Advertissement

About Vegan Eating Right Mentality

By Edward Mitchell


Being a vegan isn't so unusual anymore. Still, once you decide to become one, you will have to prepare yourself for 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.

The 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.

When it comes to vitamins, the most important one for vegans is vitamin B12. This is really important vitamin because it keeps your cells healthy, especially blood and nerve cells, and it is mostly found in animal products. If you are tired, depressed, weak or nervous, there is a chance you need to take a supplement. B12 deficiency may become a serious problem.

Another really important thing that should be replaced in your diet is the protein. Protein is very important for the growth and regeneration of your cells. Since it is mostly found in animal products, you need to find other sources. Soy is probably the most popular protein replacement, but it can also be found in lentils, quinoa, and many other foods. You should take between 0,8 to 1 gram per every kilogram of your 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 of 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 leafy 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.

So many things are said about soy. Soy is a great source of numerous essential things every vegan needs, but the problem is that soy is usually over-processed. Using natural soy flakes instead of overly processed soy foods is one way of using its qualities. If you don't have one, buy yourself some good cookbook and make your own food instead of buying different products.

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 your new life.




About the Author: