For a lot of men, going vegan means biting off more than they can chew. That’s according to a recent study that found guys simply don’t think going meatless is very manly. The study, published in the journal Frontiers in Communication, revealed men and women alike consider vegan diets to be a little, well, feminine. (Describing vegan dishes with more chest-thumping, masculine language like “hardy” helped a little.)
Blame stereotypes, but ahead of World Vegan Day November 1, how can more guys be persuaded that going vegan doesn’t mean sacrificing either their manliness or the bold flavors they love?
Veganism is defined by Oxford Languages as “a person who does not eat any food derived from animals and who typically does not use other animal products.” Veganism differs from vegetarianism, as those omnivores consume dairy and eggs and don’t strictly steer away from animal products in fashion or elsewhere.
But that doesn’t mean vegans are faced with an unending buffet of lettuce and tofu either. Read on for why it’s totally okay to give it a chance, guys.
Dude, these are benefits of going vegan
Are you interested in veganism, but reluctant to take up a plant-based diet, despite the proven health benefits? Or a long-suffering partner or spouse who has been trying to convince your significant other that veganism is better for animals, the planet, and their health? Let’s consider these and other reasons:
You’re helping the environment
Data shows that going vegan is one of the most effective ways to reduce your environmental footprint. According to studies by Oxford University researchers, adopting a vegan diet can cut your carbon footprint by up to 73%.
Livestock agriculture is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and water pollution. By choosing plant-based alternatives, we contribute to a more sustainable and resilient planet. Moreover, it requires significantly less land, water, and resources to produce plant-based foods compared to animal-based products. For instance, producing a pound of beef requires approximately 1,799 gallons (about the volume of a storage unit) of water, while a pound of tofu only requires 244 gallons (about the volume of a large refrigerator).
Isn’t the idea of helping to save the planet manly enough? If not, read on for a few other reasons a vegan diet deserves a taste test.
Vegan men have more testosterone
Eating plants leads to low testosterone, right? Wrong. Despite this popular misperception, it’s been disproven for years. Consider a 2000 report by the British Journal of Cancer that studied almost 700 men — including 233 vegans — and found the vegans among them had 13% more testosterone than the carnivores.
Your favorite foods can be vegan, too
Put down the salad fork. Going vegan doesn’t mean seeing nothing but green on your plate, either. There are burgers as tasty as beef, and buffalo wings as flavorful as chicken. Plant-based meals have come a long way in recent years, making meat and meatless virtually indistinguishable. And as any vegan can tell you, going vegan also doesn’t mean missing out on large meals that will make your belt burst.
It's better (much, much better) for animals
Veganism is rooted in compassion for animals. Choosing a vegan lifestyle means opting out of the industries that exploit and harm animals for food, clothing, and other products. In other words, meaningful choices don’t end at the dinner table. For example, at SaltyLama, we’re committed to cruelty-free products, and our plant-based laundry detergent sheets are 100% vegan, produced without animal testing.
Conditions at industrial-scale factory farms are often harsh and inhumane with animals subjected to overcrowded and unsanitary living conditions, routine mutilations without anesthesia, and stressful transportation. By going vegan, you take a stand against these practices, promoting the compassionate and humane treatment of animals.
Vegan men live longer
Don’t believe us? Research from the American Heart Association shows that a plant-based diet can lower the risk of cardiovascular disease, cardiovascular disease mortality, and all‐cause mortality among adults.Additionally, vegans often have lower cholesterol levels and reduced rates of hypertension and type 2 diabetes.
The abundance of whole, plant-based foods is rich in essential nutrients like fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. Fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains form the foundation of a vegan diet, providing essential nutrients — even enough protein —that support overall health and well-being. So next time someone asks, “How do you get enough protein?” list the ways: nuts, grains, legumes as well as vegetables like chickpeas, broccoli, edamame, and spinach.
Check out this guide to see how much protein you need for your age group and how to get protein as a vegan.
Ways to celebrate World Vegan Day
Eager to take part this World Vegan Day? The start of World Vegan Day can be traced back to 1994 when Louise Wallis, then Chair of the Vegan Society in the United Kingdom, commemorated the 50th anniversary of the term “vegan.” The event aimed to highlight the ethical, environmental, and health benefits of veganism. Since then, World Vegan Day has grown into a global celebration of advocacy, education, plant-based recipes, and tips on leading a vegan way of life. Here’s what you can do:
Explore vegan cuisine
Celebrate World Vegan Day by trying out new and delicious plant-based recipes. Whether it’s a hearty vegetable curry or a decadent vegan dessert, there’s a whole world of exciting flavors to discover. You might just surprise yourself (and non-vegans) with just how delicious vegan and plant-based dishes can be.
Attend a World Vegan Day event
If you live in a city, you might just be lucky enough to attend a workshop or lecture. Many cities host events, workshops, and lectures on World Vegan Day to promote awareness and provide resources for those interested in adopting a vegan lifestyle. These events can offer valuable information, cooking classes, and opportunities to connect with like-minded people in your community.
Support vegan businesses
Show your support for the growing vegan industry by shopping at local vegan businesses. This could include cruelty-free clothing stores, vegan bakeries, plant-based restaurants, and eco-friendly cosmetic brands. Let your tastebuds guide you this World Vegan Day.
Share your vegan journey
If you’re already vegan, consider sharing your experiences on social media or in your community. Your life as a vegan can inspire others to make more conscious and compassionate choices, too.
So, talk the talk November 1 and you might just inspire someone to make the change. By embracing veganism, we take a step toward a more healthier, happier, sustainable world, which sounds plenty manly to us.