About 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.

But, if you would like to explain the basis, the most understandable thing to say would be that it is a diet based on foods that have no animal products whatsoever, and this includes not only meat, but also eggs and all dairy products such as milk, cheese etc. Vegetarians, on the other hand, do eat milk and eggs, and don't eat meat and meat based products.

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.

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.

Calcium keeps your bones strong and resistant. It's not so hard to replace it, because so many natural products contain higher amounts of calcium, including soy, kale, almonds and figs. What is important is that you try to consume mostly natural food, not highly processed ones. Soy, rice and almond milk can be bought in most stores, but you could also make your own almond milk, for example, quite easily.

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.

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.




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