Interested In 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.

If you want to simplify things, you can say that being vegan means that you don't eat animal products based food. Vegetarians, for example, often eat milk and other dairy products, and they eat eggs as well. It's a little bit easier for them, because they don't have to worry so much about some essential vitamins and minerals that are mostly contained in animal based foods.

It is really important to get some essential minerals and vitamins. B12, for example, is contained in animal products and has to be replaced with different supplements. B12 keeps your nerve and blood cells healthy, and deficiency leads to tiredness, constipation and weakness. Other symptoms include various problems with nerves or even depression.

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 comes in two main variations, as easily absorbed and the one that cannot be so easily absorbed by your body. Animal based products contain easily absorbing iron. Iron can also be found in kale and other dark green leaf vegetables, sunflower seeds and legumes. It is important that you take enough natural sources of vitamin C with it, because vitamin C promotes the absorption of iron in your body, among other things.

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.

Both vegans and vegetarians should always read all labels. Numerous products claim to be for vegans, but contain gelatin or some other animal related substances. Ice cream toppings, marmalade and some other sweets also often contain gelatin, or even colors that are made by grinding dried insects. So, read the labels and enjoy in your new life.




About the Author: