My Story
Last November I went Vegetarian to support Cancer Research UK. I raised £115 + £25 Gift Aid. Anyone who knows me knows that this was a challenge, but I can go the extra step. So this time, not only no Kebabs, sausage rolls, steak bakes, sausages, cooked breakfasts. But also no cheese which was a saviour last year, and the exclusion of a lot of other products which will challenge me to really engage with my diet. I'm going vegan not only to reduce my intake of saturated fats from meats, milks, cheeses, and other dairy or animals products. I'm going vegan because it will challenge me to really think about the nutritional value of my food and inspire me to eat more healthy products more often (Fruits, Veges, Nuts, Seeds, Beans). Throughout the month I will be updating friends and family of the health (and other) benefits of Veganism, as well as measuring my weight at the beginning and end of the month. Cancer Resesrch UK has 5 top picks of the benefits of a Vegetarian Diet: CUT THE RISK OF BOWEL CANCER Eating lots of processed and red meat can increase the risk of bowel cancer. If you’re eating lots, it’s a good idea to try and cut down. How much is too much? People in the UK have 70g a day on average - that’s around 3 slices of ham – so try to stick within that. BOOST YOUR INTAKE OF HIGH-FIBRE FOODS When you cut down on meat, there’s more room on your plate for high-fibre foods like veg, wholegrains and pulses like lentils and beans which are all high-fibre foods that reduce the risk of cancer. SAVE MONEY Meat is often the most expensive item in the shopping trolley. So by eating less meat, not only are you helping your own health but also your bank accounts! HELP OUR PLANET The meat industry is responsible for a significant amount of greenhouse gas emissions, so the World Health Organisation has said that one of the best ways we can personally take action against climate change is by eating less processed and red meat and more fruit and veg. LEARN SOME NEW RECIPES By giving up meat, you have the opportunity to learn some new, tasty vegetarian recipes that you might not have otherwise tried. There’s plenty of delicious recipes online and if you try out a new one each week of November, you’ll soon have a staple collection that you know and love. Other good sources of Information (I will update as I learn more. https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/support-us/do-your-own-fundraising/veg-pledge/the-benefits https://www.vegansociety.com/go-vegan/health https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/jacks-veg-pledge-6
