Vegan buttercream frosting

What Is Veganism, and What Do Vegans Eat? Medically reviewed by Katherine Vegan buttercream frosting LDN, R.

A vegan diet, or veganism, tends to omit animal products for ethical, health, or environmental reasons. By definition, veganism is a way of living in which people exclude, as much as possible, all forms of animal exploitation and cruelty. At first glance, a vegan diet may seem complicated or overly restrictive. Many of my clients who are considering switching over to a vegan diet are initially worried about finding suitable vegan alternatives to their favorite meals. Yet, most find that once they get a few basics down, the transition is less difficult than they initially expected. As someone enjoying a plant-based diet myself, I’ve noticed more and more vegan options appearing on supermarket shelves and restaurant menus in the past couple of years. I’ve even recently come across a vegan version of pastel de nata, one of my all-time favorite desserts.

In this article, I’ll outline what veganism is and share a few basics about foods to eat and avoid on a vegan diet. 1944 by a small group of vegetarians who broke away from the Leicester Vegetarian Society in England to form the Vegan Society. By 1949, the first definition of veganism had been born. It has changed slightly over the years to become what it is known as today. However, by this latest definition, veganism extends beyond eating a plant-based diet.

As a result, many vegans avoid purchasing wool coats, leather furniture, or down pillows and comforters. People generally choose to avoid animal products for one or more of the following reasons. Because of this, ethical vegans are opposed to killing an animal in order to eat its flesh or wear its fur or skin. However, for ethical vegans, this sentiment extends beyond the cruelty of modern farming practices.

That’s because vegans are opposed to consuming products that heavily rely on the killing of other animals — especially because alternatives are available. This is why ethical vegans remain opposed to drinking an animal’s milk, eating its eggs, or wearing its wool, even in cases where the animals are free-roaming or pasture-fed. Finally, vegan diets appear to be especially effective at helping people lose unwanted weight. However, if you’re on a vegan diet, you may consume less of certain nutrients. That’s why planning is especially important.