One of my favorite independent coffee shops has a drink called “Why Bother.” It’s a decaf, non-fat, sugar-free vanilla latte. I wont lie, I have actually ordered it, but seriously, the name fits the drink like a glove. No caffiene, no fat, and no sugar? Why even bother?!  Similarly, you might call vegans “why bother” vegetarians.

Vegans exclude the use of animal products for any purpose, be it food, clothing, or testing. The extreme form of vegetarianism is usually a result of an ethical or moral convictions for animal rights. While a thoughtfully planned vegan diet can provide numerous health benefits, the bottom line is that many essential nutrients are often missing from vegan diets, among which are B vitiamins, calcium, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids. On the plus side, vegans more often than not hit the daily fruit and vegetable quota which also translates into lower disease rates and BMI (body mass index). But clearly you dont have to adhere to strict veganism to assure you’re eating pure and whole foods. In fact, studies indicate that many adolescent ‘vegetarians’ frequently have an eating disorder. Note, vegetarianism does NOT lead to the eating disorder, but rather is adopted to mask an already present disorder.

And if you’re thinking about going on a “vegan” diet to lose weight, don’t. Eliminating an entire food group or genre at any time is always a bad idea. Unless you have such an extreme conviction to refrain from the use of animal products, drinking cow’s milk or eating a piece of chicken is the best, most well-absorbed way to get essential nutrients. If you’re concerned about cholesterol and saturated fat, go for fat free dairy and lean cuts of meat. And as always, moderation in all things.

Because you should bother.