What The Heck is Veganism Anyway?

Posted by Matt on July 16th, 2009 at 09:08am

Chances are, over the past few years, you’ve heard about veganism. Most people I know may have heard about veganism, but many have only vague ideas about what veganism is all about.

Vegetarians do not eat meat, but will still eat animal products such as butter, eggs, milk and like products. Vegans do not eat any animal products. They do not eat meat, fish, dairy, eggs or anything else that includes animal products. Many will not buy anything that is made from animal products or tested on animals.

Different people have different reasons for being vegan. Some do it out of their ethical concerns. They say the farming and production of animals and animal products inhumanely hurts animals and releases unwanted chemicals into the environment. Other vegans do it for health-related reasons. Many people become vegans for a variety of personal reasons.

For a vast majority of people, going vegan is considered too extreme of a diet and lifestyle change. However, a vegan diet does have many health benefits. By not consuming meat, eggs and dairy, vegans vastly reduce their saturated fat and cholesterol intake. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables provides plenty of fiber and nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin E, potassium and antioxidants, among others.

Some say that eliminating meat and dairy from your diet deprives the body of needed protein and calcium. However, beans, nuts and other vegan-friendly foods have lots of protein, and vegans get their calcium from dark leafy greens like romaine lettuce, arugula and spinach.

Like with any other diet, the key to veganism is balanced nutrition. If you’re thinking of becoming a vegan, already are a vegan or simply want to eat more vegetables, here are some great recipes filled with health benefits and taste.

Low-Fat Caribbean Beans and Rice – Brown rice and beans are great sources of protein and fiber. Filled with lots of great fruits and vegetables like peppers and plantains, this dish is as tasty as it is healthy.

Curry Vegetable Stew – This tasty stew recipe has more fresh delicious veggies than you can shake a stick at. The recipe should really be called nutrient stew because of how healthy it is. Make sure to use soy yogurt, or eliminate the yogurt all together. Either way, this stew is tasty.

Quick Broccoli With Basil Mushrooms – Broccoli is a great source of calcium and other nutrients. For quick, on-the-go meal, nothing beats this super fast recipe.

For more great vegan-friendly recipes and other great healthy food ideas, as always check out FaveDiets. com

Tags: Celebrity Diets, Diet Advice, diet tips, healthy eating, healthy foods, Healthy Recipes, what to eat

Under healthy eating+ Uncategorized Tags: Celebrity Diets, Diet Advice, diet tips, healthy eating, healthy foods, Healthy Recipes, what to eat