Interested in making the switch from carnivore to herbivore? Vegup London is a social group for vegetarians, vegans and those who are interested in learning more about the lifestyle and the challenges that come along with it.

Vegup London was started by two women who want to educate Londoners how to keep a healthy plant-based diet.

“We hope that Vegup London creates a sense of community that's supportive for vegetarians and vegans and those that are curious about adding more plant based foods to their diet,” said co-founder Katie Vandenberg.

“We hope to bring more awareness to this lifestyle and way of eating. Often, if you're the only vegan in your family or don't have any friends who are vegan or vegetarian, it can be kind of isolating at times. This is an opportunity to bring people together, let people socialize and connect, and let them know there's a whole community that can support them,” added co-coordinator Krista Kankula.

Although there are no solid statistics on the number of vegetarians in Canada, it was considered a top trend in 2011 and 2012 by the National Restaurant Association. And since then, vegetarian food products have seen an increase in sales.

But does the switch to veganism really provide health benefits?

Vegan food educator Kristen Lepine said, “A vegetarian diet is a step, but being vegan, and consuming whole foods — like lentils, beans, vegetables and fruits and not processed vegan foods — is what prevents and even reverses disease. Animal proteins, including those in eggs and dairy, have all been linked to inflammation, the cause of disease. Casein is in dairy and has been directly linked to cancer. By eliminating animal products and eating a plant-based diet, both heart disease and Type 2 diabetes can be reversed — and this has been proven.”

For Kankula, the answer is yes. “I do personally feel better, I do feel like I have more energy, so that has made the transition easier.”

The same goes for Vandenberg.

“Since going vegan, I've had extreme increase in energy, a positive outlook, I sleep better, and health aspects of my life have increased. I can go for runs now. I've actually had some health problems and they've actually been cured by going vegan.”

Vandenberg insisted that she saw huge results by changing her diet and she felt that it was well worth it.

Lepine has been a vegetarian for 25 years.

“I was in total denial when I learned what I know now about animal agriculture. I thought being vegetarian was enough, but I wasn't really healthy, I ate a lot of carbs, dairy and processed foods. As a vegan I am more aware of my food, of the food system, of how animals [and factory farm workers] are exploited, and it was the biggest wakeup call I've ever had.”

Making the switch to becoming vegan can be a challenge.

“Most people have a type of meal in their mind — the meat, potatoes, side dish of vegetables and some sort of carb. The vegan whole food diet is totally based on different principles. Most people are worried about protein and don't know that you can get protein in fruits. People consume too much protein in this part of the world which is a big problem. A lot of people think they will be hungry and that they'll miss out on their favourite foods. This is because they don't know how to cook vegan yet, what the alternatives are, and sometimes they might have an inexperienced palate. They might also feel isolated and not get the support they need from their friends or family, or their doctor.”

Lepine offers a program called Vegan Step by Step that helps people make the transition and she will be starting up The Vegan Hotline (theveganhotline.com) which will be launched in the spring. The purpose of this program is to answer questions about specific foods, situations and roadblocks that people commonly face when making the switch.

Lepine suggested that students can eat fresh local foods that are available. “Even frozen veggies are better than none at all and are really convenient. Getting together with friends and making a big pot of soup, stew, chilli and a big salad is a nice and inexpensive way to stay healthy,” she added.

Lepine wanted people to know that being vegan is not a restrictive lifestyle, nor is it a radical one. “It's also not a diet. The vegetarian lifestyle tends to be more of a diet, but the true vegan embraces not only the diet, but aims to apply the principles of peace and compassion in their life. It is about a better life for animals, people and the planet.”

“It's time for everyone to get veducated! I am a happy healthy vegan and I am proud to share this way of life with others,” she added.

For more information about Vegup London and to learn more about upcoming events, visit their website at vegup.ca.