Skip to content
Deliver anywhere in the continental US. Free shipping on orders of $150 or more.
Deliver anywhere in the continental US. Free shipping on orders of $150 or more.
The Perks of Being Vegan: A Guide to Staying Healthy

The Perks of Being Vegan: A Guide to Staying Healthy

The vegan lifestyle is often regarded as "healthy", but it is not always clear how to make it work for you. This guide will help you understand the benefits of being vegan and how to ensure you're getting all the nutrients you need to stay healthy. Whether you're new to the vegan lifestyle or have been practicing it for a while, this guide will teach you everything you need to know to reap the benefits of being plant-based and vegan!

Introduction: Overview of the health benefits of going vegan

Going vegan has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its numerous health benefits. A vegan diet can help improve heart and gut health, lower inflammation, and provide essential vitamins and minerals. Eating vegan does not have to mean sacrificing flavor or nutrition; vegan recipes offer a variety of culinary options while still providing essential nutrients. Furthermore, studies have shown that vegan diets can help you have more energy, have better skin, sleep better, and even lower your risk of serious diseases like diabetes and certain types of cancer. Finally, those considering going vegan will find it extremely rewarding on both physical and mental health levels with careful planning and education on vegan staples.

Nutrition Basics: What nutrients do vegans need?

Getting all of the nutrients your body requires is an important part of veganism. A whole-food vegan diet can easily provide essential vitamins and minerals, but there are a few key nutrients that vegan diets frequently lack. Vegans should ensure that their diets contain adequate amounts of vitamin B12, iron, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids. Because vitamin B12 is primarily found in animal products, vegans must seek out vegan sources or supplements to ensure adequate intake of this essential nutrient. Vegan-friendly foods that contain iron include leafy greens, beans, peas, and lentils. Calcium can be obtained from fortified vegan milk, leafy greens such as kale and broccoli, and a variety of nuts and seeds. Finally, in order to stay healthy on a vegan diet, omega-3 fatty acids are best obtained from vegan sources such as walnuts and chia seeds. Eating a well-balanced vegan diet rich in whole foods is the key to good nutrition for anyone living the vegan lifestyle!

A varied and balanced vegan diet, including fortified foods and supplements, can provide you with the nutrients you require. According to the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK, the following is recommended for a healthy vegan diet:

  • every day, consume at least 5 portions of a variety of fruits and vegetables.
  • meals should be built around potatoes, bread, rice, pasta, or other starchy carbohydrates (choose wholegrain where possible)
  • have fortified dairy alternatives on hand, such as soya drinks and yogurts (choose lower-fat and lower-sugar options)
  • consume some legumes, pulses, and other proteins
  • consume omega-3 fatty acid-rich nuts and seeds (such as walnuts) each and every day
  • Choose unsaturated oils and spreads in small amounts
  • have fortified foods or supplements that contain nutrients that are difficult to obtain on a vegan diet, such as vitamin D, vitamin B12, iodine, selenium, calcium, and iron
  • consume plenty of fluids (the NHS recommends 6 to 8 cups or glasses a day)
  • Foods and drinks that are high in fat, salt, or sugar, have them less often and in small amounts.

Finding Foods You Enjoy: How to make sure you're getting enough balanced nutrition and avoiding feeling deprived

Eating vegan is more than just a way of life; it's also one of the healthiest and most sustainable diets available. It's critical to find foods that you enjoy in order to get enough balanced nutrition as a vegan. There are vegan substitutes for almost everything, so if you have an insatiable craving for something, chances are you can satisfy it while following a vegan diet. The most important aspect of vegan eating is ensuring that your body receives all of the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients it requires. Choose plant-based proteins (nuts, beans, legumes), greens (kale, spinach), fruits, and a variety of grains and starches when preparing vegan meals. Don't forget to include fortified vegan-friendly products like vegan milk in your calcium intake.

The NHS has published a great list of different sources and foods to obtain all the necessary vitamins and minerals under a vegan diet here.

Healthy Eating Tips: Ideas for creating delicious and nutritious vegan meals

Eating vegan meals can be a nutrient-dense and delicious way to fuel your body. All vegan meals should include a variety of nutrient-dense ingredients rich in vitamins and minerals. Consuming plenty of fruits and vegetables, as well as vegan-friendly grains and proteins like legumes, nuts, quinoa, and tofu, is essential. Creating healthier vegan dishes is simpler than it appears; try modifying traditional recipes by substituting vegan-friendly proteins such as seitan, tempeh, or vegan burgers for animal proteins. Experimenting with different flavors and spices to create unique vegan dishes will assist you in creating delicious and enjoyable vegan meals. Eating vegan does not have to be restrictive or boring; there are so many creative vegan meal options available that are both delicious and nutritious.

Exercise & Mindfulness: Strategies for staying healthy mentally and physically with a plant-based diet

Exercise and mindfulness are often overlooked aspects that play an important role in overall health for those who choose veganism for their dietary needs. Exercise helps to circulate and remove toxins from the body, as well as boost metabolism, bone density, and mood. Mindfulness can help us stay connected to our bodies' needs so that we can get enough rest, practice gratitude, and be aware of our eating habits. Furthermore, exercise can be a great reward after completing a task such as trying a new vegan recipe or planting something in the garden. Exercise and mindfulness, when combined with a healthy plant-based diet, can be powerful mechanisms for improving our emotional, physical, and mental well-being.

Common Challenges & Solutions: Typical mistakes that vegans make when trying to stay healthy and how to avoid them

Being vegan can be a great way to stay healthy and have access to a variety of nutritious foods, but vegans are prone to making some common mistakes. Fortunately, if these blunders are avoided, they will not impede the vegan lifestyle. One common mistake vegans make is not getting enough protein in their diets; vegan protein sources such as nuts and beans should be consumed on a regular basis to maintain good health. Another common mistake that vegans make is overeating unhealthy vegan snacks; processed vegan food with few nutritional benefits should be avoided or consumed in moderation when attempting to live a healthy vegan lifestyle. Finally, vegans must be aware of vitamins and minerals that may be difficult to obtain solely from vegan food; supplements such as Vitamin B12 can assist them in meeting their daily requirements for optimal health. Vegans can enjoy all of the amazing benefits of being vegan while maintaining excellent health by following the tips provided here.

Summary

Going vegan has numerous health benefits and can be an excellent lifestyle choice for those who want to nourish their bodies. Eating healthily on a plant-based diet necessitates commitment, awareness, and, most importantly, dedication. To get started, remember the nutrition basics and make sure you're getting enough essential nutrients. Nutritious meals can also be tasty; experiment with different recipes and adjust the flavors to your liking. Exercise is also an important component of any diet, especially one that contains a lot of fruits and vegetables, which will naturally boost your energy levels. When transitioning, remember to practice mindfulness; this will help reduce stress and improve mental clarity. Finally, common blunders can be easily avoided by researching the best vegan supplements and knowing which vitamins will benefit your specific body. Thanks to companies like Wegano, there is now a plethora of resources dedicated to providing vegans with the vitamins, supplements, and food they require from nature — take advantage of them!

Previous article Vegan for the Environment - Path to a Greener Future
Next article Have You Tried Going Vegan Yet? Unlock Health Benefits and Sustainable Living Now!

Blog posts