Are you riding the “Vegan Wave”?
Veganism seems to be the one dietary trending “wave”, that everyone has jumped on, from the likes of Russell Simmons , who’s been a vegan for going on 17 years to Jennifer Lopez. A Vegan is someone who doesn’t eat meat, eggs, honey, gelatin and dairy products. The Vegan diet only contains plant-based products.
So what’s the deal with Veganism? Many health related issues such as celiac disease, heart disease, and some cancers have been linked to what we eat. Today, many people are more conscious of what they put into their bodies. I’m personally not a Vegan, however I do believe that one of the most important aspects of your business is you! Here’s a few things you should know, if you’re thinking about riding on the “Vegan Wave”:
The benefit of going Vegan
Vegans tend to be thinner, have lower serum cholesterol, and lower blood pressure, reducing their risk of heart disease . According to the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, meat and dairy products contribute to many forms of cancer, including cancer of the colon, breast, ovaries, and prostate, . Veganism has also been known to reduce high blood pressure, and the risk of heart disease. Animal products are the main source of saturated fat and the only source of cholesterol in the diet.
Is Veganism right for you?
Before you make any decision understand what a Vegan diet consists of, how it will benefit your body, based on your health history. Everyone’s bodies are different. If you’re looking to lose weight, you may want to look into plant based products to help supplement your protein intake. With a Vegan diet, you’re cutting out meat which provides your body with protein.
Consult with a doctor
When deciding to stick to a strict plant-based diet, it’s best to consult with your doctor on what the risks are for eliminating all animal products from your diet as well as what nutritional deficiencies should you be aware of? Ask about alternatives for vitamin supplements, how a change in your diet may affect your medication intake, and meal plan tips.
Foods often used in Vegan recipes include
tofu
tempeh
mushrooms
potatoes
mushrooms
jackfruit
eggplant
lentils
beans and legumes
cauliflower
nuts
beets
Your daily food diet should contain 6 servings of grains, such as black rice, brown rice, buckwheat 4 servings of veggies like, beets, eggplant, and 2 servings of fruit, jackfruit, cranberries, pomegranates, grapefruit, kiwis, pineapple, because they’re low in sugar.
Don’t go Cold Turkey
It’s perfectly fine, to ease into your Vegan diet without having to go “cold turkey”. Try eating Vegan one week out of the month, or eat less meat, while substituting fish. Try to recreate your favorite dishes using vegan products. You can also substitute one meal a day for a “Vegan meal”. For example, a lunch or dinner option as an alternative.
Veganism is a lifestyle choice that many subscribe to due to its health related benefits. From lowering the risk of heart disease, reducing or stopping the progress of cancer, to losing weight. Since all vegan diets are not created equal, consult with your doctor to prevent the risk of nutritional deficiencies.
