Christmas is a time for joy, celebration, and indulgence. However, a traditional Christmas feast, laden with meat and excessive amounts of food, can have significant negative impacts on our health, the environment, our economy and animal welfare alike. So this year, why not consider hosting a vegan Christmas as a healthier, more compassionate and sustainable way to celebrate the festive season with your loved ones, whilst protecting your purse as well as your waistband and saving millions of lives!
Now I know that you may have heard the word “vegan” in the past and feel instantly attacked and judged for your lifestyle choices to consume meat and dairy. You may have seen recipes of vegetables that you detest and have zero appeal to your palette. You may even have gone so far as to try a vegetarian diet once, only to be consumed by overwhelming cravings for meat and constant hunger. Whether you’re an animal lover at heart, or couldn’t care less about the innocent souls that line our supermarket shelves 24/7, I’m asking you from one human to another to please listen to a kind and compassionate perspective with the only outcome to educate and enlighten, and encourage you to make the right life choices for you as an individual.
I last ate meat at the age of 5yrs old, with no influence from my family, friends or school, nor knowledge of the terms vegetarian or vegan. It just came naturally for me to crave healthy fresh fruit and vegetables and feel sick and saddened by meat and dairy. Our bodies are filled with digestive enzymes which balance to the type of foods that we consume, so jumping head first into a new diet will always cause resistance; instead we should gradually introduce healthy foods and wean ourselves off of meat, dairy and processed meals in order to allow our digestive system time to catch up and serve us effectively. Within months you’ll feel like a person reborn – healthier, emotionally happier, filled with energy and enthusiastic for life! Veganism is like having a weight lifted from your shoulders and waistline that you didn’t even realise you were carrying.
My mother has since converted to being a vegetarian -as she still loves a touch of cheese here and there, whilst vegan options are also available- and my brother and father have noticeably reduced their meat intake to make their meals more nutritionally focused with plenty of fresh greens and vegetables. Embracing veganism can therefore take many forms and work differently for each individual. You certainly don’t have to go cold turkey and cut out absolutely everything you’ve ever known and loved, instead it can be a reduction in quantity and frequency, introducing new foods and making healthier swaps regardless of if your intention is to save our planet or shed a few pounds whilst saving yourself money.
We can’t discuss veganism without acknowledging the cold hard facts about innocent lives being lost. But rather than shy away from it and ignore the reality, we can open our eyes, heart and mind and be the change that we wish to see. Around 10 million turkeys are killed each year in the UK, with a significant portion of these being consumed during the Christmas period alone. While not all chickens are directly linked to Christmas, the UK consumes a massive amount of chicken consistently throughout the year, and so it’s difficult to pinpoint an exact number for Christmas, but it’s safe to say that millions of chickens are also consumed.
I’ve lost count of the amount of times excess meat has been thrown away when too much has been cooked, it’s too dry or everyone has over eaten and feels sick. To think that an animal was born, raised and its life taken for a meal, only to be thrown away and not eaten breaks my heart. To see a person on a high street eat an animal, meat, as a snack when supermarkets and stores are filled with vegetables and cruelty-free food is equally as devastating to me. If these animals were our pets, cats, dogs or even our partner, friends, children and relatives would we be so quick to kill and consume them unnecessarily? Or do we value a humans life more than an animal? We are all born to die, but surely we deserve the opportunity of a peaceful and loving life in between without being terminated prematurely for something that can, and should be avoided.
Meat Consumption In The UK Contributes To The Obesity Crisis
While meat can be part of a healthy diet when consumed in moderation, excessive consumption and unhealthy preparation methods has heavily contributed to the UK’s obesity crisis. The UK’s obesity crisis places a significant strain on the NHS, contributing to increased costs and reduced efficiency which in turn puts lives in danger and costs the tax payer millions.
When a cancer patients treatment is delayed and they become terminal, or those suffering from disease didn’t receive a diagnosis in time to prevent it because of the waiting lists delayed by the health implications of obesity, it’s clear to see that solving this issue can save so many more human and improve quality of care for all.
- High Calorie and Fat Content: Meat, especially processed meats like sausages and bacon, is often high in calories, saturated fat and sodium. Consuming excessive amounts of these foods can lead to weight gain and obesity which not only lower one’s everyday quality of life, but also life expectancy.
- Unhealthy Cooking Methods: Meat is often cooked in unhealthy ways, such as frying or grilling, which adds additional fat and calories to a meal.
- Portion Sizes: Traditional meat-based meals in the UK often include large portions, which can lead to overeating and weight gain compared to that of a plant-based plate. As a vegan I’m able to eat almost twice as much food compared to meat eaters which removes all cravings and hunger.
- Processed Meats and Additives: Processed meats are often high in preservatives, additives, and unhealthy fats which can contribute to weight gain and other unnecessary health problems.
- Reduced Intake of Healthier Foods: A diet heavy in meat may displace eating healthier, lower-calorie foods such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains, which are essential for a balanced diet.
Increased Demand On NHS Services
- Obesity-Related Illnesses: Obesity is linked to a wide range of health conditions, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, certain types of cancer and mental health issues. These conditions require diagnosis, treatment and ongoing management, putting a significant burden on NHS resources and staff.
- Hospital Admissions: Obesity increases the risk of hospitalisation for various reasons, such as surgery, complications from chronic diseases and infections. This leads to increased bed occupancy, longer hospital stays and higher healthcare costs for tax payers.
- Primary Care Services: GP surgeries, pharmacies and other primary care providers face increased demand from obese patients requiring consultations, medication and lifestyle advice which could have been directed towards other patients.
- Indirect Costs: Obesity can lead to reduced productivity and increased absenteeism, impacting the economy and indirectly affecting the NHS’s and employers financial resources.
- Overcrowded Hospitals: Increased hospital admissions due to obesity can lead to overcrowding, longer waiting times for emergencies and reduced efficiency in delivering quality care.
- Staff Shortages: The demand for healthcare professionals to treat obesity-related conditions can strain the NHS workforce, leading to potential shortages and burnout.
Prevention Saves Lives
To address the impact of the obesity crisis on both the UK and the NHS, a multifaceted approach is needed.
- Prevention and Education: We can promote healthy lifestyles, diet and exercise to prevent obesity from occurring in the first place.
- Early Intervention: We can provide timely interventions and support for individuals at risk of developing obesity before it goes too far and becomes a vicious cycle of yo-yo dieting and comfort eating.
- Effective Treatment: We can consider a range of suitable treatment options including lifestyle interventions, medications and surgery, to help individuals manage their weight and reduce the risk of associated health problems occurring.
- System-Wide Changes: Addressing the underlying social and economic factors that contribute to obesity, such as food environments and access to healthy options, we can reduce the burden of obesity on the NHS and improve the overall health and wellbeing of the population.
Health Benefits Of Having A Vegan Christmas
- Reduced Risk of Chronic Diseases: Plant-based diets are linked to lower risks of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer.
- Improved Weight Management: Vegan diets can help with weight loss and weight management due to their lower calorie and fat content.
- Boosted Energy Levels: Plant-based foods are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, which can improve digestion and energy levels.
A Greener Christmas For All
The meat industry is a major contributor to climate change, deforestation and water pollution. By choosing a vegan Christmas you can reduce your carbon footprint and help to protect the planet. Millions of animals suffer and die unnecessarily each year to satisfy our festive appetites. A vegan Christmas is a compassionate choice that can help to reduce animal suffering and protect our planet.
Easy Vegan Christmas Recipes For Beginners
Vegan cookery isn’t half as daunting as it seems, as there are so many quick and easy free recipes available at the click of a web search. Why not give one of them a try this Christmas…
- Vegan Nut Roast: A classic Christmas centerpiece, this dish is easy to make with a variety of nuts, herbs and spices suitable to your taste.
- Vegan Wellington: A delicious and impressive dish that can easily be filled with mushrooms, lentils or other plant-based fillings.
- Vegan Christmas Pudding: A traditional dessert with a vegan twist, made with dried fruits, nuts and plant-based milk instead.
- Vegan Mince Pies: A festive treat that can be made in minutes by switching to vegan pastry and a delicious fruit filling.
Or you could visit the free-from and plant-based section of any supermarket to choose from the wide variety of ready made vegan mains, sides, desserts and snacks available.
The Future Is Vegan
The world is finally waking up to the many benefits of a plant-based diet as more people are choosing to go vegan, and the vegan food industry is booming. In fact, a recent study by the Vegan Society found that 20% of people in the UK planned to have at least one vegan meal over Christmas. A world embracing a vegan lifestyle would yield numerous benefits for both the planet and its inhabitants:
Environmental Benefits:
- Reduced Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Animal agriculture is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, particularly methane, which is far more potent than carbon dioxide. A vegan world would significantly reduce these emissions, slowing climate change.
- Preservation of Land and Water: Vast tracts of land are used for animal agriculture, often leading to deforestation and soil degradation. A plant-based food system would free up land for reforestation and other sustainable uses. Additionally, it would reduce water consumption, as meat production requires significantly more water than plant-based food production.
- Biodiversity Conservation: Deforestation for animal agriculture is a major threat to biodiversity. By reducing the demand for animal products, we can protect ecosystems and preserve endangered species.
Health Benefits:
- Reduced Risk of Chronic Diseases: Plant-based diets are linked to lower risks of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, certain types of cancer, and obesity.
- Improved Nutrient Intake: A well-planned vegan diet can provide all the necessary nutrients. Plant-based foods are rich in fibre, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, promoting overall health and wellbeing.
- Reduced Antibiotic Resistance: The overuse of antibiotics in animal agriculture contributes to antibiotic resistance. A vegan world would reduce this pressure, safeguarding the effectiveness of these life-saving drugs.
Ethical Benefits:
- Animal Welfare: A vegan world would eliminate the suffering of billions of animals raised and slaughtered just for food each year.
- Social Justice: Animal agriculture is often linked to social and economic injustices, such as the exploitation of workers and the displacement of communities. A plant-based food system could promote fairer and more equitable food systems for all.
While a completely vegan world may seem idealistic, even a significant shift towards plant-based diets could have a profoundly positive impact on the planet and all of its inhabitants. By choosing a vegan Christmas, you can make a positive impact on your health today, the environment, and animal welfare alike, as it’s a small personal step that can lead to such huge worldwide change.
From my family to yours, my children, my pets and my friends and loved ones; I wish you a healthy, happy, peaceful and fulfilling life, free from cruelty and suffering. Together we can be the change that this world so desperately needs.
Hair, Makeup & Styling By Jana Jurakova
Photography By Steve Hewes
