Veganism

Veganism is largely misunderstood as unhealthy or unsatisfying. On the contrary, the vegan lifestyle at its best is the healthiest, tastiest way to live. Yet as all informed vegans discover when learning how to become a vegan, the vegan diet can and should contain vegan recipes with vegan food that is a balanced representation of the vegan food pyramid, including legumes, vegetables, fruits and whole grains.

Going vegan is simply a matter of finding vegan resources you trust for the vegan information you need to make smart, informed decisions about vegan products, including vegan clothes and vegan shoes. And as with anything, knowing the history of veganism can lend the vegan lifestyle a valuable perspective.

Myth #1 – Veganism is unhealthy.

With the vast majority of the world living on a meat-based, dairy-filled diet, it’s hard overcoming the perception that you cannot get all the right vitamins and minerals without it. It doesn’t help when stories surface of parents with children whose health is suffering from a vegan diet that in no way reflects a healthy one.

Education is the key to veganism, as deficiencies among vegans are most certainly possible, particularly regarding protein, calcium, B12, iron and zinc. A vegan lifestyle must incorporate foods and supplements that contain these vegan diet essentials. Knowing which foods to choose is part of the discovery process in learning how to become a vegan, from vegan resources that are comprehensive on vegan information.

Myth #2 – A vegan diet is boring.

“What do you eat?” is a common question posed to vegans by those whose every meal revolves around meat and dairy products. But once you break out of the meat and dairy mold, veganism helps you explore new combinations of ingredients that lend more diversity and flavor to every meal.

Myth #3 – Vegans are judgmental of non-vegans.

When you tell someone you’re vegan, a common reaction seems to be a sense of guilt about eating meat in front of you. Or they assume you’re going to take every opportunity to make them feel guilty by going into great detail about veganism, including the horrors of the factory farming industry.

But as any informed vegan knows, the best way to promote veganism is simply by setting an example. If someone you know wants to know how to become a vegan (and why) they’ll ask. And the easier it is for vegans and non-vegans to enjoy a meal together, the better chance we have of showing the world that a vegan diet can be healthy and enjoyable.

Myth #4 – Veganism is unrealistic.
Animal products are so enmeshed in our culture that it can seem impossible to eliminate them from our lives. Informed vegans do their best based on information gathered from vegan resources, but it’s equally important to let it go if and when you make a mistake.
In fact, the easier we make a vegan lifestyle appear to others, the more likely they’re going to try it. Or at least you’ll inspire them to make vegan (or vegetarian) choices now and then.

In other words, the vegan lifestyle is one in which you make a conscious, committed effort to eliminate animal ingredients while at the same time understanding that nothing – not even veganism – can be perfect.

For more vegan information from trusted vegan resources, please explore the rest of this website, where you can learn more about the vegan lifestyle, vegan diet, vegan food, history of veganism, veganism and animal welfare, veganism and health, and vegan diets and the environment.