The Basics Of A Vegan Diet Plan

December 16th, 2009 | jones | Diet

When a person embarks on a vegan diet they are most likely embracing a lifestyle that excludes the use of animals or animal products from every part of their life. There are many foods made or processed using animal products. These foods, such as gelatin, rennet, beeswax, honey, whey, and many others, are eliminated from the diet and lifestyle of the individual who becomes a vegan.

The impetus for becoming vegan is diverse. An individual who has strong feelings about animal rights and welfare may become a vegan. People who have moral and ethical convictions that pertain to the environment and our carbon footprint may become vegan. Or, individuals who have severe or chronic health conditions may find that choosing a vegan diet provides them with a healthy life alternative.

Planning a vegan diet will require you do some study on nutrition. Most vegans take supplements to make sure they are getting the calcium, iodine, B12, and vitamin D that are required in the diet. You will also want to make sure you know which types of foods will provide you with the nutritional requirements needed to maintain a healthy diet.

Many of the foods that are eliminated when changing to a vegan diet will help you to achieve some significant health results. Most people experience lower blood cholesterol, blood pressure, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes. This is due to the elimination of “bad” foods, as well as the loss of weight that will occur when a person stops eating refined and processed foods such as sugar.

When a person is eating a purely vegan diet, they are able to lose and keep weight and inches off. A person will begin to feel healthier as the body expels the toxins that have accumulated from the ingestion of animal products. Many of the chronic conditions that are made worse by the constant use of animal products will be reduced or eliminated.

While most people think that protein is primarily derived from meat, poultry, and fish, this is not the case. You will find protein in many plant products that can be used as substitutes in recipes. Peanut butter, lentils, and legumes are a few of the most common sources of protein used in vegan recipes.

When a person is cooking for vegans it is important to use the appropriate substitutions for recipes. When a recipe calls for eggs, a common substitution is applesauce. An individual will find they can get the texture of meat in recipes by using textured tofu. Substituting butter with a dairy free margarine is effective and provides the same taste as regular butter.

When a person is on a strict vegan diet, they do not eat honey. If you are hosting a dinner party it will be important to check with your vegan attendees as to what type of vegan meals they prefer. Substituting sugar with honey will not be appropriate for a strict low fat vegan diet. However, there are other foods that will provide the sweetness and texture required for recipes.