Three Things To Consider Before Going Vegan

Would you give up cheese and pizza for good if it meant you’d have a better chance offeeling fabulous, getting healthy, and maybe even dropping a few kilos? Well, veganism – a diet that excludes all animal products – has earned much praise in recent years for its health and weight loss benefits.

One recent study found that vegan diet generally contain less cholesterol and more magnesium, folic acid, dietary fibre and antioxidants than non-vegan eating plans.

In this study, vegans were also more likely to have healthier blood pressure levels and a lower risk of developing heart disease. Apart from the whole no pizza thing, it sounds pretty tempting, doesn’t it?

But while these benefits of veganism are appealing, quitting omelettes and burgers is no easy task (just ask me – I’ve tried it). It’s not a decision you should take lightly, either.

If you’re thinking of making the switch, here are some things you should consider before going the whole (faux) hog. Oh, and I’ve included some great recommendations for less intense plans to try as a result of my failed attempt at going vegan!

Three things to think about before going vegan

#1: Do you mind taking vitamin supplements?
While meatless meals are often vitamin-rich, they won’t provide you with all the vitamins you need. So, yes, vegans may sometimes be at risk for some deficiencies. In particular, vegans need to take a B12 supplement.

That’s because this nutrient is mainly found in animal products. Vegans also need to take special care to monitor their intake of calcium, iron, zinc, vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids, and supplement as needed.

If you don’t like swallowing pills, you might be better-suited to vegetarianism, which boasts some of the benefits of veganism but ups vitamin B12 consumption by allowing foods like dairy and eggs.

You can also aim for pesco-vegetarian, which is a vegetarian or vegan diet that includes fish. Fish is packed full of iron, zinc, vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids as well as other vitamins and minerals.

So if you don’t like taking vitamins and you’re flexible, try this kind of eating plan instead of going vegan, and you won’t have to stress about your nutrient intake.

Vegan Chilli

#2: Do you enjoy planning meals?
Organisation and planning is a vegan’s best friend. In actual fact, if you plan carefully enough, your vegan diet can meet all your nutrient needs.

But do you mind meal planning? Is it something you enjoy? Just because you’re eating a plant-based diet doesn’t automatically make it a super-healthy one. It’s possible to eat a vegan diet that’s full of processed, high-sodium and high-sugar foods. Like frozen meals and sweets, for example.

Therefore, as a vegan, you need to make a conscious effort to eat the right quantity and combinations of food to get the nutrients you need to stay healthy.

This means advance meal planning and being aware of the nutrients you are and aren’t consuming on any given day. Vegans also need to put some extra thought into eating out at restaurants.

If you’re not a planner, there’s no shame at all in declaring yourself a part-time vegan, and sticking to the animal-free lifestyle for just a few days a week. Who knows, you might even enjoy it enough to commit for good!

#3: Do you work out a lot?
Protein fiends might be hesitant to go vegan, in the fear that it’ll interfere with their performance in the gym. After all, protein is what helps your body recover and build muscle, so it does make sense. It’s entirely possible to be vegan and compete in anything from 10 km marathons to crossfit, though.

First things first: Vegans can consume protein from a lot of plant-based options, including peas, lentils, beans, nuts, quinoa and tofu. These are all super-healthy and very high in protein.

However, if you’re an athlete, I recommend you consult a registered dietician to help you create customised vegan meal plans to ensure your protein intake is sufficient for working out at the level that you do.

Still worried about your gains or crushing that next marathon? Then you might want to try a pegan diet, which is a cross between the protein-packed Paleo lifestyle and veganism.

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