I AM just one of the hundreds of thousands of people throughout the UK who has chosen to follow a vegan diet and will be celebrating my compassionate choice this November, which is designated National Vegan Month – an annual initiative that promotes the benefits of an animal-free diet.

By going vegan, each of us can help to end animal suffering, reduce our carbon footprint and boost our health. What other diet has such overwhelmingly positive benefits?

Animal products are not essential for a healthy diet.

In fact, a large number of studies show that a balanced and varied 100 per cent plant-based diet is ideal for optimum health and lowers the risk of obesity, heart disease, diabetes, some cancers and other diet-related illnesses.

I am healthier and happier knowing that my food choices have not caused animals to suffer.

As a vegan you can still have all of your favourite meals and treats. I love lasagne and certainly couldn’t go without a bit of chocolate each evening.

Animal Aid has a free Vegan Guide available from govegan.org.uk.

It contains simple vegan recipes, nutritional information and shopping tips.

Kelly Slade, campaigns officer, Animal Aid.