Of course "going vegan" doesn't automatically mean you eat healthy. It still depends on the nutritional value of what you eat. For example, you can call yourself a vegan and eat lots of sugary snacks, pop and deep fried food. Oreo cookies are vegan!
I switched to a plant based diet for about a year now. I still eat some fish/seafood once in a while, but I would say I'm around 95% plant based. I don't consume any eggs, dairy or land animals. The switch was for mostly health reasons and I've definitely noticed big changes!
Some of the Improvements:
- More energy throughout the day (no roller-coasters and no food comas)
- Strengthened Immune System (didn't get a cold or flue like I usually get every winter).
- Weight loss (I eat as much as I want and I still dropped 25 lbs since I started (190 lbs to 165 lbs). There is no guilt and no need to calorie count.
- Sports Performance (my long distance running has improved both in finishing time and recovery. Of course, losing the weight helped, but also my body seems to be operating at a lower temperature throughout the day.
- My tastes seem more refined and I don't have the sugar cravings I used to have
- I'm doing more of my own cooking and experimenting with recipes, so naturally I'm using new ingredients and ways to combine them
- You'll be forced to examine whats actually in your food! And you'll be astonished at the shite thats legally allowed in there!
Note: Assume your food has some GMO in it, unless its labeled 100% organic. I always avoid HFCS (corn sugar) and steer clear of additives/preservatives and artificial flavors/colors.
Some of the Downsides:
- Expect to pay more for higher quality, less processed and more natural food. Especially when GMO & Big Agra products are often subsidized in the US & Canada
- Social isolation if your friends/family/co-workers don't support you
- Your significant other won't find you as warm in the bed (my wife complains that I'm turning into a vampire since my body temp is lower)
- You'll realize a lot of food you thought was OK for you to eat, isn't good for you at all
- Lack of restaurant choices when eating out and travelling (I just got back from Japan and it was tough to find places even in Tokyo)
I've had two physicals during this time, including full blood work with the results improving quite a bit in the 6 months. I should mention that I already had cut out most dairy and eggs years prior. Here is my latest cardio risk assessment results from April, would be curious to see other's results.
Don't go unchecked! I definitely recommend seeing a health professional before and after you make the switch. You'll want to make sure you are getting all the trace elements/minerals and vitamins you need to keep making those monies.
Feel free to hit me up if you want some good resources. I've been down the road long enough to gather some useful navigation wisdom.