For all the hate it gets from simple-minded people, veganism has little to no negative aspects that would justify the stigma surrounding this way of life.
Between wanting to protect animals and their habitats and the many health benefits that come with a plant-based diet, one would be hard-pressed to point out anything that’s objectively wrong or a downgrade from the standard diet.
With the new year just around the corner, many are bound to have veganism on their list of resolutions for 2025, and even if it may look simple on the surface, switching to more ethical food choices can be difficult for the average American.
If not approached properly, a vegan diet can lead to numerous deficiencies in key nutrients that we normally consume, and we’re here to guide you step by step through this journey.
Getting to know the basics
Those not in the know like to think that veganism means simply cutting all animal produce from our diet and consuming what’s deemed to be „safe” but the reality of it is much more complex.
A balanced vegan diet requires a lot of planning on your part in order to keep your nutrients at a healthy level.
Without sufficient amounts of amino acids, iron, protein, and B12, your body and your mind are inevitably going to suffer, which is often what scares freshly baked vegans away from these dietary choices.
However, while it can be complicated, technology has advanced to a point where you can have all your meals planned for you at the click of a button, while also keeping track of your dietary intake.
As you make progress, apps like this will soon become obsolete, mainly due to the experience you will have gained in knowing how to satisfy your cravings while also consuming only „safe” foods.
Protein is key
Media has led us to believe that protein can only be accessed through commercial products or animal produce, but as veganism grew in popularity, so did the knowledge surrounding food choices.
Unassuming products such as chickpeas, lentils, and nuts are packed full of protein, and if you combine them with meat substitutes available on the market, you could have a protein intake equivalent to that of a carnivore.
This also means that transitioning will be easier if you employ this strategy, as your protein cravings will be at an all-time low, allowing you to focus on other nutrients that your plant-based diet is missing.
What’s more, all of the aforementioned products can easily be fashioned into tasty spreads or mixed into porridges and yogurts, giving you some variety in your meals without sacrificing any flavors you’re already used to.
Know what you’re buying
Buying vegan-friendly products can be a hassle, and you’ll soon find out that not every company dedicates the time and effort to cater to this community.
Even if you know a certain product you’re buying should be plant-based, it’s best to check the label for ingredients that are potentially derived from animals.
More often than not, commercial bakeries will add whey or casein to their dough, whereas sauces and dressings are commonly thickened with gelatine.
This substance is also found in vitamin capsules, so make sure that the supplements you’re buying are using vegan-friendly capsules before you start using them.
Even white sugar tends to be filtered through bone char by some brands sticking to traditional procedures, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
Moral of the story: stay alert when you’re shopping for groceries, and don’t feel like you’re wasting time when you scan the ingredient list of anything that’s not certified to be vegan-friendly.
Whole milk is a thing of the past
For many, making the switch from whole milk to plant-based alternatives has proven to be the most difficult step in their journey to veganism.
Of course, none of the currently available replacements can fully mimic the taste of cow’s milk, but they’re equally as nutritious, and possibly even healthier than their animal-sourced counterpart.
Most notably, oat milk is known for its smooth texture and mild flavor that pairs wonderfully with any cereal bowl or tea combination you can think of.
In fact, plant-based milk alternatives are commonly used in dishes across the globe, with coconut milk being a common ingredient in eastern asian cuisine.
This is great news even for those not pursuing veganism but rather, dairy-free options due to their own lactose intolerance.
One of the better-known oat milk products on the market at the time was MYOM, which is creamy and extremely shelf-stable because it’s available in the form of a powder.
Just add some water and you’ve got yourself a tasty, sustainably sourced, and nutritious milk alternative for all your needs.
Bottom line
As complicated as all this may sound, just remember that you’re doing all of this for a good reason and that it’ll be worth the effort in the long run.
A vegan diet can drastically change your body, contributing to your overall health and well-being in ways that no other diet will, all the while contributing to the preservation of wildlife and sustainable food sourcing.
That being said, don’t jump right in, and take your journey one step at a time, allowing you to ease yourself into a plant-based diet rather than putting your body through the sudden stress of losing nutrients.
Do your part in making the world a better place.