Is Veganism For You? Exploring the Vegan Lifestyle

May 22, 2023, 14:00 PM by Tara Cuffe

One of the most popular questions we get at BodySlims is about veganism. Or if you’re a vegan, can you still do the programme? Will it be more difficult?

The answer to the above questions is yes, as we work in calorie control people can pick their own foods within individual limits and no it won’t be any more difficult for you. Here we take a closer look at what veganism is and how it is different from vegetarianism or following a plant-based diet.

What is veganism?

Veganism is a lifestyle and dietary choice that seeks to exclude the use of animal products for various reasons, including ethical, environmental, and health concerns. A person who follows veganism is called a vegan.

How is veganism different from vegetarianism and having a plant-based diet?

Here's a table highlighting the similarities and differences between veganism, vegetarianism, and a plant-based diet:

	Veganism	Vegetarianism	Plant-based Diet
Animal Products	Avoids all animal-derived products, including meat, poultry, seafood, dairy, eggs, honey, and other ingredients derived from animals.	May exclude meat and seafood but may include dairy products, eggs, and honey.	Focuses on a diet primarily consisting of plant-based foods, but may include occasional consumption of animal products.
Ethical Concerns	Often driven by ethical considerations, seeking to avoid the exploitation and suffering of animals.	May be motivated by ethical concerns but not necessarily as strict as veganism.	May or may not be driven by ethical concerns, focusing more on health and environmental aspects.
Environmental Impact	Recognizes the environmental impact of animal agriculture and aims to reduce it by avoiding animal products.	Acknowledges the environmental impact of meat production but may not be as strict in avoiding all animal products.	Considers the environmental benefits of a plant-based diet and aims to minimise the ecological footprint.
Health Focus	While health benefits can be a consideration, veganism doesn't necessarily require a specific focus on health.	Health benefits can be a motivation, but it varies depending on the individual's dietary choices.	Health benefits are often a primary focus, emphasising the consumption of nutrient-rich plant-based foods.
Dairy and Eggs	Excludes dairy and eggs, as they are derived from animals.	May include dairy and eggs as part of the diet.	May or may not include dairy and eggs, depending on individual choices.
Lifestyle	Extends beyond diet to avoid using animal-derived products, such as leather, fur, wool, and cosmetics tested on animals.	Diet-focused, but may or may not extend to other aspects of life.	Primarily focused on diet and may or may not extend to other areas of life.

It's important to note that these categories are not mutually exclusive, and individuals may choose to adopt aspects from different dietary choices based on their own beliefs, preferences, and personal values.

What are the benefits of veganism?

According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, well-planned vegetarian diets, including vegan diets, are considered nutritionally adequate and can provide health benefits. These studies found that vegetarians and vegans tend to have lower BMI, cholesterol levels, and blood pressure, which contribute to a reduced risk of heart disease.

Additionally, a review of studies concluded that vegetarian diets, including vegan diets, are associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and a decreased incidence of heart disease.

These studies suggest that adopting a vegan diet may have positive effects on weight management, cardiovascular health, and potentially reduce the risk of certain diseases, such as heart disease and cancer.

However, individual results may vary, and it's essential to ensure proper planning and nutrient balance when following a vegan diet. Consulting with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian is recommended for personalised advice and guidance.

Veganism and BodySlims

Embarking on a BodySlims journey while following a vegan or plant-based diet brings its own set of experiences and advantages. We spoke with Carla Piera FitzGerald (@halfofcarla), a former food addict who successfully integrated the principles of BodySlims into her vegan lifestyle. She shared her insights on the challenges, benefits, and tips for those considering a vegan or plant-based approach.

The "Abundance Principle" and flexibility

According to Carla, "Because of the wonderful flexibility of BodySlims, you can basically eat whatever you want within your calorie limit."

She highlighted the beauty of being vegan or following a plant-based diet, stating, "You tend to eat foods which are 'closer to the ground' which, in a happy coincidence, happen to be lower in calories."

Carla found that the "abundance principle" of eating high-volume, low-calorie foods helped satisfy her overeating habits. She emphasised that vegans joining BodySlims would be in good company, as there are many others like them who participate in each cycle.

Background and lifestyle choice

Before BodySlims, Carla explained that her decision was driven by her discomfort with the idea of animals suffering for her meals when alternatives were available. She said this lifestyle is also a win for the environment as it helps lessen greenhouse gas emissions.

"I have been some kind of vegetarian/pescatarian since my early 20s," she said.

Additionally, she experienced personal benefits from consuming a higher volume of vegetables and fruits, including increased energy, clear skin, and improved digestion. She emphasised that her lifestyle choice was a win for animals, the environment, and herself.

“Because I've eaten less meat/animal products for nearly half my life, the switch to a plant-based diet wasn't particularly difficult for me," she said.

She considered it a natural progression aligned with her personal ethics. Carla highlighted the importance of starting with small changes.

"I think it can seem overwhelming if you go from being a full meat eater to vegan overnight with no research, but even small changes can make a difference,” she said.

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A post shared by Carla Piera 🌙 Life After Weight Loss (@halfofcarla)

Tips for aspiring vegans and plant-based dieters

When asked about her meal planning during the BodySlims program, Carla shared her approach, saying, "I liked to keep it real simple for myself."

She followed a formula that worked for her: a vegan protein + a low-calorie carbohydrate + a variety of seasoned vegetables. “My vegan proteins were typically tofu or tempeh, or meat alternative, my carb could be polenta, cauliflower rice, a small portion of rice, steamed new potatoes, air fryer homemade chips (French fries for my American brethren) and then pile on the veg (for the abundance).”

Her recipe inspiration comes from sources such as Instagram, favourite weight loss accounts, and the wealth of knowledge available on Pinterest such as From My Bowls or Ella Vegan or Rabbits and Wolves but she would modify it to be low-cal.

“Vegetables are delicious with different seasonings, it's just like meat, it's all in the way you cook (although raw veg is pretty tasty IMO) And one note, you can be a really unhealthy vegan! If you just ate French fries and tortilla chips everyday then you'd technically be vegan but you'd probably get scurvy,” she said.

Carla's advice for those considering a vegan or plant-based diet was encouraging: "You do not need to be perfect. Don't stress about the label of being vegan, just do what's best for your body, your ethics and your routine/budget.”

Carla is just one of many of BodySlims success stories. Whether you give veganism a go or not, you are welcome to participate in BodySlims! As Carla mentioned, you will not be limited to certain types of food, as long as you eat within a calorie limit. Our weight loss programme also includes access to seminars, support emails, exclusive content, and so much more.