Being a vegan isn't so unusual any more. Still, once you decide to become one, you will have to prepare yourself to all kinds of questions. Every decision concerning your life is your own, and you don't have to justify such decisions to anyone, or spending time explaining the vegan eating right mentality to people around you.
But, if you would like to explain the basis, the most understandable thing to say would be that it is a diet based on foods that have no animal products whatsoever, and this includes not only meat, but also eggs and all dairy products such as milk, cheese etc. Vegetarians, on the other hand, do eat milk and eggs, and don't eat meat and meat based products.
When it comes to vitamins, the most important one for vegans is vitamin B12. This is really important vitamin because it keeps your cells healthy, especially blood and nerve cells, and it is mostly found in animal products. If you are tired, depressed, weak or nervous, there is a chance you need to take a supplement. B12 deficiency may become a serious problem.
Protein deficiency may also cause different issues. The reason for this is the fact that protein breaks into amino acids that promote cell regeneration and growth. Since protein can be found mostly in animal foods, it's important to replace it with soy, quinoa, lentils and similar natural sources of protein. Experts say that every person needs around a gram of protein for every kilogram of a body weight.
Several minerals are highly important, for example calcium. All dairy products contain high levels of calcium, but it can also be found in some other foods, for example in almonds, kale, soy products and many other tasty foods. Milk replacements are generally great sources for calcium, including soy and almond milk. Almond milk can be easily made in your own kitchen.
Iron can be absorbed easily or not so easily, because there are different types of iron in human foods and supplements. The one found in animal products is easier to absorb, but the one found in different seeds, for example sunflower seeds, is equally valuable. It can also be found in different vegetables, mostly in those with dark green leaves. Consume it together with vitamin C to promote the absorption.
Soy is perfectly fine if you don't take over-processed soy products only. These products may contain all sorts of chemicals you don't want to have in your diet. Miso, tempek and tofu are fine, but you can make your own soy based foods as well. There are so many good cookbooks today, and combining soy flakes with fresh vegetables in your kitchen is one much better solution.
Both vegans and vegetarians should always read all labels. Numerous products claim to be for vegans, but contain gelatin or some other animal related substances. Ice cream toppings, marmalade and some other sweets also often contain gelatin, or even colors that are made by grinding dried insects. So, read the labels and enjoy in your new life.
But, if you would like to explain the basis, the most understandable thing to say would be that it is a diet based on foods that have no animal products whatsoever, and this includes not only meat, but also eggs and all dairy products such as milk, cheese etc. Vegetarians, on the other hand, do eat milk and eggs, and don't eat meat and meat based products.
When it comes to vitamins, the most important one for vegans is vitamin B12. This is really important vitamin because it keeps your cells healthy, especially blood and nerve cells, and it is mostly found in animal products. If you are tired, depressed, weak or nervous, there is a chance you need to take a supplement. B12 deficiency may become a serious problem.
Protein deficiency may also cause different issues. The reason for this is the fact that protein breaks into amino acids that promote cell regeneration and growth. Since protein can be found mostly in animal foods, it's important to replace it with soy, quinoa, lentils and similar natural sources of protein. Experts say that every person needs around a gram of protein for every kilogram of a body weight.
Several minerals are highly important, for example calcium. All dairy products contain high levels of calcium, but it can also be found in some other foods, for example in almonds, kale, soy products and many other tasty foods. Milk replacements are generally great sources for calcium, including soy and almond milk. Almond milk can be easily made in your own kitchen.
Iron can be absorbed easily or not so easily, because there are different types of iron in human foods and supplements. The one found in animal products is easier to absorb, but the one found in different seeds, for example sunflower seeds, is equally valuable. It can also be found in different vegetables, mostly in those with dark green leaves. Consume it together with vitamin C to promote the absorption.
Soy is perfectly fine if you don't take over-processed soy products only. These products may contain all sorts of chemicals you don't want to have in your diet. Miso, tempek and tofu are fine, but you can make your own soy based foods as well. There are so many good cookbooks today, and combining soy flakes with fresh vegetables in your kitchen is one much better solution.
Both vegans and vegetarians should always read all labels. Numerous products claim to be for vegans, but contain gelatin or some other animal related substances. Ice cream toppings, marmalade and some other sweets also often contain gelatin, or even colors that are made by grinding dried insects. So, read the labels and enjoy in your new life.
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