Adopting Veganism: The Physical Transformation

In recent years, the switch to veganism or a plant-based diet has caught the attention of the general public like wildfire. From health experts to yogis, suburban moms, to professional athletes, this plant-based lifestyle could not come higher recommended. When you make the transition to veganism, you’re entire life changes. Not only is your physical body and mental state forever altered, but your consideration for environmental sustainability, your personal impact on the planet, and your bank account also improve. After all, eliminating animal by-products from your diet is much more economical than buying dairy, meat, and other animal products. When making the switch, you may experience a multi-faceted transition process, with most noting physical reactions that are both unique and widespread. We thought it could be helpful to offer some insight into the physical and mental changes that could occur during the transition from a traditional western diet to veganism.

Gut Health

Over the years, studies have found a strong correlation between vegan dieters having healthier-than-normal gut microbiomes (the good gut bacteria) in their digestive tract. Vegetables and whole grains have much more fiber than other foods such as meat, dairy, and gluten products. These fibers help cultivate healthy microbiomes in the gut, and therefore, plant-based foods nourish the body from the inside out. The increase in fiber also helps prevent constipation and regulating bowel function. In addition to all the great gut bacteria you can expect from a plant-based diet, you also set your immune system up for success, and boost your metabolism all at the same time.

“Fiber is not only an important part of a healthy digestive system; it has the potential to improve cholesterol, make you feel full for a longer period of time, give the body energy, and assist in the prevention of constipation and diarrhea.” -Kim Rose, Floridian dietician

Although all these leafy greens are amazing for your gut health, they can also lead to more gas production, causing you to feel bloated from time to time, especially if you’re body isn’t accustomed to consuming that many greens. Everyone’s body is different and processes food to varying degrees, but increased gassiness is one noted side effect of a vegan diet. Comparatively, when we examine certain dairy products like cheese and eggs, many report experiencing bloating and gas as a negative side effect of these animal byproducts. Medical professionals advise diversifying your fruits and vegetable intake so your body doesn’t overconsume one thing.

Inflammation

It is a known fact that red meat and other dairy products increase inflammation within the body. Hundreds of studies have shown the correlation between Rhumetoid Artheritus and meat/dairy consumption. When sufferers switch to a plant-based diet, they notice a large decrease in inflammation and stiffness. In fact, plant-based foods such as flax seeds and canola oil are great sources of animal-free omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties built-in.

• “Plant-based diets reduce RA pain and swelling. A randomized clinical trial that looked at the effects of a low-fat vegan diet on people with moderate-to-severe RA found that after just four weeks on the diet, participants experienced significant improvements in morning stiffness, RA pain, joint tenderness, and joint swelling. The review authors suggest that plant-based diets are typically low in fat and high in fiber, which can reduce inflammation and decrease pain and swelling.” –Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine

Weight Loss

Meat and animal by-products are high in fat, carbs, and protein, which ultimately results in weight gain, especially if you don’t have a very active lifestyle. People who consume large amounts of animal byproducts without a healthy dose of daily or weekly exercise can expect those fats, carbs, and proteins to turn into stored body fat that becomes more and more difficult to burn off as time goes on. When you switch to a vegan diet, you should plan to consume lean protein through plant-based food such as beans, peas, legumes, spinach, nuts, and tempeh, and tofu in order to receive a healthy amount of good proteins. People who switch to a plant-based diet report weight loss within just a few days or weeks of the transition.

Increased Energy

Meat and dairy products are much more difficult to digest and physically process as compared with vegetables, nuts, and fruits. Animal byproducts slow down your internal processing and weigh heavily on your internal physical functions. The inability to process food quickly can often cause meat and dairy eaters to feel tired, sluggish, hazy, and unable to focus. Dairy products like milk and cheese are proven to slow cognitive function and mental processing. By switching to veganism, you can actively boost your energy levels- if you make sure to consume enough of the right plant-based foods!

Fewer Cravings

Vegetables and fruits are much lower in calories and carbs, yet this earthy sustenance can actually sustain a body up to twice as long as meat and animal products. When you make the switch to plant-based, you’ll feel fuller for longer with healthful food that sustains you in the long run!