What Happens to Your Body When You Go Vegan? | PETA (2024)

Published by Rebecca Libauskas.

4 min read

Folks are realizing that it’s not healthy to exploit and kill animals for food. According to data from Google Trends for 2022, vegan-related searches outranked those for keto. And according to research by Chef’s Pencil, searches about vegan food are the most popular of all the diet-related terms they studied.

The First 24 Hours After Going Vegan

You may feel a difference after just a few healthy plant-based meals. Vegan foods such as whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and legumes are rich in fiber, which promotes good digestion by reducing the amount of sugar your blood absorbs. And researchers have found that eating plant-based foods helps healthy gut bacteria flourish and decreases inflammation.

You may well feel refreshed after just the first 24 hours of vegan living. Perhaps you’ve experienced “meat sweats”—a phenomenon that can occur after consuming a meat-heavy meal. Well-balanced vegan meals provide all the energy you need to remain active throughout the day, without the heavy, gross feeling you can get after consuming animal-derived food.

A Few Days After Going Vegan

Within the first few days of plant-based eating, you may feel more energized and alert. The protein in meat is tougher for humans to break down than plant protein is, making it a challenge to digest, which can cause sluggishness. And meat contains a lot of fat, which slows down the rate at which your stomach empties, resulting in bloating and discomfort, not to mention an increased likelihood of unwanted weight gain. Going vegan is a simple way to feel and look better fast.

After just a few days, you might notice a “vegan glow” when you look in the mirror. Antioxidants found in fresh fruits and vegetables, which assist in shielding skin from cellular damage, probably contribute to this effect.

After a Few Weeks of Being Vegan

Soon, you may notice that your cravings are beginning to adjust. Research shows that even after a few weeks without consuming foods high in salt, fat, and sugar, your tastes begin to change in a positive way. Craving foods that make you feel good is a game changer for many who are trying to improve their health.

We all have jeans that are a bit snug. You may be surprised by how quickly they become more comfortable once you go vegan. Meanwhile, your energy level may improve, making it easier to exercise. And your body may release extra water that it was retaining.

After a Few Months of Being Vegan

If you stick with it, you may begin to notice increased mental acuity. Perhaps that’s partly because new vegans often report that they sleep better.

Studies also show that going vegan may lower A1C levels. Some folks have even stopped needing their blood pressure or diabetic medication after making the switch.

Many people report positive changes, inside and out, after just a few months. Some even discover that their hair looks shinier, thicker, and healthier—likely due to the elevated levels of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients in a plant-based diet.

The Long-Term Benefits of Being Vegan

As a vegan, you may feel like a brand-new person. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the benefits of sticking with healthy vegan food choices over the long term include the following:

  • Improved health of the skin, teeth, and eyes
  • Enhanced muscular function and strength
  • Enhanced immunity
  • Stronger bones
  • Reduced risk of developing heart disease, various forms of cancer, type 2 diabetes, and other diseases
  • Improved digestive system performance
  • Greater likelihood of either losing weight or maintaining a healthy weight
  • Excellent support for a healthy pregnancy and breastfeeding

And according to research, eating a diet high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains lowers your risk of cognitive decline as you age.

When You Go Vegan, Other Animals Benefit, Too!

The shift toward vegan eating helps us all. In 2020, the lives of approximately 1 million animals were spared because more U.S. fast-food restaurants started offering vegan options.

The single best thing we can do to prevent animal suffering is to go vegan. It’s a matter of supply and demand. Fewer animals are raised to suffer on farms and die in slaughterhouses when you refuse to pay for their flesh, eggs, milk, and honey. You can save nearly 200 animals per year just by going vegan!

Order a free copy of PETA’s vegan starter kit to start sparing animals and feeling better today. It will guide you through the transition to a healthier, happier, and longer-lasting life.

Send Me a Free Vegan Starter Kit!

What Happens to Your Body When You Go Vegan? | PETA (2024)

FAQs

What Happens to Your Body When You Go Vegan? | PETA? ›

Increasing energy levels: I've noticed a significant boost in my energy levels since going vegan because plant-based proteins are easier to digest than those found in meat. The high fat content of meat slows down the stomach-emptying rate, leading to bloating, discomfort, and a higher chance of unwanted weight gain.

What happens to our body when we go vegan? ›

At the start of a change to a vegan diet, you could experience a variety of differences to your body. These may include being hungrier, getting gassier, a change in your skin or body odor, weight loss or gain, better or worse sleep, headaches, tiredness, or having more energy.

What happens if you only eat vegan? ›

A vegan diet can be very nutritious, but there are some potential risks. Avoiding animal foods can shortchange you on a few nutrients, like protein, calcium, omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, vitamin B12, and vitamin D. You need protein to power all the chemical reactions in your body.

What happens to your digestive system when you go vegan? ›

Going vegan is like an extreme makeover for your gut, and it doesn't take long for this change to happen. The fiber in plant-based foods feeds good bacteria, which is essential for a healthy gut and better overall health. Fiber will also improve your bowel movements, keeping you regular and preventing constipation.

Does your body detox when you go vegan? ›

Release of stored toxins: As your body adjusts to a plant-based diet, it may begin to release stored toxins accumulated from previous dietary habits or environmental exposure. These toxins can enter the bloodstream before being eliminated, potentially causing temporary symptoms like headaches, fatigue, or skin issues.

What happens if you suddenly go vegan? ›

You're likely to notice changes if you decide to go vegan and abstain from non-plant foods. If you stick with healthy food choices, you'll likely lose weight and snack less. You may also see improvements in your skin and energy levels.

Is going vegan actually healthy? ›

Taking stock. The account presented above shows that vegan diets can fulfil all the nutritional requirements that are needed to support good health. Nutrients that present particular concerns are vitamin B12 and omega-3 fatty acids as few vegan foods that are currently used for human consumption contain these.

Is it OK to be vegan forever? ›

When done safely, going vegan is safe, whether you plan on doing it for three days, three years, or for an entire lifetime. There are lots of people who embark on a vegan diet only to find themselves suffering from just as many health problems as those who consume a diet rich in meat, dairy, and other animal products.

Is vegan healthier than meat? ›

There is relatively little direct evidence on the long-term health of vegans, but studies so far suggest that, compared with otherwise similar people who are meat-eaters, they have a lower risk of some digestive tract disorders such as diverticular disease and a somewhat higher risk of bone fractures, perhaps due to ...

Is a 100% vegan diet healthy? ›

Plant-based diets offer all the necessary protein, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals for optimal health, and are often higher in fiber and phytonutrients. However, some vegans may need to add a supplement (specifically vitamin B12) to ensure they receive all the nutrients required.

Does going vegan clean your gut? ›

The gut benefits of a vegan diet

Research has found that there is a reduction in inflammatory gut bacteria, as well as an increase in the protective species of bacteria. This is likely due to the higher fibre content of the average vegan diet.

How long after going vegan do you see benefits? ›

A registered dietitian was on call to answer questions during the study, Stanford University said in a news release. After eight weeks, the group consuming the vegan diet showed lower insulin, decreased weight, and reduced levels of lipoprotein cholesterol, a protein associated with heart disease and stroke.

Does going vegan have side effects? ›

As you read along, you'll find out that most health conditions developed by vegans are related to vitamin B12 deficiency. Without the familiar sources of vitamin B12, certain bodily functions can be disrupted, leading to anemia, gastritis, stroke, Crohn's disease, and Celiac disease.

What is a vegan face? ›

Simply, vegan face is a name for a slack, wasted look that is caused by an absence of protein in your diet.

What happens to your brain and body when you go vegan? ›

A Few Days After Going Vegan

Within the first few days of plant-based eating, you may feel more energized and alert. The protein in meat is tougher for humans to break down than plant protein is, making it a challenge to digest, which can cause sluggishness.

How does going vegan change your body? ›

Research has shown that a vegan diet can help do the following: Promote weight loss. Reduce your risk of heart disease by lowering cholesterol levels. Lower your chances of getting certain types of cancer, such as colon cancer.

Are there negative side effects of being vegan? ›

As you read along, you'll find out that most health conditions developed by vegans are related to vitamin B12 deficiency. Without the familiar sources of vitamin B12, certain bodily functions can be disrupted, leading to anemia, gastritis, stroke, Crohn's disease, and Celiac disease.

What happens to your body when you start eating plant-based? ›

A plant-based diet reduces your risk for other diseases too.

The benefits of eating mostly plants are not limited to reducing your cancer risk. A plant-based diet also has been shown to reduce your risk for heart disease, stroke, diabetes and some mental health illnesses.

Do vegans go back to eating meat? ›

If you recently decided that being vegan isn't for you, you probably have questions about how to reintroduce meat. Fortunately, you're not alone. Research shows that 84 percent of people return to eating meat. And with delicious crispy chicken, buttery steaks and juicy baby back ribs, we can see why!

What is the vegan face? ›

Simply, vegan face is a name for a slack, wasted look that is caused by an absence of protein in your diet. The skin is dry, sallow and flaky. Protein literally props up the face: it makes it look plump (in a good way) and fresh-faced and wakeful.

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