Why I Became a Vegan and How It Affects My Budget

Introduction

Personal health, animal rights, and environmental concerns are just a few reasons why many individuals choose to become vegan. In this article, we explore the motivations behind this lifestyle change and its impact on one's budget. Through the stories and perspectives of several individuals, we will delve into why they adopted the vegan way of life and whether it is an expensive choice.

The Health Motivation

One of the primary reasons for adopting a vegan lifestyle is health. As one individual shares, they switched to veganism when they dropped 70 pounds in 7 months and received a clean bill of health from their doctor for the first time in 20 years. This experience can be seen as a testament to the benefits of a plant-based diet for weight loss and overall well-being. However, the cost of maintaining a vegan lifestyle can be a concern. They mention that purchasing meat-replacement or specialty items can be expensive, but suggests that sticking with produce and buying from farmer’s markets can make it more affordable than a diet rich in meat.

Self-Preservation

For another person, their journey to becoming vegan was driven by a need for self-preservation. They had been a l-o-vegetarian since the age of 11, but had a dramatic shift in their diet before their PhD exams, primarily due to the high cholesterol levels they discovered at a health fair. Their cholesterol was so high that they were tested again to confirm the results. This led them to an instant and permanent switch to a vegan diet, which they have been maintaining for 32 years. They also emphasize that being vegan does not have to be expensive, as shown by their wife, who met on Vegan-L 24 years ago, and their son, who is a vegan since birth and lives on a modest income.

The Animal Rights Perspective

Another individual chose to become a vegan solely based on animal rights. They share their experience working in a turkey slaughterhouse and becoming aware of the cruelty in animal agriculture. This led them to co-found ADAPTT, a website known for its hard-hitting truths on animal agriculture. They argue that being vegan is not only a way to promote animal rights but also a more environmentally sustainable choice. They recommend the website of Dr. Michael Greger for the latest research on nutrition and the impact of a plant-based diet. This person firmly believes that a vegan diet can be cheaper than a meat-based one, especially when based on whole foods and avoiding expensive vegan alternatives.

The Impact on Budget

Several individuals share their experiences of how switching to a vegan lifestyle has affected their budget. One person who watched the documentaries "Forks Over Knives" and "What the Health" with their husband explains that these films changed their dietary habits, leading them to adopt a vegan lifestyle. They emphasize that a plant-based diet can be the cheapest lifestyle if one opts for whole foods. They highlight that the bulk of their diet consists of vegetables, with occasional treats being the more expensive specialty items, which are still less costly than a meat-based diet.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the decision to become a vegan can be influenced by various factors, many individuals have found that it can be both a morally sound and financially sensible choice. From health benefits to ethical and environmental considerations, a vegan lifestyle offers numerous advantages. The cost of maintaining this lifestyle can vary widely depending on personal choices and habits, but many have found ways to make it both affordable and sustainable.