Hello everyone and welcome back to Eight Years In! (And if you’re new, a very warm welcome to you!) Today, we have a special guest with us who I’m very excited to introduce you to. His name is Daniel, and he wanted to come on the site and share a little bit about his journey with veganism and cerebral palsy. He is also a great writer and musician. I strongly encourage you all to check out his YouTube channel here when you get the chance. You can also find him on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook @DK4poetry (or on Facebook, simply DK4 Poetry). Without any further ado, here’s Daniel!
My name is Daniel and I am a vegan author and music producer who has cerebral palsy. I became vegan in 2020 because I wanted to stop causing harm to animals, and since then, I have dedicated my life to promoting veganism and helping others with disabilities. I believe that everyone has the right to live a healthy and happy life, free from exploitation and oppression.
What is Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a neurological disorder that affects movement and muscle tone. It is caused by damage to the brain that occurs before, during, or after birth. CP can range from mild to severe, and can affect different parts of the body to varying degrees. Treatment for CP may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and/or medication. There is no cure for CP, but early intervention can help improve function and quality of life.
I’ve never known any other life than this one. Being born with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy means that I have difficulty controlling my muscles, and I’ve been in a wheelchair since birth. I try to always think positive thoughts and remain optimistic, no matter what the situation is. My family and friends are always there for me, no matter what happens. They are my support system and I couldn’t ask for anything more.
What is veganism?
In short, veganism is a way of living which seeks to exclude, as far as possible and practical, all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose. – The Vegan Society
So basically, if you’re vegan, you don’t eat meat or any other animal products (including dairy, eggs and honey), wear clothes made from animals (leather, wool etc.) or use any products that have been tested on animals or contain animal-derived ingredients (such as many cosmetics).
Why go vegan?
There are many reasons why someone might choose to go vegan. For some, it’s a moral or ethical decision, as they believe that all animals should be treated equally and with respect. Others do it for health reasons, as a plant-based diet has been linked to numerous health benefits. Some people go vegan for environmental reasons, as animal agriculture is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and deforestation. And finally, some people do it for the animals, as they believe that animals raised for food are often treated inhumanely.
Reasons
The vegan lifestyle has many benefits, one of which is that it is much healthier than the standard American diet. Here are some of the ways that being vegan can lead to a healthier life:
1. You’ll Eat More Fruits and Vegetables
One of the main tenets of veganism is avoiding all animal products, including meat, dairy, and eggs. This means that vegans typically eat more fruits and vegetables than the average person. Fruits and vegetables are packed with essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They are also low in calories and fat, making them an ideal food choice for those looking to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.
2. You’ll Avoid Unhealthy Processed Foods
Another benefit of avoiding animal products is that you’ll likely avoid unhealthy processed foods as well. Many processed foods contain animal products like milk, cheese, and eggs. They also often contain unhealthy additives and preservatives. By avoiding processed foods altogether, you’ll be doing your body a favour by eating fewer unhealthy ingredients.
3. You May Lose Weight
Because the vegan diet is typically lower in calories and fat than the standard American diet, you may find yourself losing weight if you switch to a vegan lifestyle. In fact, one study found that participants who followed a low-fat vegan diet for 16 weeks lost an average of 4.5 pounds more than those who followed a omnivorous diet during the same time period. If you’re looking to shed a few pounds, going vegan may be worth considering!
4. You’ll Reduce Your Risk of Chronic Diseases
Eating a healthy diet like the vegan diet has been linked with a reduced risk of several chronic diseases, including heart disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. This is likely due to the fact that the vegan diet is high in fibre and antioxidants, and low in unhealthy fats. By following a vegan diet, you’ll be doing your body a favour by reducing your risk of developing these chronic diseases.
5. Vegan Food Can Boost Your Mood
There are many benefits to following a vegan lifestyle – not only does it help reduce animal suffering, but studies have shown that vegans tend to be happier than meat-eaters. Vegans and vegetarians tend to have better mental health than those who eat fish and meat.
Vegan and CP
Veganism is not only about what we put into our bodies, but also what we put on our bodies and how we live our lives. It’s a way of living that seeks to reduce harm and exploitation as much as possible.
People with CP can benefit greatly from following a vegan lifestyle. CP is a neurological disorder that affects muscle movement and coordination. It can be mild or severe, and symptoms can vary from person to person.
As previously mentioned, there is no cure for CP, but there are treatments that can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Diet plays an important role in managing CP, and a vegan diet can be especially beneficial.
A vegan diet is high in nutrients that are essential for people with CP, such as fibre, vitamins C and E, magnesium, iron, folic acid, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants. These nutrients help protect against inflammation and support neurological health. A vegan diet can also help control weight gain, which is common in people with CP. Excess weight can worsen symptoms of CP and make it harder to manage the condition.
In addition to the physical benefits, following a vegan lifestyle can also have psychological benefits for people with CP. The act of choosing not to participate in animal exploitation can help boost self-esteem and confidence. It can also provide a sense of empowerment and control. For some, veganism can be a form of self-care and self-compassion.
Living with cerebral palsy can be difficult, but following a vegan diet may help improve symptoms. This is because a vegan diet can help improve the function of the nervous system, which can in turn help alleviate some of the symptoms of cerebral palsy.
Conclusion
There are many reasons to go vegan, and each person’s reason is just as valid as the next. Whether you’re looking to improve your health, help the environment, or save animals from cruelty, going vegan is a great way to make a positive impact.
If you’re thinking about making the switch to a vegan lifestyle, here are a few things to keep in mind. First, going vegan doesn’t mean you have to give up all of your favourite foods. There are now vegan versions of almost everything, from cheese and ice cream to burgers and chicken nuggets.
Second, it’s important to do your research before making the switch. There are a lot of myths about veganism out there, so it’s important to get your facts straight. Third, going vegan can be expensive if you’re not careful. However, there are plenty of ways to save money, such as buying in bulk or growing your own food.
Finally, remember that you don’t have to go vegan overnight. If you want to ease into it, start by cutting out one animal product at a time or eating one vegan meal per day. Whatever pace feels comfortable for you, know that every little bit helps!