Get the plant-based facts!
Vegan ‘Fake News’
There are a LOT of untruths and exaggerations around veganism. If going vegan is something you’re considering, we want you to be armed with the facts to help you make up your mind if the vegan lifestyle is right for you. Check out these 5 common myths:
- MYTH – BEING VEGAN IS EXPENSIVE
Not always, no. The prepacked meals and foods can be slightly more expensive than their meaty counterparts, but fresh fruits, veg, grains and pulses are affordable and filling.
- MYTH – IT’S TRICKY TO EAT OUT WHEN YOU’RE VEGAN
Eating out can require a little more thought and preparation (for example, finding a restaurant with vegan options or calling ahead to ask what vegan meals are on the menu), however, veganism has enjoyed a massive rise in popularity over the past few years. More and more restaurants offer vegan choices on their menus. A top tip is to check the menu online before you go to take the stress out of eating out.
- MYTH – A PLANT-BASED DIET DOESN’T GIVE YOU ENOUGH PROTEIN
Not so. It’s not just meat we get our protein from; we also get it from foods such as lentils, beans, green peas, broccoli, spinach, quinoa, soy milk, wild rice, nuts, nut butter and oats. By following a well-planned, balanced diet, vegans can get all the protein they need from plant-based products.
- MYTH – GOING VEGAN HELPS YOU LOSE WEIGHT
Not necessarily. As with any diet, it’s all about the calories you consume and the calories you burn. You can just as easily eat more than your daily recommended intake of calories of vegan food than you can on a non-vegan diet. It can, however, make you more focused and aware of what you’re putting in your body, as well as increase your intake of fruit and vegetables, so some people do make improvements to their weight.
- MYTH – YOU NEED DAIRY FOR STRONG BONES
This is a common misconception, probably because we’ve been encouraged to “drink our milk up to make sure we grow big and strong” since we were little kids. It’s the calcium found in dairy products that’s needed for strong bones. Vegan foods which are high in calcium include chia seeds, soy milk, almonds, white beans, seaweed, spinach, kale and raw figs.
Is Going Vegan Right For Me?
As with any dietary choice, it’s important to consider your own body’s nutritional requirements before making any significant changes. Some people find eating vegan meals 2-3 times a week fits better with their lifestyle and nutritional needs while others may have health conditions or dietary restrictions that make a vegan diet more challenging. Discover what works for you – have a chat with your doctor or a nutritionist to get more advice.
