Problems With Vegan Eating Right Mentality

By Edward Mitchell


Being a vegan isn't so unusual any more. Still, once you decide to become one, you will have to prepare yourself to all kinds of questions. Every decision concerning your life is your own, and you don't have to justify such decisions to anyone, or spending time explaining the vegan eating right mentality to people around you.

Vegan diet is, simply said, based on foods that don't contain animal products. So, no meat, eggs or dairy products. It is definitely much easier to be a vegetarian, because they do eat dairy products and eggs, and it's easier for them to replace some essential minerals and vitamins mostly found in animal products, such as vitamin b12 and protein.

Some important minerals and vitamins are contained mostly in animal based foods, for example vitamin B12, calcium, iron etc. B12 is especially important, because it keeps your blood and nerve cells healthy. If you don't get enough of it, you might become tired, weak, nervous or depressed. Various supplements are available and it is important to take them regularly.

Protein deficiency may also cause different issues. The reason for this is the fact that protein breaks into amino acids that promote cell regeneration and growth. Since protein can be found mostly in animal foods, it's important to replace it with soy, quinoa, lentils and similar natural sources of protein. Experts say that every person needs around a gram of protein for every kilogram of a body weight.

Several minerals are highly important, for example calcium. All dairy products contain high levels of calcium, but it can also be found in some other foods, for example in almonds, kale, soy products and many other tasty foods. Milk replacements are generally great sources for calcium, including soy and almond milk. Almond milk can be easily made in your own kitchen.

Iron can be absorbed easily or not so easily, because there are different types of iron in human foods and supplements. The one found in animal products is easier to absorb, but the one found in different seeds, for example sunflower seeds, is equally valuable. It can also be found in different vegetables, mostly in those with dark green leaves. Consume it together with vitamin C to promote the absorption.

Soy is perfectly fine if you don't take over-processed soy products only. These products may contain all sorts of chemicals you don't want to have in your diet. Miso, tempek and tofu are fine, but you can make your own soy based foods as well. There are so many good cookbooks today, and combining soy flakes with fresh vegetables in your kitchen is one much better solution.

And another thing. Make a habit of reading product labels. You might be really surprised to see how many animal products can be found in, for example, ice cream, or even in some juices. They put animal gelatin in there, or some colors made out of dried beetles. By the way, vegans are generally happier than other people, and more satisfied with their lives.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment