To give it to you short and simple a Vegan diet excludes animal origins. Veganism is becoming more popular as the years go by. If you live in a big and more populated cities it is very common to see “vegan option” on the menu. Let me explain in greater detail the Vegan diet.
What Does Vegan Mean?
Vegan is a lifestyle where one chooses to eat vegan among other things. Vegan is a dietary choice one makes to either eat healthier, save the animals, and/or dietary restrictions.
A vegan diet and vegetarian diet can sound very similar since they both stay away from meat and seafood. However, a Vegan diet also excludes products with animal origins. This is also called a plant based diet.
Vegans stay clear from:
- eggs
- milk
- cheese
- dairy products
- honey (personal preference)
In other words, Vegans do not consume any byproducts from animals. This also includes lard, gelatin, and whey.
What DO Vegans Eat?
Most of what vegans eat is included in your daily food intake.
- Vegetables
- Fruits
- Some pastas
- Beans
- Nuts
- Rice
- Some bread
- Plant oils (olive oil, coconut oil, etc.)
- Tofu
- Plant based milk (oat, almond, soy, pea etc.)
- Tempeh
Some of your favorite foods may already be vegan friendly. If not, there is substitutions and modifications you can do to make it vegan friendly.
You will not miss out on your favorite delicious foods. Check my recipes for examples of delicious easy vegan desserts.
Making sure you eat all your nutrients.
Eating Vegan requires a little bit of planning.
There are some essential nutrients that your body needs that can be lacking on the vegan diet.
- Iodine
- Iron
- Calcium
- Vitamin B12
- Selenium
These are some nutrients that can be difficult to have on a Vegan diet. Any how, since you are now aware of the specifics you can plan accordingly.
There are different ways you can implement them such as supplements and specific food that naturally have it (that is Vegan of course).
Pregnant while Vegan
IT IS possible and safe to be vegan while being pregnant.
Pregnancy cravings may not make it easy, but there are many substitutions that can make your cravings vegan. While being pregnant it is important you are eating all your nutrients to help grow a healthy baby.
Eating vegan will not only be healthy for your body, but also for your baby. The reasoning is Veganism is a clean diet. However, be mindful to eat all the vitamins stated above. Furthermore, I would check in with your doctor to make sure you are eating all your nutrients while being pregnant.
Where to buy vegan food/products?
Every year we see more and more vegan restaurants and products. The world is becoming more vegan friendly.
Therefore, Vegan awareness is spreading due to the acceptance of diet restrictions and preferences. Most chained markets have products that are vegan.
Your local Ralph’s, Target, Walmart, Grocery Outlet, Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s and many more have tons of vegan options.
The accessibility of vegan products and food makes eating vegan easier.There are many benefits that comes with eating vegan. The hardest part is the commitment, but anyone can do it!
Conclusion
Being vegan is beyond a diet. It can also be the products you buy. For example, cosmetic products that you use on your face/body. Vegan products use natural ingredients. Not animal byproducts. As well as cruelty free which means they do not test on animals.
Eating a plant-based diet excludes all animal origins in your food intake. This does not mean you will stop eating your favorite foods on the daily basis. I personally have eaten American, Mexican, Salvadorian, Peruvian, and Italian food while eating vegan.
While eating vegan you can still eat out. You will be more prone to eating at home which is always a healthier option, but you do not have to. As I said before the world is becoming more vegan friendly Restaurants are more aware of diet restrictions and will have alternative options for vegans.
The vegan diet can sound very similar to a vegetarian diet. Make sure you check out Vegan vs. Vegetarian to learn the difference.
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Written with love,
