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7 Things You Should Know About Going Vegan

As a society, we consume far too much meat, and it is no secret that cutting down our meat consumption would not only have a positive effect on the wallet but also reduce our carbon footprint (and thus benefit the environment). We can agree that meat consumption should be limited, but there are some people who feel it should be eliminated entirely and adopt an animal-product-free life of veganism instead—a vegan doesn’t eat any animal byproducts, so not only meat but also eggs and dairy.

The term “vegan” has become a bit trendy in recent years, and there are several people who adopt this lifestyle purely because they like the image that’s associated with it, but what about those of us who are actually serious about making a difference in our lives, what should we know before becoming a vegan?

Don’t go vegan on the spur of the moment.

This is going to be a big change to your diet, and it’s important to do your research so that you’re eating foods that supply you with all the vitamins your body needs. It may be a better plan to start as a vegetarian and then gradually reduce the animal products in your diet. Making small changes in your diet will help you to adapt to this new lifestyle much easier.

You may need supplements.

This point is closely linked to the first one, but if your diet is not varied enough you may need to take Iron and vitamin B12 supplements. Not all vegans need supplements, but then again, as Her Campus notes, everyone’s body reacts differently to changes in their diet, and it may be helpful to consult a nutritionist before deciding to go vegan.

Don’t make this change for weight loss.

Don’t be confused by thinking that a vegan lifestyle automatically means you’re going to lose weight.

Don’t forget the importance of protein.

It’s important to find new sources of protein. According to Health, if you’re following an animal-free diet, then the best sources of vegetarian protein include beans, lentils, natural soy, and quinoa. It’s also important to remember to eat healthily, and not be tempted to eat junk or prepackaged foods because they will be high in calories but low in nutritional value.

Go easy on the soy products.

There is a debate about soy and its health benefits, but the general consensus seems to be that it’s important not to overeat soy products. According to Health, meat substitutes could be filled with sodium and preservatives, and nutritionist Christian Henderson told the publication, "Consuming too much soy-based vegan 'meat' is arguably worse (than) consuming high-quality animal products.”

Don’t do it just because you think it’s “cool."

Becoming a vegan should not be based on the latest trend, this is a serious commitment and one that takes dedication. According to Her Campus, they chatted to a former vegan, Kate Axelsson, who noted that this decision “requires dedication." She added, “so [you] must be willing to put the time into planning and knowing what’s best for the body.”

She also notes something that we have seen more often in recent times: how people just want to be able to use the term “vegan.” She told the publication she maintained her diet just because she liked to say she was vegan.

You may be happier.

Perhaps one of the most convincing reasons to become a vegan is that according to Health, a 2012 Nutrition Study found that omnivorous diets contain higher levels of arachidonic acid, which can cause neurological changes that negatively affect your mood.


[Image via Shutterstock]

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