Is Being Vegan Just Another Trend?

Veganuary has been extremely popular this year with over 150,000 people pledging to take part in 31 days of following a vegan diet. It's certainly been the year that many people that I know personally and via social media have taken on this challenge.
Before I continue I just want to point out that I am not vegan so I can't comment on what following a vegan diet is like. I do try and eat less meat and fish than I used to to simply get more variety in my own diet but I have not completely cut it out. Personally I am happy with my current diet and feel that if I tried to go vegan I would struggle. Anyway, moving on...
Where was I? Ah yes, Veganuary. As much as Veganuary has helped many people to really experiment with their diet and lifestyle and open their eyes to a different way of eating, I feel that for most it's just been another trend. When I have asked people their reasons for doing Veganuary, the top answer was because either a friend or family member was doing it. Yes it's awesome to be doing things with others, it's great support for everyone., but surely there should be more to it? Out of all the people I know that have taken part in Veganuary, none of them have stuck to their vegan diet now that January is over. I have seen hundreds of people on social media doing the same. I also see some people following a vegan diet because their favourite influencers are doing so. I have one question for you, is that really the right reason for you to do something? Just because someone else is doing it? I also see these influencers doing it and I really do wonder if they are doing it because they truly care or if they are just following a trend like everyone else.

There are so many people out there that are, and have been vegan for a long time. Many of my own followers are vegan and I have the upmost respect for these people and everyone that chooses to be vegan, you go guys! There are obviously loads of reasons to 'go vegan' but the biggest being environmental issues. This kind of goes back to my 'Conscious Living- Are You Doing it for the Right Reasons?' post where people aren't really aware of why they are doing something. As mentioned in that post and above, they are following a trend.
For me, if I'm going to do something it's not because my favourite influencers are doing it or because my best friends are doing it, I want to do it for me and because I want to. I also like to put research into something to make sure something is going to work for me.

For some being vegan is simply boiled down to health issues and intolerances/allergies. Many people find that following a vegan diet helps them if they have some sort of food allergy or intolerance but, that's not to say it's for everyone that has an allergy/intolerance or health problem- it may be the complete opposite for some and cutting out certain food groups could cause more issues or worsen the current problem.

Anyway, back to the reason I'm actually writing this post...
Veganism shouldn't be a trend (I don't think so anyway). If you are truly doing it for environmental issues and you have a strong belief in it then that should be reason enough to become vegan. Not just because your favourite influencer or best friend is doing it. I said it in my last post and I'll say it again- do your research, join groups on social media that can help you with the transition and just be open about it. I know some people that are slowly transitioning to become more plant-based and vegan so if I ever need any help or have any questions they are the perfect people to go to for this.
Also, do it for you...nobody else.

Amie xx

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the girl behind fitness forster

My name is Amie and I am the face behind Fitness Forster.
I am a freelance recipe developer, content creator and qualified personal trainer. I developed this website to share my passion for healthy recipes, fitness and travel.

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