How aware are you of the foods you choose?

World Vegan Day, November 1, gives the opportunity to celebrate in several ways. Participants are encouraged to set up stalls, host potlucks, or plant memorial trees.

This day celebrates the founding of vegan society and recognizes those who have made the switch to becoming vegan. It also celebrates how far the vegan movement has come and how accessible and beneficial this lifestyle change is. This day highlights the challenges and joys of switching to a vegan lifestyle.

About 3% of Americans follow a vegan diet, according to WebMD. While some people choose a vegan lifestyle for specific health reasons, the majority of people switch to improve their health overall.

A vegan diet can be enjoyable as well as healthy. It generally consists of plant-based foods and vegans are not supposed to consume any food related to animals, such as eggs, dairy products, or meat. Many vegans also try to avoid fish and honey, and also refuse to use products made from animals, like leather and fur.

Transitioning into this lifestyle might be hard at first, especially for those who are not fully educated on the diet and what it consists of. Some people are born into a vegan lifestyle because their parents are vegan.

Singer Ariana Grande once said, “I am a firm believer in eating a full plant-based, whole food diet that can expand your life length and make you an all-around happier person” (azquotes). She has always limited her meat intake, but in November of 2013, she fully transitioned into a vegan and was very proud to make that decision (Food Network).

Veganism is not just about getting rid of meat or animals; it’s about making the world greener and living a healthy, happy life.