Who knew that going vegan would have so many perks? Since completing Veganuary, I’ve noticed a huge change in myself. Here are five (unexpected) benefits of veganism.
It’s no secret that although I love animals, my main/biggest drive for going vegan/trying Veganuary has been for health reasons. I just feel better overall when cutting out meat and dairy and focusing more on a plant-based diet. Taking part in Veganuary this year has really allowed me to sit down and sum up the changes I noticed this time around.
In case you’re debating heading towards a plant-based diet (or even giving up meat and/or dairy once a week – every little helps!) here are some unexpected perks I discovered when taking part in Veganuary 2019.
More Energy
This is one thing I didn’t really pick up on until I realised how little Red Bull I’d been drinking! I’d still reach for an energy drink some afternoons just out of habit, but I never felt like I had that typical afternoon slump anymore. I started to sleep a little better too and just found that even after big meals, I never felt sluggish, the way I would have had I had a big pizza or something similar but non-vegan. I just felt more energetic and better overall.
Whiter Teeth
This may seem a bit random – and it’s not like my teeth were super yellow to begin with, haha – but since going vegan I have definitely noticed my teeth are whiter. I did think that perhaps it was due to having less tea because I have cut down considerably, but I do still tend to have a cuppa at least once a day. I’ve also been drinking less fizzy drinks – not due to Veganuary, but just in general, as I’m trying to drink more water. Nonetheless, it’s a nice perk!
Better Skin/Weight Loss
I noticed the physical difference not long after too. Though I didn’t weigh myself, before long tight trousers felt loose, my tummy looked flatter/less bloated and even my face looked thinner. I also found that (perhaps, due to having more energy), my skin looked healthier. I still got acne at my time of the month, but it wasn’t half as bad as it used to be. And I stopped looking grey and withdrawn.
More Confidence
..which has, of course, led me to have more confidence. I’ve been wearing cropped tops (yes, even in the middle of winter), experimenting more with my makeup and generally just putting myself out there in ways I haven’t done in a long, long time. Is this to do with going vegan, losing weight or just generally getting my sh*t together? I’m not quite sure, but I do know that eating vegan has helped a hell of a lot.
Inspiring Others to Try Veganism
This is a point I’ve noticed a fair few times, to be honest, but I have continued to notice just how popular veganism has become. I have non-vegan friends showing an interest in vegan restaurants, my colleagues showing a huge interest in my delicious vegan lunches and even my nan finally accepting that veganism is actually a thing. It’s great! Of course, not everyone is going to go vegan and I would never force my ideas upon someone, but if one person decides to try giving up meat just once a week or chooses a vegan lunch over a non-vegan one thanks to me, I’m happy – because every little helps!
Greggs vegan sausage roll, anyone?!
These are just some unexpected benefits I’ve noticed since not just doing Veganuary but eating vegan in general. Every year I do it, I find more and more benefits that makes it harder and harder to remember a time that I wouldn’t even consider eating vegan!
Have you ever tried Veganuary or been curious about giving up meat and dairy? Let me know!
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