Why is everyone talking about veganism? In recent years, going vegetarian or vegan has gained significant popularity, and for a good reason. Let us tell you what are the benefits and advantages of leaving animal products out of our diet. It is beneficial not only for your health but also for the environment!
If you’ve never tried the vegan diet, read on to find out where you can do it on your next vacation.
Benefits of Vegan Diet
The health benefits
First and most important is our health. A plant-based diet is linked to significant health benefits. Emphasizing whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes while limiting red and processed meat and dairy. For instance lower risk of chronic diseases, type 2 diabetes, improved weight management, and enhanced overall well-being. A well-balanced vegan diet can also improve heart health among many other benefits.
The benefits for the planet
If we look further from our own health, there is much more to note. Several studies, including the UN’s Panel on Climate Change, highlight the potential of plant-based diets in reducing carbon footprints and combating climate change. Shifting towards a vegan diet can significantly cut greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional ones.
Further on, according to this report, by 2050, meat and dairy farms will account for 80% of the greenhouse gas emissions. Of course only if production remains unregulated. Instead, if there were a global shift to a plant-based diet, it could reduce greenhouse gases caused by food production by 70%, respectively, by 2050.
If people would only cut out red meat from their diet, that would already help mitigate the problem. Indeed, beef contributes the most global greenhouse gas emissions, according to the study talking about meat production.
Reducing livestock herds not only curbs emissions but also addresses concerns related to methane, a major contributor to global warming. It is released during enteric fermentation in cattle and when managing animal manure.
For example, according to one climate change calculator, eating a typical fast-food hamburger (75 gr) daily for a year contributes greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to driving a car 11,580 km. It equals to crossing the United States about 2.5 times. Comparing that to eating about a third of a can of beans (150 gr) daily for a year, which is equivalent to driving a car 150 km.
Moreover plant-based diet also requires less water consumption and reduces habitat destruction and loss, which threatens wildlife and plant species. Making even a little change in our everyday lives can get us closer to a more sustainable future.
Where to try it?
From the vegan farmhouse to the organic and locally sourced farm, from the vegan hotel to the eco-friendly bed & breakfast, in Italy, there are many eco-conscious accommodations where guests can enjoy a menu without meat and dairy. Let’s discover the top 10 experiences not to be missed from the Alps to the southern regions of the Italian boot.
- Country House Casa Payer– Torino, Piemonte
Casa Payer is a charming stone farmhouse in the woods, operated on vegan principles. Their life project that they share with guests, offering eco-friendly stays and homemade plant-based cuisine.
- Vegan Agrivilla I Pini – Siena, Tuscany
A one-of-a-kind eco-vegan Agrivilla located in the heart of Tuscany, Italy. Specializing in providing a unique experience of serenity and tranquillity along with sustainability and compassion.
- Arpa Di Pietra – Trento, Trentino-Alto Adige
Arpa di Pietra is a unique place nestled in two hectares of terraced meadows, at the edge of the forest. Guests can experience nature in the open air and savour it in their strictly organic and locally sourced dishes.
- Country Relais Coroncina – Macerata, Marche
An ancient farmhouse transformed into a refined country house and eco-friendly retreat among the gentle hills of Marche. An organic farm that respects the environment, featuring excellent locally sourced ingredients, a vegan menu, SPA, and a pool.
- Agriturismo Biologico Piccapane – Lecce, Puglia
The organic farm Piccapane is suitable for those who want to enjoy a vacation while respecting the environment in the peaceful Salento countryside. It is just a few steps from the sea and major cultural attractions. Their vegan restaurant offers delicious dishes prepared with 100% organic ingredients produced on-site.
- Campo di Cielo bioagriturismo vegan – Belluno, Veneto
The agriturismo is a newly constructed zero-emission wood building, featuring a vegan restaurant. They also have a sauna, and bicycles, and it is nestled among the hills of the Province of Belluno at the foothills of the Dolomites.
- Fattoria San Martino – Siena, Tuscany
The quality of life is the essence of Fattoria San Martino. From sleeping to eating, to the quality of furnishings and garden care, everything is designed to allow the mind and body to rediscover their balance in tranquillity. They offer a 100% vegetarian/vegan restaurant, and the menu includes freshly prepared dishes with locally sourced, organic ingredients, either directly from their garden or from local farmers.
- Hotel Luxor VEG*** – Rimini, Emilia-Romagna
Hotel Luxor, Naturally Vegan. The special place for your holidays in Romagna: here the cuisine is vegan and natural, healthy and delicious like in the old days, the sea is just a few steps away, and the terrace awaits you for a morning yoga session.
- Agriturismo La Becerca vegan – Ancona, Marche
A vegan and pet-friendly farmhouse in the heart of the Gola della Rossa di Frasassi Park, an organic vegan farmhouse with panoramic views of the gentle hills of Marche.
- Baia Benessere B&B EcoVegan Shiatsu – Roma, Lazio
Not just a bed & breakfast for a good night’s sleep, but a beautiful place just steps away from the Castle of Santa Severa, its beaches, and its sea. Near Rome, for those who love a natural lifestyle, to relax and regenerate in pursuit of well-being. Further initiatives will follow to make Baia Benessere also a cultural center. Moreover, they focus on the promotion and study of veganism and natural hygiene, deep ecology, permaculture, shiatsu, and other practices for vitality and longevity.
In conclusion, by choosing a vegan diet and supporting eco-conscious accommodations like those mentioned above, you can make a positive impact on your health and the environment. Whether you’re indulging in a vegan feast in Tuscany or finding serenity in an eco-spa in Trentino-Alto Adige, your choices can be both delectable and sustainable. So, consider these benefits of a vegan lifestyle and explore these eco-conscious places to truly savor the beauty of Italy while making a difference.
Cover Photo by Fattoria San Martino
