Vegan

ams851
ams851 Posts: 2 Member
edited November 24 in Food and Nutrition
I am really debating going vegan, and I was wondering if it did have a lot more positive health benefits then a normal diet

Replies

  • kommodevaran
    kommodevaran Posts: 17,890 Member
    edited September 2015
    That depends on how you define a normal diet, and how you would eat as a vegan. There are fat vegans too. It can be a challenge to get all essential nutrients without any animal foods. Humans can live well on lots of different diets. But we evolved as omnivores and a varied and balanced diet is best for us. What varied and balanced means, can also be disputed. Eat in a way that suits your taste, health, lifestyle and ethics.
  • kathrynjean_
    kathrynjean_ Posts: 428 Member
    I say this as a vegan - probably not. It works really well for me, but I also have some food allergies and intolerances.

    I also don't think there should be pressure to go "totally vegan". If you want to start incorporating more plant based foods into your diet, go for it. But it doesn't have to be an all or nothing thing.
  • the_nerdgasm
    the_nerdgasm Posts: 86 Member
    In terms of you'll probably be getting more vegetables and therefore likely more nutrients, it could be more healthy. However, you'll have to be much more aware of what's in your diet and make sure you're eating a healthy, varied diet so you get everything you need. I eat maybe 80% plant-based. Since doing so, I'm much more knowledgeable about the food I'm eating, and it's become easier to get my nutrients. However, if you don't eat varied and instead rely on vegan junk food (there's so much of it out there these days), then you may have issues.

    I'm not sure if one way of eating is innately better or more natural for us. We're omnivores, but almost all of our digestive system more closely resembles that of a herbivore. I personally feel very minimal animal products is the healthiest way to go. I know I feel better and lighter eating mostly plant based, and my body seems to function much better and I have more energy. But you're mileage may vary. Try it out. Give it a few months and see how you feel :)
  • kshama2001
    kshama2001 Posts: 28,052 Member
    I'm not a vegan, but I have lived with vegans in vegetarian communities. I think it would be very difficult to be vegan just for health reasons - a belief in the philosophy behind ethical veganism would make it so much easier.
  • TrickyDisco
    TrickyDisco Posts: 2,869 Member
    I'd say try it if you're interested and see if it suits you, there's so much info available to help you make healthy choices, maybe check out the Vegan Society's website, read up and if you do try it make sure you get enough B12. Personally, after going veggie about 13 years ago and dairy-free 4 years ago I now eat healthier, tastier and more varied food than I used to, have more energy to exercise, gradually lost about 28 pounds over time and lowered my cholesterol ... this could also be achieved on an omnivorous or veggie diet though. Have to watch my weight still but will definitely be staying on a vegan diet.
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