We asked our Instagram community (AKA the Cowmunity) how going vegan has changed their lives. The responses were so deeply touching and inspiring that we had to share them. Whether you’re participating in Veganuary, or are already somewhere else along your journey, we hope these community sentiments resonate with you.
Here’s what they had to say!
Going vegan has changed my life because…
“My diet is finally in line with my values, I feel free as a result! I’ve also become much more conscious about what I’m putting in my body. Also how we exploit animals in all sorts of industries that I wouldn’t expect and it’s disgusting. Veganism is one of the best things I’ve ever done and there’s no looking back for me.”
“Sleep is incredible, no food coma in the afternoon (or ever), I look younger, skin tighter, haven’t had a flu or a cold in years (except c-19), but most importantly: I no longer contribute to the ecological catastrophe of the meat and dairy industries as well as the giant suffering they inflict!”
“Now I’m at peace with my conscience and I love to cook.”
“There are so many vegan options that I don’t feel like I’m missing out on anything. A lot of people are shocked when I say that I’m 12 and vegan because they think it’s difficult but I love being vegan so much and helping animals. Best experience ever.”
“It taught me to be more confident in myself, taught me responsible consumption, it taught me how to cook and made my taste buds more sensitive to such an extent that my love for food has increased dramatically.”
“It’s helped us feel like we make a difference in the lives of animals. And inspired us to go to sanctuaries and help out there.”
“I’ve become so much more curious about food. I enjoy it more. Also I can’t walk past an animal without smiling at it. The downside is that I’ve lost a bit of hope in humanity…”
“Better digestion. Some initial fat loss. A wider variety of veggies, grains and fruit I eat now. More fun in the kitchen. Family meals are more difficult. Eating out can be difficult. Vacations are ALL ABOUT finding good vegan food!!!”
“It has taught me how to cook in much more creative ways. It also exposed me to foods from different cultures that I wouldn’t have otherwise attempted to cook.”
“It’s taught us lots of kindness, compassion, patience, & creativity, & given us more energy throughout the day!”
“I feel so much more connected to nature like we’re caring for eachother, it’s opened the door to way more flavours, ingredients and recipes that I wouldn’t have tried if I wasn’t vegan! Not to mention the community is absolutely amazing! it’s also cheaper. Not much personal bad/ugly but it does get a bit annoying sometimes having to give examples of what you eat anytime you mention you’re vegan- but I started taking it as a way to educate people and it actually works and helps people understand and even go vegan.”
“I just feel better – clearer skin, better digestion, more confidence. It’s more sustainable for our planet and for my wallet. The thought of eating dead animal flesh makes me cringe and I don’t know how I ever did it for so long – plant-based for 4 1/2 years and never looking back.”
“I’m a big guy at 6’6” but I was 126kg, tired & constantly feeling run down and sick. Going vegan not only helped me drop my weight down to 94 kg but also gave me so much more energy, I no longer felt tired and sick all the time and regular blood tests show that my body is running at optimal levels. Huge win in my life.”
“It’s been the best journey and so worth it knowing that this way of living is a way of peace to help animals and the planet. I am almost 12 years a vegan!!”
“I feel so much more connected to caring for our animals and environment and was encouraged by our 3 sons and their partners so it’s been so wonderful to be able to all unite and enjoy meals together… so good to see so many more cafes and restaurants offering vegan options as it does have challenges when dining out but there’s no turning back for the 8 of us now.”
“Now when I say I love animals, I know it’s really true! On the practical side: there is more variety in my diet, less time deciding where and what to eat when out, and I make friends more easily!”
These were just a few of the powerful responses we hand-picked, but there were SO many more! Here’s the original post – take a look, and feel free to post a comment about how going vegan has changed your life.
Join nearly 1 million #HappyCowmunity members for Veganuary on the HappyCow app and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to be a part of a wonderful, ever-growing community of vegans and to discover great food near you!