3 Reasons Why I Became Vegan & So Should You (documentaries to watch)
- Elise Yu
- Oct 18, 2020
- 4 min read
Updated: Feb 7, 2021
Vegan - a word that is both inspiring and triggering.
The vegan community gets a bad rep, and I understand why. It seems if you don't do everything "right", you are more judged than those who don't even try!
Have you tried the vegan lifestyle but haven't been able to stick with it? Are you diet-curious and want to try eating plant-based but need a little push? This is a one stop shop to get you over the hump and actually take steps to becoming a little more vegan.
For me, I did it gradually - from an average joe omnivore to pescatarian, vegetarian to vegan (with a few relapses sprinkled in between).
Below, I have cobbled together the top 3 reasons I've become vegan and so should you. Go through the list of resources I've outlined, and I promise you will think twice before gobbling down your next meal.
1. Environment
If you didn't know, changing your lifestyle to a more plant-based diet is the No.1 way to you can help slow climate change.
If you're reading this, I'm sure you are aware of the destructive path humans are on with our current unsustainable ways of living. Watch these documentaries to learn more about just how dire that destruction is, and remind you how beautiful the planet can be if we learn to value biodiversity:
Environment | Our Planet
Experience our planet's natural beauty and examine how climate change impacts all living creatures in this ambitious documentary of spectacular scope.
1. Our Planet | One Planet
Witness the planet's breathtaking diversity -- from seabirds carpet-bombing the ocean to wildebeests eluding the wild dogs of the Serengeti.
2. Our Planet | Frozen Worlds
On the unforgiving frontier of climate change, polar bears, walruses, seals and penguins find their icy Edens in peril.
3. Our Planet | Jungles
Jungles and rainforests are home to an incredible variety of species like preening birds, intelligent orangutans and remarkably ambitious ants.
4. Our Planet | Coastal Seas
From fearsome sharks to lowly urchins, 90 % of marine creatures live in coastal waters. Protecting these habitats is a battle humanity must win.
5. Our Planet | From Deserts to Grasslands
Cameras follow desert elephants seeking sustenance, bison roaming North American grasslands and caterpillars living the good life underground.
6. Our Planet | High Seas
Venture into the deep, dark and desolate oceans that are home to an abundance of beautiful - and downright strange - creatures.
7. Our Planet | Fresh Water
The need for fresh water is as strong as ever. However, the supply is becoming increasingly unpredictable for all
manner of species.
8. Our Planet | Forests
Examine the fragile interdependence that exists between forests' wide variety of residents, including bald eagles, hunting dogs and Siberian tigers.
Environment | Cowspiracy
Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret is a 2014 documentary film which explores the impact of animal agriculture on the environment, and investigates the policies of a few environmental organizations on this issue.
Environment | Planet Earth 2
10 years ago Planet Earth changed our view of the world. Now we take you closer than ever before. This is life in all its wonder. This is Planet Earth II.
If all that isn't enough, check out the newest 2020 Netflix Documentary by David Attenborough : A Life on Our Planet
2. Personal Health
Beyond the environmental benefits of being a vegan, there are TONS of health reasons to eat plant-based as well. Whether you are seeking a long, healthy life or looking to beat a world record, eating plant-based can help in more ways than one:
Personal Health | What the Health
From the guy who brought you Cowspiracy, What the Health is a 2017 documentary film which critiques the health impact of meat and dairy products consumption, and questions the practices of the leading health and pharmaceutical organizations. Its primary purpose is to advocate for a plant-based diet.
Personal Health | The Game Changers
A UFC fighter's world is turned upside down when he discovers an elite group of world-renowned athletes and scientists who prove that everything he had been taught about protein was a lie.
Personal Health | SuperSize Me
SuperSizeMe is a 2004 American documentary film directed by and starring Morgan Spurlock, an American independent filmmaker. Spurlock's film follows a 30-day period from February 1 to March 2, 2003, during which he ate only McDonald's food.
3. Accessibility
Beyond online resources that helped me become more educated on climate change, the food system, and health, the final reason why I decided to be vegan is accessibility. What do I mean by that?
Well...
Money
As a young professional with minimal debt and living with my parents, I have little expenses I need to pay besides groceries. Being vegan is NOT expensive, but having income security allows me to be more free in my spending and discover new vegan alternatives without straining my wallet.
Time
Being able to work from home (WFH), much of the time usually spent on commuting is now freed up to be spent cooking! The luxury of time allows me to be more creative in the kitchen when my stomach isn't eating itself from a day's worth of working at the office!
Availability
Where you live can have a big impact on what vegan options are available to you. I live in a developed country where there are many vegan products to try out on grocery shelves. Trying out different vegan alternatives has made every meal that much more exciting.
Do you have any vegan products you love or want me to try? Comment below and I will test it out for you!
4. *BONUS* Daily Inspiration
Something I find VERY important in sticking with a vegan lifestyle is finding community. Nobody in my social circle is vegan, so I have sought out online creators who keep me engaged and excited about being vegan.
Below are my favourite vegan content creators:
Trying the "Best" Fall Items at Trader Joe's
DIY Vegan KFC Famous Bowl
Canadian supporting Canadians section!
hotforfood by Lauren Toyota |
What I Eat in a Day
What I Eat in a Day
With these resources, I hope the word vegan is now more inspiring than triggering, and next time you order take out or make dinner, think to yourself - "am I making good choices?"
Disclaimer* what works for me may not work for you, so seek professional advice before drastically changing your diet.
Comments