Going vegan? Here’s what you need to know before making the change. The following 12 things you need to know before going vegan.
You’ll need a B-12 supplement
Vitamin B-12 is known as an antianemic vitamin. It is synthesized only by the microorganisms. When humans have a lack of this vitamin they can become anemic. Vitamin B-12 or cobalamin can be found in meat, fish, eggs, and milk. It takes a part in the process of blood creation, growing process, fats and carbohydrate metabolism. Vitamin B-12 is necessary for good concentration and it boosts energy. Recommended daily dose of vitamin B-12 is 2.4 mcg for adults.
Vegans are more likely to develop Vitamin B-12 deficiency. Tiredness, weakness, constipation, loss of appetite, weight loss (the bad kind), nerve problems, and depression are some of the signs of Vitamin B-12 deficiency.
Iron issue
Iron can be found as Heme Iron (this type is found in the muscle tissue of animals) and Non-heme Iron (found in plant foods, as well as meat and eggs).
Heme iron is naturally absorbed more easily by the body than non-heme iron. The absorption of non-heme iron can be greatly influenced by other nutrients you consume. Good vegan iron sources include legumes, sunflower seeds, dried raisins, and dark, leafy greens. Vitamin C-rich foods (think: red peppers, citrus, and broccoli) boost iron absorption. Related: How to boost your Iron absorption.
Your friends and family will ask a lot of questions
“People are very sensitive about their diets, especially when you challenge what they have always believed,” says plant-based dietitian Julieanna Hever, RD, host of Veria Living’s What Would Julieanna Do? “The best way to minimize conflict is to emphasize that you are going vegan for your own reasons and that it seems to work for you. In other words, make it about you, so nobody feels they need to defend their choices.”
You’ll have to find new protein sources
Every meal should contain protein, says vegan dietitian Valerie Rosser, RD. Proteins are the building blocks of life: they break down into amino acids that promote cell growth and repair. The Institute of Medicine recommends that adults get at least 0.8 grams of protein daily for every kilogram of body mass—that’s about 54 grams for a 150-pound woman. The best sources of vegan protein include natural soy, lentils, beans, quinoa, and seitan, Rosser says. Related: 25 Vegan sources.
You shouldn’t replace animal products with junk
Swapping out meat for white bread, pasta, and other packaged foods sets you up for failure on the vegan diet, says Rosser. “It’s not a good idea to trade in animal products, which contain protein, vitamins, and minerals, for processed foods that provide little nutritional value other than calories.” The result: hunger, weight gain, and a grumpier mood. Related: Difference between a Plant-Based diet and a Vegan diet.
Take it easy on soy-based products
In general, critics overstate the dangers of soy and the promoters exaggerate its benefits. Scientists are still arguing over the effects of soy on cancer and heart health. One thing is for certain: “Consuming too much soy-based vegan ‘meat’ is arguably worse (than) consuming high-quality animal products,” says Henderson. Meat substitutes are often highly processed and loaded with sodium and preservatives, so read labels carefully. The healthiest sources of soy are miso, tempeh, tofu, soy milk, and edamame.
You don’t have to make the switch at once
Going vegan isn`t a one-day process. You won’t just wake up one morning magically vegan. It takes work, so it should also take time, Henderson says. “Start by adding more plant-based foods to your diet, while at the same time cutting back on animal products, especially those that are non-organic, and more importantly processed, refined foods. Making gradual changes and assessing how you are feeling along the way is the key,” she says.
Prepare to read food labels
If you’re serious about going vegan, checking food labels and verifying ingredients is a must. “Just because a food product is not glaringly non-vegan doesn’t mean that it’s suitable for a vegan diet,” Rosser says. Casein and whey, which come from milk, are present in many cereal bars, bread, and granola, while gelatin and tallow (also known as suet) are derived from meat. Then there’s Natural Red 4 (also known as carmine, cochineal, or cochineal extract). This additive is a food coloring derived from the dried bodies of female beetles. Head spinning yet? The Vegetarian Resource Group’s list of common food ingredients can help.
You may feel happier
Animals won’t be the only ones happy with your vegan move. So will you. One reason why: Compared to vegetarian diets, omnivorous ones contain more arachidonic acid, which can spur neurological changes that drag down mood, according to a 2012 Nutrition Journal study.
You won’t have to ditch your favorite restaurants
Just as veganism is becoming more popular, so are vegan options on just about every restaurant’s menu. Word to the wise: Even if your item of choice looks vegan, tell your waiter about your dietary restriction to ensure that no animal products are used to make your meal (think hidden butter or chicken stock), Henderson advises. And if you are up for trying an all-vegan restaurant, check out veganrestaurantfinder.com.
It doesn’t have to cost more
At $3 or more per pound, meat is one of the most expensive items in the grocery store, so saving big can be easy—even if you are buying more produce than ever. You can save even more by swapping some of your fresh produce for frozen.
Plants might cover your calcium needs
The NIH recommends that adults between the ages of 19 and 50 get a minimum of 1,000 mg of calcium a day, but preliminary research shows vegans may be able to get away with less than that. A European Journal study found that when vegans consumed at least 525 mg per day of calcium, their risk of bone fracture was no different than that of non-vegetarians with similar calcium intakes. The key is eating a variety of naturally calcium-rich foods such as kale, bok choy, almonds, soy beans, figs, and navel oranges. Also, there are a lot of calcium-fortified foods such as cereals, plant-based kinds of milk, and tofu made with calcium sulfate, Henderson says. Bonus: soy, leafy greens, and most fortified foods are also high in vitamin D, which helps your body absorb calcium.
source: www.health.com
