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Start 2019 right, go vegan!

The vegan lifestyle is not for everyone, but it is certainly wise to consider this. It is good for your health, good for your skin, good for the environment and good for the animals. It has also been proven that people who follow a vegan diet that does not contain animal products lose weight faster than people who follow other diets. If one of your goals for the New Year is to live a healthier life, consider going vegan. Keep in mind that this is a process that you need to know a lot about before getting started. It is certainly not wise to eliminate all animal products overnight. Here are some things that you should definitely not forget.

Eat lots of vegetables

Fill half of your plate with vegetables at lunch and dinner. Make sure to include lots of colors when choosing your vegetables. This makes it more attractive to eat. Steaming, grilling or stir-frying are ideal to preserve the flavor and nutrients. Enjoy vegetables as a snack with hummus, salsa or guacamole. This way your body gets the essential nutrients and antioxidants it needs.

Choose good fats

Fats in olive oil, olives, nuts and nut butters, seeds and avocados are healthy choices if you decide to go vegan.

Eat whole grains for breakfast

Start the day with oatmeal, quinoa, buckwheat or barley. Then add a few nuts or seeds along with fresh fruit. This way you have a hearty breakfast that will keep you full until lunch.

Make sure you get enough protein

If you want to know how to become vegan without getting too little protein, there are plenty of solutions. You cannot only get proteins from animal products such as eggs, cottage cheese or chicken. But there are plenty of vegetable protein sources, such as beans, soy products such as tofu and seitan, quinoa, grains, vegetables, nuts, seeds and meat substitutes. Do you want to make sure you are getting enough protein? Order a tasty vegetable protein shake and you will know exactly how much protein you are getting. As long as you drink these neatly, together with protein-rich vegetables such as asparagus, cauliflower and broccoli, you will easily reach your daily amount.

Eat fruit for dessert

A ripe, juicy peach, a refreshing slice of watermelon, an exotic pineapple, a bowl of grapes or a crunchy apple will satisfy your craving for a sweet bite after a meal.

Don't forget extra supplements

Plant-based diets provide all the necessary proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals for optimal health and are often higher in fiber. However, some vegans need to add a supplement (specifically vitamin B12) to ensure they receive all the necessary nutrients.