As the resident vegan in most of my friend groups, I am usually introduced as such in the first meeting. After questions about my name and the inevitable “what do you do for work?” inquiry, there are the typical veganism questions that every plant-based eater is subjected to. After four years, I have noticed that the same ponderings are passed around, as well as the same misconceptions and stereotypes. Although veganism is trendy and drinking green juice is wildly popular, there are still a few things every non-vegan wants to know.
What is the difference between a vegetarian, a vegan and a plant-based diet?
There is a common mistaken belief that all “veg-heads” ingest more vegetables but still eat diary, fish or the occasional Mediterranean grilled chicken. A vegetarian diet is a diet that does not include eating animals but still includes dairy products. Vegan (or total vegetarian) excludes all animal products like meat, seafood, poultry, eggs and dairy products. And, veganism does not require the consumption of whole foods or restrict fat or refined sugar.
A plant-based diet is a diet that does not include animal products, but this individual may still purchase and wear leather and fur. A vegan lifestyle is an all-encompassing situation that involves avoiding products –– from clothing items like wool and leather to personal care products that are tested on animals –– while only eating a plant-based diet.
What beauty products could I use if I were a vegan?
Products get the official stamp of veganism if they are not tested, in any way, on animals. Another determining factor is the exclusion of products like lanolin, collagen, tallow and carmine, all of which are animal products. Oh, and do not forget beeswax, a common ingredient in mascara. For a list of some vegan beauty companies, you can trust, click here.
How do you get enough protein?
This may be number three on the list, but it is the number one recurring question in my life. It is often believed that protein can only be ingested through meat, but that is inaccurate. It is actually extremely easy for a vegan diet to meet the daily recommendations (0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight) for protein intakes. All vegetables, grains, nuts, seeds and beans contain some, and often a lot, of protein. Thanks to a large study that compared the nutrient profiles of more than 20,000 vegetarians and 5,000 vegans, we now know that vegans actually average about 70 percent more protein every day than necessary. I get most of mine from tofu, soybeans, kale, chickpeas and flax seeds.
What can you actually eat? You must only have salads!
Actually, it is 2019 and salads are usually the last thing any vegan is concerned about. So, what do I eat? Everything that you eat has a plant-based version. Pancakes, waffles, scrambled ‘eggs,’ pizza, ‘chicken’ sandwiches, ice cream, oatmeal, soups, noodles, pasta, Chinese food — and the list goes on and on. Luckily, the alternative meat market is booming, and so is the dairy-free industry. I thank Los Angeles for this occurrence.
If you don’t want to eat meat, why get vegan food that has a meat-like taste?
I never said I hated the taste of meat. Sure, some people do, but most vegans choose not to eat meat-based on other factors like the environment, health issues, hormones, etc. Also, it tastes better than regular meat for many. If you have not tried Gardein, Morningstar Farms, or Sophie’s Kitchen yet, I urge you to experiment. Prepare your taste buds.
What if you were stuck on a deserted island and had nothing else to eat?
Yes, this question comes up time and time again. My answer: I would find a way to eat seaweed.
Isn’t being a vegan much more expensive?
In short, no. Meat and dairy products cost more than vegetables and fruit. If you think about your average bushel of bananas or bag of chickpeas versus an ounce of steak, a package of cheese or organic salmon, you will see the savings instantly. Tofu typically costs anywhere from $1.99-$3.99 while a large bag of brown rice costs anywhere from $4.99-$8.99 and lasts much longer. There are plenty of tips and tricks on the internet for healthy food budgeting like freezing your fruit to meal planning and only grocery shopping on a week-to-week basis. It is a huge misconception, especially in America, that healthy food costs more. But if you know where to look (I am looking at you, Trader Joe’s) and practice smart budgeting, the preparations are endless.
Can you still be an athlete on a vegan diet?
Vegans get more than enough protein, which is what athletes are most concerned about. If you look up vegan athletes, you will notice a long list. Mega-marathoner Rich Roll, Olympian Carl Lewis, figure skating champion Meagan Duhamel and David Carter are some iconic figures, just to name a few.
How do I transition into veganism?
Some people, like myself, find it easier to quit cold turkey. Others take their time and find their own pace. Whichever way you operate in your day-to-day life is what’s best. Before I went cold turkey, I researched for hours, watched documentaries, and binge-scrolled through YouTube for ‘What I Eat In A Day: Vegan Version’ videos. I would encourage you to visit your closest natural foods store and buy a few vegan items you have never tried before. Then, I would advise purchasing vegan cookbooks to try out a few recipes yourself. I would also do a restaurant search and invite some of your friends out to a vegan restaurant. Once you taste how delicious the food is, it becomes a lot easier to picture your life without animal products.
What health benefits have you noticed from becoming a vegan?
Before I was a vegan, I was always tired. I could nap on trains, in cafes or right after waking up from an eight-hour slumber. Now, my energy is boundless; I actually do not require much sleep at all and still wake up with the same energy. If your diet is balanced in all the right nutrients, you will notice this instantly. For some, stomachaches were reduced quite quickly. For others, their skin cleared up and their hair grew longer and stronger. If you want a list of science-backed health benefits, click here.
But what is wrong with eggs?
Milk and eggs have one big thing in common: they are only produced by young female animals. As chickens and cows age, their milk and egg production declines in the market and in consequence, all dairy cows (unless rescued) and hens are sent to slaughterhouses before their life expectancy is up and then replaced by younger animals who will later meet the same fate.
What do you like about being a vegan?
I like how I feel. I like that although it is a small part to play, I am doing what I can for the environment and for the animals I adore so much. That being said, eating out with people who want to indulge in a steak does not bother me whatsoever, it is their choice and I have mine. I just really love kale.
