Going vegan can be a big commitment. It takes extra time and effort to follow a diet that is quite different from what is generally served at most establishments around the country. Because this lifestyle choice differs from ‘the norm’, there are many incorrect stereotypes about vegans, such as they’re not as healthy as people who eat meat.
Actually, the truth about eating a vegan diet can be precisely the opposite. Sticking to a plant-based diet can result in weight loss, lowered cholesterol, and balanced blood sugar levels. Like any diet, however, it’s important to make sure you’re making the right choices. For example, still patronizing fast-food restaurants, but choosing the vegetarian option can be just as unhealthy as the standard American diet that includes meat.
Incorrect stereotypes about vegans range from all vegans are liberals or hippies to vegans who don’t get enough protein and can’t gain weight or muscle. The fact is that people choose to eat a vegetarian diet for many reasons, most of which have more to do with the desire to live a healthy lifestyle than political leanings.
Okay, maybe some of them are true
Concern about animal welfare and the future of the Earth’s environment are two common reasons for going vegan.
Unfortunately, the raising of animals for food is not a kind, cruelty-free process, and some animal lovers decide to forgo meat for this fact alone. Eating a vegan diet is also associated with a lower carbon footprint because it reduces greenhouse gases produced by animal farming. Because some vegans are very passionate about these causes, you may have run into a vegan or two who proceeded to lecture you on their dietary choice.
But to draw the conclusion that all vegans are militant environmentalists is incorrect. It’s just one of the misconceptions afloat about the reason why so many folks have decided to eliminate meat, dairy, and other fatty foods and embark on a healthy, vegetarian way of life.
The facts
If you’re interested, learn the facts about being vegan. Investing a little time and energy will help you learn how you can eat a vegetarian diet and still get complete nutrition. And in the case where you can’t, learn about supplements and vitamins for vegans to help mitigate any nutritional deficiencies you may encounter. At Vegan Life Nutrition, our mission is to help you be your best and most healthy self while sticking to a vegan diet.
