofu and salads. I had no idea that vegans still enjoyed pizza, nachos, burritos, ice cream, burgers, and everything else that I ate at the time. These days there is a plant based version of every non vegan food and they taste better than ever. Wings, steak, bacon, ribs, you name it, we can veganize it.

6. How much better I could feel 
Before going vegan, I thought I was a relatively healthy person. I ate a lot of fruits and veggies, worked out here and there, and overall felt pretty good. I had no idea how much better I could feel. Once I went vegan it was like a weight lifted off of my soul. I felt lighter and happier almost immediately. My acne got better, my eczema cleared up, my digestion was perfect, I slept better, and my energy increased. I know now that I have done my body and my heart a huge favor.

Looking back, I wish I would have educated myself so much sooner. So many people will write off veganism before they even look into it, let alone try it. It may seem like a radical life change, but it only gets easier, and you truly never know if you like something unless you try it!

Some documentaries I recommend:
What the Health
Cowspiracy
Earthlings
Food Choices
Forks Over Knives
Dominion
Food Inc.