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World Vegan Day is celebrated on November 1st and it amazes us how far the movement has come!

World Vegan Day reminds us of when veganism started as a diet and then eventually became a lifestyle choice. The joy and benefits of veganism are affirmed on this dedicated day, showing how easy it is to live a cruelty-free lifestyle as well as raising awareness about the rights of our furry friends. Even though vegetarianism calls for the rejection of all animal products, a plant-based diet is the best way to encourage this change. Posted online with thousands of delicious vegan recipes or modified versions of meat and dairy dishes.

To say that the discourse surrounding veganism is often laced with misinformation or even preconceived notions would be an understatement. For many, much of the resulting information, either completely inaccurate or partially presented, is considered a major barrier to adopting or even attempting to adopt a vegan diet. Therefore, World Vegan Day, which takes place every year on November 1, is perhaps the most appropriate day to highlight some common concepts about diet, as well as paint a clearer picture of what veganism actually entails.

World Vegan Day facts

1: Vegan and vegetarian are "basically" the same.

Perhaps one of the common misunderstandings about vegetarianism is because it is related to vegetarianism. The only commonality between the two is the common avoidance of meat products. Vegans and vegetarians strictly do not consume. However, this similarity ends here. To be vegan is to avoid all animal products (meat is only one animal product), including dairy products (milk, cheese, curds, butter) and products such as honey. This is not the case for vegetarians as many vegetarians in India have a heavy dairy diet. Precisely for this reason, these people are often called vegetarians.

2: Vegetarians eat only organic products

While vegetarian is a lifestyle/diet, organic is a farming/production method. These are not related in any way. Eating only organic is certainly not vegan. Eating organic fruits and vegetables is absolutely a priority. Many vegetarians also use traditionally grown fruits and vegetables. And the science about which is "better" is still evolving and mixed in terms of consensus.

3: Vegetarianism can lead to poorer nutrition

A common misconception about the diet is that following it leads to overall poorer nutrition. This is only true if one does not do preliminary research before making a dietary change. Whether vegan or not. Changing your diet is usually a big decision that requires at least some research into the diet in question.

In the case of a vegan diet, when all animal products are excluded, there is a possibility of reduced intake of protein, iodine, calcium, vitamin B12, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids. Each of these nutrients has a suitable alternative (especially protein) based on either food substitutes or simple supplements.

4: Vegan food options are hard and expensive to find

In fact, vegetarian options are quite easy to find and get and are becoming more affordable due to the growing vegan community in India. There are many options – for protein, soy products are often widely consumed. With lentils and beans is another good source. There are actually a lot of plant-based dairy products to choose from – even a basic ingredient like milk can be replaced with soy milk, almond milk, peanut milk, etc. Hemp milk can also serve as a great source of omega-3s. A healthy portion of leafy greens provides vitamins, and the same goes for vitamin D – which can be counteracted by (now socially) exposure to sunlight.

5: Vegetarianism is a mere trend that will eventually fade

But perhaps the most enduring myth of all is the claim that people who follow a vegan diet do so as part of a social trend in order to gain influence in society. Although this claim is abstract, it is also difficult to "disprove" - how can one prove the true goals of any vegan on earth? There are few who consider it fashionable! But for the vast majority of vegetarians, it's a diet that aligns with their value in stopping their contribution to the cruel animals that go into producing food for consumption. It's also objectively less damaging to the environment, an outcome that's (or at least should be) good for all of us.

So, the longest-running misconception about veganism is one that criticizes its longevity, something that only grows as the years go by and more affordable options become popular. Perhaps, on World Vegan Day, it's best not to think about how long veganism will last. But how long can we last it, until the day it looks like the new normal.