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From vegetarianism to veganism, eating is becoming a lifestyle
By Brittany Bertsch
As our culture becomes more and more health conscious, many new diets are popping up, and many old ones are gaining newfound popularity.
Some diets are coming to the forefront in restaurants and supermarkets across the country and have people not only adapting new eating habits, but whole new ways of life.
Veganism is one specific dietary discipline that is growing in numbers. It entails a philosophy and lifestyle which, when followed correctly, avoids using and consuming any products made from or by animals.
This includes not eating things like meat, fish, honey, dairy products and eggs. It also prohibits the use of materials that come from animals including fur, wool, bone, leather, pearls or feathers.
Veganism gets its name from vegetarianism. The name was created by the founders of the first vegan society in 1944. The name “vegan” comes from the first three letters and last two letters in vegetarian. This was meant to symbolize the “beginning and end” of vegetarianism because of frustration with the inclusion of dairy products in the vegetarian diet.
Basically, the main attractions to this diet are the benefits to the environment and animal community and, when followed correctly, one’s health. Many people find that adhering to a discipline such as veganism and limiting what they eat can lead to a healthier and more harmonious life.
Although veganism is gaining popularity, it is not the only dietary discipline out there.
Vegetarianism, or a diet based upon not eating meat, has been around for centuries and has been followed by such famous individuals as Gandhi, Leonardo da Vinci and Albert Einstein.
There are many different varieties and levels of vegetarianism, as well as religious motivations and limitations built into the philosophy.
One other diet is known as the raw food diet, which holds that the only food that can be consumed must be in its raw form and not heated above a certain temperature (usually between 92 and 118 degrees).
So, now that you’re diet savvy, try ditching the fast food, and head on down to the Milwaukee Public Market to try something new and healthy for a change.
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