In recent years, vegan diets have seen a huge explosion in popularity. The reasons for this are many and varied, but the main one is that it’s now easier than ever to eat a healthy plant-based diet.
The good news is that deciding to go vegan does not mean that you need to give up your favorite foods, or worry about losing strength, tone, or muscle mass – the modern world means that you can still enjoy a vegan diet without compromising on health. We have all you need to know about enjoying a healthy vegan diet in just a few short, simple steps.
What Is A Vegan Diet?
A vegan diet excludes all animal products from its ingredients list. This includes meat, fish, dairy, eggs, honey, butter, cheese, milk, yogurt, gelatine, leather, wool, fur, feathers, and any other product derived from animals. A vegan diet also excludes all forms of animal testing, including cosmetics tests and medical research.
Why Go Vegan?
There are many reasons why people choose to adopt a vegan lifestyle, and these include:
Health
Many studies show that vegans tend to stay healthier than their non-vegan counterparts. Many vegans also tend to be healthier overall, with lower rates of heart disease, diabetes, cancer, obesity, and arthritis.
Environment
Many vegans also use environmental reasons for their diet and lifestyle; by choosing to avoid animal products, we help reduce our impact on the environment by reducing pollution and greenhouse gas emissions caused by livestock farming.
Ethics and Animal Rights
Animal agriculture is often criticized for being unethical because of the way animals are treated, and many followers of vegan diets are focused on maintaining and campaigning for animal rights.
How To Stay Healthy On A Vegan Diet
If you decide to go vegan, there are some things you should keep in mind when planning your meals – these top tips will help you to stay healthy and strong, and reduce your risk of suffering from ill health.
Some of the best ways to stay healthy on a vegan diet include:
Eat Plenty Of Veg
Fruits and vegetables are an important part of a balanced diet. They provide us with vitamins, minerals, fiber, antioxidants, and phytochemicals which are essential for good health. Vegetables also contain protein, iron, calcium, potassium, zinc, magnesium, phosphorus, selenium, copper, manganese, niacin, riboflavin, thiamin, vitamin B6, folate, pantothenic acid, biotin, vitamin C, and dietary fiber.
Get Enough Protein
Protein is necessary for building muscles, repairing tissues, and producing hormones. It helps maintain bone density and aids recovery after exercise. Plant sources of protein include beans, lentils, nuts, seeds, tofu, tempeh, soybeans, and whole grains.
Drink Lots Of Water
Water is vital for keeping your body hydrated, and staying well hydrated is important for optimal health. Drinking enough water each day ensures that your kidneys work properly, and reduces the risk of kidney stones.
Do Plenty of Research
Switching to a vegan diet is not something to be taken lightly; you will need to make sure that you do your homework, and have all the facts to hand. Prepare to become an expert on nutrition to keep your body balanced and healthy; there is a lot to learn, but it is very important to put the work in.
Make Sure You Get Enough Calcium
Calcium is one of the most important nutrients for your bones, teeth, and muscle function. If you don’t get enough calcium through your diet, you may suffer from osteoporosis or brittle bones.
Dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and cheese are rich sources of this mineral but are not suitable for those on a vegan diet. Instead, vegans can get their calcium from sources such as broccoli, almonds, sesame seeds, kale, and fortified foods like soya milk.
Avoid Processed Foods
Processed foods are full of preservatives, additives, and artificial ingredients that can harm your health. These processed foods are usually high in sugar, salt, fat, and calories, and they are often made using unhealthy ingredients such as genetically modified organisms (GMOs), which can cause allergies and other health problems.
Opt For A Delivery Service
Another method for maintaining a healthy diet is to opt for a meal prep and delivery service – this allows you to have healthy meals delivered to your home, and can be a good option for helping you get ideas for recipes and meals that keep you healthy and nourished.
Final Thoughts
A healthy vegan diet is achievable, and it’s possible to eat plenty of nutritious food while still enjoying delicious dishes. Make sure you take care of yourself by eating lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, getting enough protein, drinking plenty of water, avoiding processed foods, and limiting your alcohol intake, and enjoying all the benefi