Thoughts on Vegan diets

I think the vegan lifestyle is a great, cruelty-free and guilt-free way to live. I wish I had the will to do it. I went vegetarian about 3 years ago, but switched to not eating mammals only (including by-products like gelatin and animal glycerine when I can avoid it) about a year ago. When I was vegetarian, I tried making the transition to vegan, but I just couldn't give up the dairy. It's a big commitment that requires a lot of research, but if you can manage it, good for you.

I agree about the protein. I eat chicken, but often don't reach my protein goal. I really need to make more of an effort to do that.

A vegan way of life is not inherently healthier than an omnivorous way of life. You have to plan your meals just as much, if not more, to ensure that you're taking in proper nutrition while avoiding animal products. You will need to invest in supplements as there are vitamins and minerals that are difficult or impossible to find in non-animal products (like B12--you will need to take this as a supplement). You will also need to read up on combining foods to make complete proteins. If you ingest too many incomplete proteins without the groups necessary to synthesize complete ones, your body will just remove the nitrogen groups and discard the rest of the structure. That's really wasteful and won't lead to muscle repair or synthesis of new proteins.

A good resource if you're looking into a completely plant-based diet is Brendan Brazier's "Thrive Diet" book. Brazier is an iron man triathlete who also happens to be vegan. While some of his information can be a little sparse at times, it is a good introduction into what things you need to consider when embarking on a plant based diet. It also has a meal plan and a TON of delicious, amazing recipes.

While it's not the be all and end all of vegan resource books, it does serve as a well rounded introduction. Going vegan can be difficult, especially if you are not already vegetarian. You may want to think about transitioning slowly so that you body and you mind can adapt to the changes you're making. It can be easier, that way, to make your changes lasting as opposed to going whole hog right off the bat, faltering, and subsequently giving up completely.

If you do decide to go vegan, be sure to talk to your GP or, if available to you, a nutritionist. I'd recommend getting bloodwork done regularly (every couple months or so) as you make the transition into a vegan lifestyle, just to keep an eye on your vitamin and nutrient levels. It's common to be deficient in B12 or iron which can lead to anemia (B12 deficiency can also lead to more serious neurological complications, as well.)

Hello, I just recently started veganism. I have found that there are many misconceptions that people have about certain nutrients such as protein and iron. The fact is, most of us are consuming too much protein (those who eat meat). You can definitely get a healthy amount of protein from nuts and seeds, soymilk including (tofu, soybeans) and other beans. If you are concerned about your iron levels, beans and lentils, dark leafy green vegetables, as well as iron enriched cereals contain adequate amounts. I also use and enjoy soy milk and rice milk as a substitute for dairy. You can also find "cheeses" that melt, in specialty health food stores. So far I have enjoyed being vegan because it forces you to experiment with a whole other world of foods that you normally wouldn't. Good luck!