Why not?
In a world where we are constantly bombarded with new information about nutrition and health, you might ask yourself, “Why should I choose a vegan diet?” The answer is as diverse as nature itself. Once you start looking into this topic, you will quickly realize that it's not just about what ends up on your plate.
It's about the question of what mark we want to leave on this planet. A vegan lifestyle does not mean sacrifice, but rather a conscious decision in favor of life, the environment, and a more just world. It invites us to rethink our relationship with animals and to recognize that every living being has a right to integrity and respect.
When we begin to consider not only our own health but also the welfare of all living beings in our decisions, a new awareness emerges. An awareness that nourishes not only our bodies but also our hearts. Sometimes this change begins very quietly, with a conscious look into the eyes of an animal.
A vegan diet offers numerous health, environmental, and ethical benefits. More and more people are consciously choosing to reduce or completely eliminate animal products from their diets, and for good reason.
A balanced vegan diet can significantly reduce the risk of many common diseases. Studies show that high consumption of processed meat is associated with an increased risk of colon cancer, cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack and stroke, and type 2 diabetes. High blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels, and chronic inflammation in the body can also be exacerbated by excessive meat consumption.
Avoiding animal products can also help prevent antibiotic resistance, an increasingly serious global health problem. Experts are particularly critical of the consumption of processed meats such as salami, ham, and sausages. The German Nutrition Society (DGE) recommends a maximum of 300 grams of meat and sausage per week, an amount that is often significantly exceeded in practice.
But that's not all! A plant-based diet can also help boost your energy levels and improve your overall quality of life. And who wouldn't want to have more energy in a healthy way to cope with the stresses of everyday life?
The environmental impact of animal agriculture is enormous. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, livestock farming is responsible for about 14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, which is more than all cars, planes, and ships combined! So when we choose a vegan diet, we are actively contributing to reducing our ecological footprint.
Over 80% of global soy production is used for animal feed. This involves cutting down large areas of forest and even driving families from their villages. You can find out more about this in my blog post. “How soy harms the climate.”
Factory farming is another issue that cannot be ignored. In many countries, animals live in conditions that are far from species-appropriate. The reality of factory farming is often characterized by overcrowding, stress, and a lack of natural behavior. By eating a vegan diet, we are taking a stand against these practices and promoting a more animal-friendly world.
I think there is another way. Of course, not everyone has to become vegan immediately to save the world; that wouldn't work. But taking a more conscious look and asking, “Where does my food come from? What statement am I making with my shopping list? Is it really healthy for me?” would already be a commendable step forward. Factory farming was the first thing that made me decide to become vegetarian, at least initially. About a year later, I switched to a vegan diet. It's truly awful what happens to these innocent, defenseless souls here in the world. There are numerous documentaries that have really shocked me. I often hear people say, “No, I can't watch something so horrible.” And that's exactly why nothing will change. Many people close their eyes to the facts; they don't want to admit what they are supporting when they buy meat from factory farms. But just because they don't look doesn't mean it's not happening every day.
I don't judge anyone—really, I don't. I just wish that people would find the courage to take a look.
In Austria, the number of vegans has increased significantly in recent years. According to a survey conducted in 2021, around 10% of the population already follows a vegan or vegetarian diet, which is an increase of 3% compared to 2016! Globally, a study by GlobalData shows that the number of people following a vegan diet is expected to increase by 25% by 2025. This clearly shows that veganism is not a passing trend!
It's really great that vegan diets are slowly becoming more popular. You can see it when you go shopping. More and more products are being offered. Of course, not all of them are healthy, but things are changing.
Politicians have also recognized this change. But instead of supporting it, they have decided that vegan products will no longer be allowed to use names such as “schnitzel,” “burger,” or “sausage.” Officially, this is justified on the grounds of consumer protection, an argument that many people find difficult to understand. Until now, vegan alternatives have always been clearly and transparently labeled as “plant-based,” “vegan,” or “soy/pea protein-based.”
This decision raises questions. Why is a positive development being thwarted? Why is the population being accused of not being able to distinguish between a vegan “schnitzel” and an animal-based one? The truth behind this measure remains unclear, but one thing is certain: it seems like a step backwards at a time when sustainable nutrition and conscious consumption are more important than ever.
Vegan cuisine is inspiring more and more people, and for good reason. Not only is it an ethical and ecological choice, but it also offers variety, flavor, and positive health benefits.
In stressful everyday life, meals often have to be quick, a development that can have a negative impact on your health. A quick pizza or a snack on the side is perfectly fine now and then, but it shouldn't be your main meal.
When I discovered vegan cuisine, I was amazed at how many foods I had never noticed because I blindly cooked my standard dishes without giving any thought to what else was possible.
Vegan dishes are anything but boring. With herbs, spices, fermented ingredients, and creative preparation methods, you can create taste experiences that will amaze even meat lovers. Whether it's spicy lentil dal, creamy cashew sauces, or smoky eggplant, plant-based cuisine knows no bounds. Tofu, vegetables, mushrooms, and other ingredients can be used to conjure up fantastic dishes. And let's be honest, without plant-based ingredients, animal products would hardly be edible—an interesting contradiction.
A glance at a vegan plate shows that food can be art. Fresh vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, and fruit bring color and life to the table. This variety is not only visually appealing, but also provides a wide range of nutrients.
Whether Mediterranean, Asian, Oriental, or Austrian, vegan recipes can be integrated into any national cuisine. Classics such as goulash, schnitzel, Kaiserschmarren, cakes, and pastries have long been available in plant-based versions. Christmas cookies, Easter snacks, and more—there's almost nothing you can't recreate using only plant-based ingredients, and they're even lighter and easier to digest.
A vegan diet offers many benefits for your health, the environment, and animal welfare. However, as with any diet, it is worth taking a closer look, because a vegan lifestyle is not automatically perfect. If you inform yourself consciously, you can easily overcome any potential challenges.
A common criticism is the supply of certain nutrients found in animal products. Vegan diets are repeatedly criticized for this reason, but unjustifiably so. It is entirely possible to live a vegan lifestyle without suffering from deficiency symptoms.
Vegan products are now available in many supermarkets, but the selection can vary from region to region. Vegetables and fruit have become much more expensive in Austria, which can be a hurdle for many people. But even with an omnivorous diet, vegetables and other plant-based foods are important for staying healthy.
Eating is about community. Those who live a vegan lifestyle often encounter a lack of understanding or have to explain themselves at family gatherings and restaurant visits. This can be challenging, but it can also be an opportunity to start a conversation, educate others, and grow beyond your own limitations.
Changing something takes time and energy. Our brains don't like big changes; this is a natural protective mechanism from the Stone Age to avoid potential dangers. But these old patterns can be broken, so there's really no excuse not to deal with them.
A vegan diet is by no means “deficient” if it is well planned. It requires more attention and a little more effort at the beginning, but this is precisely what can lead to a more conscious approach to food. If you inform yourself, pay attention to variety, and take supplements where necessary, you will not only live healthily, but also with a clear conscience.
Every change takes time, whether it's in your diet, habits, or way of thinking. This isn't because you're “weak,” but because of a completely natural mechanism in our brains.
Our brain is designed to protect us. It prefers familiar patterns and routines because these have ensured our survival in the past. In the Stone Age, an unknown plant or new behavior could actually be life-threatening. That is why our brain still reacts cautiously to change today, even if it is objectively sensible and harmless.
But the good news is that our brains are malleable. They can learn to adapt to new situations. With patience, repetition, and positive experiences, old patterns can be replaced with new ones.
The Stone Age is long gone. Are you ready to bring your thinking and actions into the year 2025?
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