The Unabridged Journals of Karissa Gupta

  These days everyone seems to be following, or at least contemplating the route of veganism. Even celebrities such as Ariana Grande, Alicia Silverstone and Natalie Portman are now vegan and have been posting on Instagram, encouraging others to do the same. Seeing that many influencers are switching their diets, followers are blindly following suit. Currently 14% of the population identifies as vegan and the numbers are increasing daily. But the question arises; is this diet really good for you? Recently conducted studies have concluded that veganism improves physical fitness, helps in weight loss, reduces stress, balances hormones, improves skin, reduces body odour and BMI. Yes, these benefits do make going vegan sound appealing. However, we must not forget the cons!   The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics has given a warning saying that veganism can lead to serious nutritional deficiencies. Taking greens as an example; they contain calcium. However, our bodies can onl...

As this year,2020, comes to an end, the majority of people feel relieved. Everyone around me wants to clean the slate- start afresh. To be honest, this year really has been a roller coaster. The year started with crazy bushfires that ruined major rainforests. If that wasn’t enough, there emerged the novel coronavirus. The world was held hostage to this virus. The pandemic hit us all in one way or the other. What we knew as normal, suddenly wasn’t available. All that we took for granted was now a rarity. People were locked up in their houses. Many were hit financially. Yet others grieved the loss of a loved one. Domestic violence was all time high and relationships fell apart. Health was a serious concern and mental depression led to many suicides. The year 2020 has seen it all. But, despite all of this, let me share with you that I do not wish to erase this year from my memory. Now let me explain. You see, I took this year not as a mistake but as an opportunity. Yes, an opportunity t...