Happy New Year to all of our beloved clients, friends and family! What are some of your New Years Resolutions for 2017?
The 21 Day Vegan Challenge starts tomorrow and here are 3 important reasons why we think going vegan should be your 2017 resolution…
1. For the animals
According to the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies, every year, more than 650 million animals are slaughtered for food in Canada. While most Canadians assume the government ensures the humane treatment of farm animals, the unfortunate reality leaves us shocked to discover the lack of monitoring of farms across the country. Farming practices in Canada have changed dramatically over the last 50 to 60 years and Canada currently has no regulations stipulating how animals should be treated on farms other than federal and provincial animal cruelty laws. This often results in the mistreatment of farm animals and we also see cases of rare and egregious abuse, such as when animals are neglected to the point of starvation and medical neglect. By going vegan, you could spare the lives of over 100 farm animals per year!!! We think that alone is reason enough to go vegan, but here are a couple other important points to consider…
2. For the environment
According to Greenpeace, raising animals for food generates as much greenhouse gas emissions than all cars, trucks, planes and trains in the world combined! Factory farms all over the world cram hundreds of animals into large areas of soiled pasture that emit not only carbon dioxide, but also more potent gases of methane and nitrous oxide, all of which has a direct impact on global warming. In addition, 75% of agriculture land is devoted to raising animals and cattle enterprises are responsible for up to 80% of Amazon deforestation. Once we add more plants and alternative proteins to our diets, we may begin to heal the planet, and in turn heal ourselves!
3. For your health
According to a recent study conducted by the Oxford University, by 2050, widespread adoption of plant-based diets would avert 8.1 million premature human deaths every year. This was found to be the case due to the reduction of red and processed meat, which the World Health Organization classified as carcinogenic due to its risk of colorectal cancer. In addition, a well-balanced plant-based diet is rich in protein, iron, calcium and other essential vitamins and minerals. Unlike the average Western diet, a well-planned vegan diet tends to be low in saturated fat, high in fibre and packed with antioxidants, helping mitigate some of the modern world’s biggest health issues like obesity, heart disease, diabetes and cancer. Some vegans also experience increased energy, clearer skin, stronger hair and nails, and reduced allergy symptoms. By removing animal products from your plate, you leave room for a wider variety of fresh vegetables and other savoury ingredients.
Have we said enough to convince you? With so many delicious vegan food options scattered around our beautiful city of Montreal, and so many amazing vegan blogs out there with delectable recipes to try, there’s no reason not to try out veganism. If you’re in need of some extra support, sign yourself up for the 21 Day Vegan Challenge starting tomorrow and let your friends and family take part in it too.
For the animals, for the planet, for your health, make veganism your New Years Resolution in 2017!