Many people feel that veganism cannot possibly provide anyone with the necessary nutrients they need to survive. This is also very far from the truth. It is true that vegans do need to watch their diets more closely than others, as we are restricted in how we can source protein and calcium. There are a number of soya-based milks, cheeses, yoghurts and spreads that are fortified with calcium. It is also possible to buy protein-enriched hemp powder, which can be used to make delicious protein-rich smoothies. I do find that I have also become a lot more inventive with my cooking since becoming vegan. With a little ingenuity, there is no reason why vegans need be deprived of niceties such as chilli con carne, lasagne, or fajitas.

What would bring one to make such a lifestyle choice, then? Well, for me at least, it comes down to a matter of ethics. The meat and dairy industry is largely responsible for what could be considered as animal torture. Now, that is not to say that all meat and dairy producers are subject to these claims, but the vast majority of producers, in adapting to high levels of demand, have sacrificed any and all ethical practices as a result. Indeed, many producers claim to sell ‘free range’ and organic products. What is free range, though? What is a free range egg? It is not my intention to use this article as a platform for preaching, but to inform, so I shall keep my judgements brief. In many cases, free range eggs come from barn hens who are allowed to roam around an outdoor pen for only an hour a day. Furthermore a lot of meat also comes from factories where animals are slaughtered in the most vile, horrible way possible. It is not enough that animals have to be killed for our own consumption, but it also stands that many believe it acceptable for animals to suffer as much as possible, before they are processed.

Veganism is not for everyone. However, it remains that we can all give some thought to where our food comes from, no matter what you eat, or choose not to eat. It is only through responsible buying choices that we can try to change things for the better.