Q uite different than more recent up-and-coming lifestyles such as keto, paleo, and primal; veganism has been around for over 70 years and has a fairly simple set of guidelines. So what are they exactly? The term veganism refers to a philosophy, way of living, and diet aiming to exclude (as much as practicable or possible) the consumption and use of animals, animal byproducts, and animal-derived substances. Vegans abstain from eating meat, dairy, and eggs, in all forms (including their derivatives - often used in processed foods). This lifestyle is usually adopted for several reasons, ranging simply from a health perspective, to an ethical or moral standpoint. Dietary vegans refrain from consuming animal products and bi-products, as well as animal-derived substances. Ethical vegans also apply these standards to clothing, make-up, and other daily-use products, as well as aim to avoid products tested on animals.
FOOD & DRINK
impossible! But, nowadays it’s actually easier than ever to find vegan foods at restaurants, and in grocery stores. In the last 20 years, there has been a profound shift in corporate grocery store culture. We’ve seen the introduction of the “natural food section”, as well as widespread shifts to clearly mark packaging when vegan (as well as gluten-free, nut-free, dairy free, etc.). Even still, navigating the grocery store with a newfound vegan diet isn’t always easy, and there are tons of everyday foods that just also happen to be vegan. So where do you start? How do you know what to buy? The first thing to do is look in your cupboards. What’s in there? How much of it is already vegan? If you’re not certain, a quick internet search, or scan into an app such as Is It Vegan? should let you know with certainty if you’re on the right track. The first few trips to the grocery store might be tough, but once you get to know which of your regular items are vegan, and have chosen suitable substitutions for the ones that aren’t, you’ll fall into a routine fairly quickly. And if you see something you like? Just check. You’ll be pleasantly surprised to learn that there are many regular foods, and even some “guilty pleasures” out there that are totally fine to eat as a vegan,
Vegan 101 The vegan movement has been steadily on the rise since its inception in 1944. But what exactly is veganism?
EASY “PEAS”Y
To some people, the thought of not eating cheese, burgers, or eggs seems nearly
Words by Story Sheidow
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www.pei-living.ca FALL 2018
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