The Importance of Finding Your "Why"

I love, love, love when someone goes vegan! Although, being vegan is truly about the animals, it doesn’t matter to me how someone gets there, as long as they get there. It can be for the animals, for a health reason or for the planet. However, I find that when someone goes vegan because it’s a FAD or the cool thing to do, they don’t often stick with it. This is why I think it is crucial to have a strong “why.”

It is important to have a strong “why” or motivation for going vegan. Once you have that reason, post it everywhere: on your phone, in a journal, on your computer, on your bathroom mirror, on your fridge. And be really specific and clear on what that reason is (is it the beautiful, black and white cow who was saved from the dairy industry or is it because your blood pressure is through the roof?). Having this reason will help you continue your vegan journey when things get tough or when you want to reach for something that isn’t vegan.

I find that the people who have a clear why stick with being vegan for a lifetime instead of it just being a short term “diet.”

Do you need help finding your “why”? I highly recommend visiting a local, animal sanctuary or watching one of the following documentaries:

• Earthlings (ethics)

• Dominion (ethics)

• Cowspiracy (environment)

• What the Health (health)

• Forks Over Knives (health)

• Game Changers (all)

• Seaspiracy (environment)

I would love to hear what your “why” is. Please share in the comments below. <3

Did You Know That These Products May Not be Vegan???

When you first go vegan, it can be incredibly overwhelming. There are so many different aspects to consider. I personally think that starting with changing your food should be the top priority. But once you have conquered that, it may be time to start considering where else animals are used in our everyday products. For today, let's just start with two products that you may not realize aren’t vegan.

---

The first are razors! Yup, that little thing that you use everyday to shave may actually contain substances from an animal. What?!

I know, it sounds crazy. In addition to being tested on animals, many razors have a moisturizing strip that is made from things like lanolin (from sheep) or glycerin (derived from animals).

There are many vegan razors on the market, but my favorite are Preserve razors. They are vegan, cruelty free and are made from recycled materials.

*I am not affiliated in any way with this company.

---

The second item that you may not realize isn’t vegan is alcohol (okay, I guess technically this is a food but we will just call it a product for today’s sake).

While I am not a drinker, I was blown away that beer and wine could contain animal products (how is that possible?!).

Honey and dairy are often added to the final product but animals are also used in the filtration system. During filtration, things like isinglass (from fish bladder), gelatin, sea shells and egg whites are used.

“There have also been cases of whole chickens being included in beer. It’s based on ‘cock ale, a 17th century recipe that breweries occasionally recreate in small batches” (barnivore.com).

To ensure that your alcohol is vegan, look for a vegan label. I also recommend visiting the Barnivore liquor guide online.

---

I hope that this helps make your transition a bit easier and less overwhelming. It is important to take it one step at a time. We will address cosmetics and clothing at a later date.

For now, check out some vegan razors and have a vegan drink (responsibly and only if you are over 21, of course!).

And don’t forget that you can always contact me if you need more support with your vegan journey!

<3, April (Happy Healin’ Vegan)