5 reasons to have a vegan Christmas

‘Tis the season to be jolly, wish for peace on Earth and send kindness and goodwill to all those around us. And that should include the billions of animals we share the planet with, many of whom are imprisoned on factory farms. Whether you’re already considering having a totally vegan Christmas, or hadn’t thought of it until now, here are five reasons why it is not only the healthiest option but also the most compassionate, making it the best Christmas present to both you and the animals.

1. White meat myths

Many people tuck into a turkey at Christmas, under the impression that white meat is a healthy option. But this is a myth. Plenty of research shows that both red and white meat are harm health. White meat is neither low in cholesterol or saturated fat, making it a poor choice if you care about heart health. Modern supermarket chickens provide more calories from fat than protein. What’s more, thoroughly cooking white meat, including chicken, duck and turkey, can generate hazardous chemicals known as heterocyclic aromatic amines, which are linked to cancer in humans. No one wants to eat undercooked meat due to the risk of food poisoning but studies have shown that well-done meat may increase the risk of cancer so maybe the best solution is to leave it off the table entirely.

2. Pigs in blankets

‘Pigs in blankets’ sounds so cute and harmless but when we’re talking about processed red meat wrapped in more processed red meat, nothing is further from the truth. The combination of sausage wrapped in bacon is a double whammy for our health. The World Health Organisation classes processed red meat as a Group 1 carcinogen, meaning there is enough evidence to say it causes cancer in humans. Even unprocessed red meat is a Group 2A carcinogen, meaning there is enough evidence to show a probable link between unprocessed red meat and cancer. So, despite the euphemism, there is nothing cute or harmless about pigs in blankets.

3. A terrible time for turkeys

About nine million turkeys are killed every year in the UK for food and 90 per cent of these are farmed in intensive factory farms. Birds are crowded together in much the same way as broiler chickens on a litter-covered floor. Turkeys can develop ulcerated feet and painful burns on their legs and breasts as they spend their short lives standing or crouching on dirty, wet litter. They can become stressed and frustrated by these living conditions and resort to feather pecking and, in some cases, cannibalism and so low lighting is used to discourage aggression. This can also cause reduced activity levels in birds, resulting in growth abnormalities, and affect their eyes and legs.

Viva! investigations of Red Tractor-approved farms have revealed shocking scenes of suffering and abject animal cruelty, all for the sake of Christmas dinner. If you don’t want to cause suffering at Christmas, make it vegan.

4. Christmas is about compassion

Christmas is a time for kindness and compassion, not just to our fellow humans but to all living beings. Therefore, it doesn’t make sense to celebrate this special time by inflicting cruelty on animals and feasting on their carcasses. Whether it’s the turkey in the centre of the table or the pigs in blankets on the side, the animals killed to make these products would have suffered at every stage of their journey from farm to fork. And it’s not only the animals who suffer in animal agriculture – factory farm and slaughterhouse workers are at higher risk of contracting zoonotic diseases such as bird and swine flu, and psychological disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder. So make this the year to have a truly compassionate Christmas which encompasses humans and the animals with whom we share this planet.

5. Vegan options aplenty

These days, choosing a vegan Christmas does not mean depriving yourself of anything you enjoy. If you don’t want to make your own, most supermarkets and health food shops offer sumptuous centrepieces for your Christmas dinner, from traditional nut roasts and Tofurky to succulent seitan steaks and wellingtons. You can find vegan Lincolnshire sausages, vegan bacon and even plant-based pigs-in-blankets. Most supermarkets have vegan Christmas pudding and mince pies – drizzle with dairy-free cream and you won’t be able to tell the difference! And, if Christmas wouldn’t be the same without a festive tipple, worry not. Many brands of champagne, prosecco and cava are vegan. You can even get vegan Irish cream!

All that’s to say that one more reason to have a vegan Christmas is because it is so easy and delicious to do so!

Your first vegan Christmas might seem daunting but it will be a change you’ll never regret. In fact, you’ll probably regret not doing it sooner! Luckily, Viva! is here to help. Visit our Vegan Recipe Club for Christmas recipe inspiration and pick up a copy of our brand new A Very Vegan Christmas Mini Cookbook from the Viva! shop. Merry Christmas!