You may have noticed that veganism has been in the news a lot lately. Whether it is due to new vegan companies going public, new vegan meat substitutes being invented, or scientists discussing the impact of meat consumption on the climate, veganism has been popping up in the headlines on a fairly regular basis.
It should not surprise you to learn that veganism is on the rise in Canada as more and more people transition away from omnivorous or vegetarian diets to entirely plant-based diets and meals. According to a report from 2020, roughly 850,000 vegans were residing in Canada, along with 2.3 million Canadians who self-identified as vegetarian. Another report from 2021, which the Angus Reid Institute conducted, found that 22% of Canadians who regularly consume meat and meat-based products would like to reduce their meat consumption.
Veganism is on the rise in Canada – and around the world. However, if you do not know any vegans or have not researched the diet, you may not fully understand why hundreds of thousands of Canadians choose to go plant based. Keep reading to learn about this diet and why so many Canadians are reaching for the tofu.
Why go vegan?
Every vegan has their reasons for choosing a vegan diet, but it is a combination of health, ethics, and climate change for most people. A diet heavy in plants and plant-based products (such as tofu and olive oil) is one of the healthiest diets around. Some nutritionists suggest that vegan diets are healthier than the Mediterranean diet.
For ethical vegans, the choice to go vegan is motivated primarily by concerns for animal welfare. Many people transition to vegetarianism, and after a few years, they learn about the cruelty of the egg and dairy industry. Even if you choose free-range eggs and organic milk, at the end of the day, an animal is being exploited just so that you can enjoy your coffee and croissant. This concern motivates vegetarians and non-vegans to make the plant-based transition.
Finally, meat consumption and the consumption of eggs and dairy has an incredibly detrimental impact on the climate. Meat consumption is higher than ever. The process of raising, breeding, slaughtering, and processing billions of animals is incredibly resource intensive. These large land animals eat much more of the grain and soy than a person could eat, and they do not produce an equivalent amount of meat or dairy.
Incorporating self-care into your daily life
Many people have turned to veganism to feel physically better, meet specific weight goals, or reduce their carbon footprint. Veganism is often tied to wellness and self-care because it is viewed as a product of Los Angeles white women such as Amanda Chantal Bacon. However, this is a reductive and unfortunate stereotype as it pushes away many would-be vegans and dissuades them from giving it a try.
Taking care of your body and providing it with a nutritious, well-rounded diet is important, no matter who you are. Eating a healthy, well-rounded diet is heavy in fruits, vegetables, simple proteins, and healthy fats is one way to practice self-care and take care of your body.
Another way to incorporate self-care into your daily schedule is to set aside time for yourself. Whether that means working out, reading a book, listening to music, or playing a few games at online casinos, it is important to have time set aside to do what you enjoy and find interesting.
It might surprise readers to learn that online casinos have steadily grown in popularity and are now set to eclipse their physical counterparts – brick-and-mortar casinos and betting shops. As the industry grows and develops, it is likely that those physical buildings and shopfronts could be converted into other community spaces.
How to make the transition
Many vegans will transition without first understanding how to cook balanced vegan meals and care for their nutritional needs. Suppose that you are considering moving to veganism. In that case, it is important first to do your research and take the time to understand the supplements that you may need to stay healthy after cutting out or reducing animal products.
On top of supplements and vitamins, you will also need to understand the types of macronutrients that are important to consumers daily. Many new vegetarians and vegans are actually ‘carbatarians’ when they start. They are left eating veggie burgers and chips because they do not understand how to create balanced and healthy meals.
The good news is that there are now hundreds, if not thousands, of vegan bloggers out there who are creating delicious, nutritionally dense meals that are easy to make. If you are seriously considering making the change, you should first research and practice your cooking skills. It may take a little time to get used to seasoning tofu, making seitan, or finding handy swaps for eggs, but many online resources and books are available to inspire your new diet.
The future of veganism in Canada
It is no longer the case that being vegan means that you will be eating tasteless black bean burger patties and potatoes for the rest of your life. More than ever, there are now thousands of vegan meat, dairy, and egg alternatives that can be easily used and incorporated into meals.
As more and more vegan and plant-based companies go public and become incredibly successful and popular, more people will likely give the diet a try and also just become more familiar with plant-based products. It is almost as if an entirely new segment of the market has opened up for business, and many companies are jumping at the chance to fill this gap. It is now very easy to make that change, learn a new skill, and embrace new eating habits as a vegan in Canada.
